User:YCCSumm/TYPS

TYPS: Town Youth Participation Strategies

Town Youth Participation Strategies (TYPS) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization based out of Merrickville, Ontario, which is committed to providing the resources and support needed by youth centres, youth groups, and youth initiatives across the country. TYPS works with youth centres to allow youth to be engaged in the community, have alternative ways to spend their time, work with adults in planning and delivery of programs, and learn new things from each other. TYPS organizes workshops and programs to encourage youth participation and provide training. The youth which are typically in rural areas, towns and small cities in Canada, become more involved in their community, and learn how to make meaningful decisions in their lives. TYPS helps support youth who want to reduce behaviour that puts themselves at risk, and to achieve their full potential.

The biggest event hosted by TYPS is the TYPS Annual Youth Conference, which is worked towards by staff throughout much of the year. The conference is host to over 300 people from across the country, and brings youth together as facilitators to improve leadership and social skills. Together they participate in workshops to help build self-esteem and encourage skill development. Individuals and organizations can get a TYPS membership, which involves supporting the youth centres, includes special rates for TYPS Annual Youth Conference and workshops, and gives access to special projects, newsletters, and a network of youth initiatives. Membership forms are available online at http://www.typs.com. Members must agree to work towards fulfilling the TYPS mandate and principles. The website is host to information, resources and data that link youth and youth centres in hundreds of communities across the country.