The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon, is calling on youth from across the Southern Interior and Kootenay regions of B.C., between the ages of 19 and 25, to apply to attend a Youth Forum taking place in Vancouver on May 11, 2013.
The forum – designed by youth, for youth – will provide a venue for youth to share their ideas on health and cancer prevention as well as provide suggestions on what changes they would like to see.
Canadian Cancer Society youth leadership volunteers Taylor Smith of Merritt and Jenny Byford of Cranbrook joined an advisory group to assist in planning this first-ever youth forum. According to Smith, “My volunteer work with the Society’s Tanning is Out initiative demonstrated to me that it’s possible for young people my age to take action and truly make an impact when it comes to reducing the risk of cancer. This year, the Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary and this forum provides us with an opportunity to engage future leaders of change who can help us set the stage for the next 75 years of cancer prevention.”
The forum will also provide an opportunity for youth to learn about cancer prevention and build skills to use within their communities to take action on relevant health and cancer prevention issues, becoming part of a larger movement fighting for a world where no Canadian fears cancer.
Jenny Byford of Cranbrook adds, “We know that about half of all cancers can be prevented and youth are a vital part of stopping cancer before it starts. This is a chance for youth from across our province to take part in continuing a 75-year legacy of cancer prevention. I encourage youth from across the Kootenay and the Interior regions to join us and apply.”
The forum will take place at the Simon Fraser University, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver. Youth who are residents of B.C., active or involved in their community, and interested in developing leadership skills are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants must also be committed to contributing to action in their home communities after the youth forum concludes.
Travel expenses will be covered.
Youth have until March 15, 2013, to submit applications. Applications are available through cancergameplan.ca. Successful applicants will be notified by April 1, 2013.
For 75 years, the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333 (TTY: 1 866 786-3934).