Nelson Youth Action Network
A BIT ABOUT THE NELSON YOUTH ACTION NETWORK:
The Nelson Youth Action Network is a project of the City of Nelson funded by the Columbia Basin Trust. Our goal is to work collaboratively and actively to build community capacity to increase the quality and quantity of youth directed programming; provide youth with programming that is safe, engaging, and relevant to their interests and goals and strengthen the community cohesion of youth in Nelson and area.
Going into it’s fifth year, NYAN has provided many programs and events including arts programming, leadership opportunities, cooking lessons, drop-ins, and annual Youth Week events celebrating the diverse and talented youth of Nelson and area. The key to success has been the connections and partnerships built with organizations that support our youth.
CURRENT PROGRAMS:
North Shore Youth Meet-Ups: Monthly events that rotate between Procter, Harrop and Balfour. Youth decide on the events and we make it happen! Past events have included archery tag, craft making, open gym nights, baking and cooking lessons, and board games nights. If you are a youth that lives in the area and have an idea, let us know!
Under the Umbrella: A weekly group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, asexual, queer, or questioning youth and their allies. Connect with other youth, make crafts, plan activities, learn and have fun! Past events have included skating, dance parties, crafts, silk screening, picnics, movies and many more fun things!
Youth Arts Action Committee (YAAC): Your committee, your events!
In collaboration with the Nelson & District Arts Council and Oxygen Arts Centre, youth who love art come together to decide on what arts programming they want to make happen. It is an opportunity for youth to build their leadership and arts-based skills as well as become an active member in Nelson's amazing arts scene. Past projects have included the Youth Heritage mural housed in the multipurpose room at L.V. Rogers and Nelson International Mural Festival mural on the front of the NDYC. If you are a youth that wants to get involved, contact us as we will be starting a new mural in June!
Youth Improv Nights: Monthly youth-led improv nights where youth teach other youth improv and theatre sport games. Learn how to create a scene, act spontaneously and laugh a lot! No experience required.
Youth Week Celebrations: The first week of May every year is BC Youth Week celebration, which aims to recognize the positive and diverse ways in which youth contribute to our community and to celebrate the valuable work they do all year round. For the last three years NYAN has organized youth driven events to celebration the youth of Nelson and area. We are always looking for help in planning these events, so contact us if interested.
PAST PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
Express Yourself: In collaboration with Shaw TV West Kootenay, NYAN has created this TV show where youth interview youth about what they are passionate about and this passion has positively affected their life. Past episodes can be found HERE.
Survival Skills: In partnership with the Four Nations Coalition of Indigenous Medicine, NYAN facilitated a full day youth survival skills workshop where they learned about fire starting and shelter building through an indigenous lens.
Youth Certifications: Because of the huge amount of youth interest in career development, NYAN organized a subsidized Food Safe and Standard First Aid course. These certifications are good additions to resumes and will hopefully help these youth gain meaningful employment.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Are you between the ages of 12 and 18? Then NYAN is for you!
- Attend FREE programs and events
- Volunteer in your community
- Practice your leadership by joining the NYAN Oversight Committee or the Youth Advisory Team
- Join the Youth Arts Action Committee
- Get support creating your own project
NYAN is also always looking for passionate community members who are interested in volunteering with the different programs.
Contact us to get started!
CONTACT :
Email: smiles@nelson.ca Phone: 250 352 8121 Cell: 250 551 8121
Office: 608 Lake St. Nelson BC, V1L 4C8 (Upstairs in the Nelson & District Youth Centre) Office hours are currently Tuesday to Thursday.
Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for dates and up to date event information. You can find us at @nelsonyouth.