BELONGING
ENGAGING YOUTH
Explore how we actively involve youth in shaping the future of the co-operative housing movement. Together, we are building stronger communities that transcend generations. 👏
Overview
Engaging youth in the co-op housing movement builds stronger communities.
Housing co-operatives are dynamic communities. We are shaped by both tradition and the promise of the future. Youth are at the heart of this nexus—they are the co-operators of tomorrow. Here’s why youth engagement matters:
- Positive Development: 🌱
- As younger members become active participants in shaping their co-op experience they gain self-esteem and leadership, advocacy, and professional skills.
- Strength-Based Relationships: 💪
- Recognizing and building upon younger members strengths empowers youth to take on responsibilities in their co-op. This bridges generations and is mutually beneficial,
- Shared Decision-Making: 🤝
- True engagement means sharing power with youth. Mutual accountability prepares young members for meaningful roles in the co-op.
- Community Impact: 🌎
- Younger members bring passion and fresh ideas to the table. Their involvement shapes the long-term success of the co-op.
Our housing co-operatives movement thrives when we invest in the next generation. 🚀
Scholarships
We are proud to support the education dreams and ambitions of members pursuing post-secondary education through our annual scholarships.
CHF BC has awarded undergraduate or equivalent postsecondary scholarships each year since 2012. They are awarded to co-op members—particularly young members—who are making a positive contribution to their communities. As of 2023, we have awarded 24 scholarships of up to $5,000 each.
We are proud to invest in our younger members as well as members pursuing postsecondary education later in life. Supporting the educational aspirations of current and future co-op leaders helps build stronger communities.
The YES Camp
Looking for a one-of-a-kind summer camp for youth? Search no further than The YES!
The Youth Excellence Society (YES) summer camp on Vancouver Island is an incredibly valuable experience for 14-18 year olds. It’s all about building a tight-knit community, awesome friendships, and having fun while learning and growing with other youth from around the province.
Each spring, CHF BC holds a sponsorship draw for youth interested in attending The YES Camp. All 14 to 18-year-olds living in member housing co-operatives are eligible!
Stories
Housing co-ops are a great place to raise kids! Check out an example of what one coop is doing to actively engage youth in their community.
If you’ve got curious kids at your co-op who are keen to roll up their sleeves in the pursuit of a good time—and maybe learn a thing or two in the process—then look no further than Bounty Housing Co-operative’s newest committee.
Moving at a blistering pace, the kids’ social sub-committee has already been created, established voting rules, created a leadership structure, discussed budget concerns, and planned and executed their first event. No surprise that the December “random party” was a wild success, delivering lessons in democratic participation, co-operation, and even the limits of pizza and candy consumption.
Have a story about youth doing cool things in your housing co-op? Let us know at communications@chf.bc.ca or 604-879-5111 | 1-866-879-5111.