Get Involved

YOUTH VOICES SHAPE OUR FUTURE

Youth voices and action are critical to community building in Oxford County. We engage in numerous initiatives in support of youth wellbeing, including our flagship initiative called Communities Building Youth Futures.

Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) is a youth-led initiative focused on improving high school graduation rates and youth outcomes in Oxford County. Projects include:

• Youth social spaces
• Youth engagement grants
• Youth education and employment fund
• Community mental health training

As the leader of this collaborative project, Social Planning Council Oxford houses the staff and provides guidance, resources, and access to community networks.

To date, Communities Building Youth Futures has achieved several key milestones:

• Supervised training and supported youth staff.
• Established Youth Innovators, a group of 20-30 local youth from diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives from all across Oxford County. These youth leaders select priority areas and guide the creation and implementation of CBYF efforts.
• Gathered a network of Community Allies, representatives from 14 local youth-serving organizations from multiple sectors. These skilled allies support the implementation of Youth Innovators-identified priority areas and provide guidance around legislative and liability considerations.
• Established a Youth Education and Employment Fund and Youth Engagement Grants.

We are proud to contribute our expertise and allyship to this collaborative initiative. For more information, visit oxfordyouth.ca.

ACHIEVE YOUR CSR AND STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY GOALS

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and philanthropic goals are essential components to creating a healthy community. As a forward-thinking business, you have the power to make a significant impact beyond your bottom line. By partnering with us, you can contribute to community wellbeing while reaping benefits for your brand and the health of your business.

Social Impact: We are committed to creating positive change in our community in areas such as affordable housing, transportation, poverty and marginalization. By joining forces with us, your business becomes an active participant in this important work.

Brand Profile: Partnering with us provides a unique opportunity to enhance your brand’s reputation. By supporting our work, you demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, which resonates with socially conscious consumers. Your brand will be associated with positive impact, trust, and community engagement.

Employee Morale: Engaged employees are the heart of any successful organization. When your team sees your commitment to community wellbeing, they will feel proud to be part of your company. Our joint efforts will create meaningful experiences for your employees, fostering a sense of purpose and teamwork.

Additionally, our social planning expertise can help you conduct research, identify risks, measure outcomes, and facilitate CSR conversations.

Contact us today to explore how we can create positive change hand in hand. Together, we can make a lasting impact on Oxford County.

APPLY FOR OUR ANNUAL SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD

Each year, the Social Planning Council Oxford honours a local social justice trailblazer with the Social Justice Award. This award recognizes those who devote their time and energy to the pursuit of social justice in Oxford County. The award celebrates those who work for social change and provide services to marginalized members of our society.

Award Criteria:

• There is a clear impact on the community that can be attributed to the work of the individual or group.
• The work of this individual or group is either ongoing or was conducted for a considerable period of time.
• Must show a commitment to social justice in times of crises.
• Trailblazer in matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the context of organizational change, community engagement, and/or social transformation.
• Works, volunteers, and/or lives in Oxford County.

YOUR STORY MATTERS

People with lived experience play a crucial role in shaping effective social planning. Their firsthand knowledge provides valuable insights that we cannot fully understood from data or research alone.

When you share your views and suggestions based on your lived experience, we gain valuable insight into:

• the challenges you face;
• the impact of policies;
• and the gaps in existing services.

Here are some examples of how lived experience can inform policy:

• If you have transitioned from homelessness to secure, affordable housing, your experience can reveal profound insights into the impact of stable housing and the supports that help community members achieve it.
• Perhaps you are a newcomer to the community (or country) facing financial strain. Your experiences can help us advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations.

Please reach out to share your story. You can help us create a stronger community.