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Voices influencing Change
Voices Influencing Change is a program for people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and other forms of social exclusion. Initiated in 2017 by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC), this program provides leadership training, advocacy opportunities and peer support by exploring the life story of participants.
YAPC has supported 25 people in the Voices program with 15 graduates currently active in the work of the Coalition.
As members of YAPC, Voices participants have worked on a variety of issues and projects ranging from providing input to the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s Strategic Plan, helping to organize Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, learning and growing food through the Backyard Garden project, volunteering at Whitehorse Connects and providing input to the Putting People First review of Health and Social Services. Members of Voices Influencing Change have also provided presentations to Social Justice Clubs and high school classes upon request on issues related to racism, mental health and inclusion.
Most importantly, Voices has become a safe and supportive space and way to support resilience, equity, support, hope, loss and leadership in the community
Participants get:
- An opportunity to explore, understand and share their life story
- Training to help & encourage others
- A strong bond with fellow participants who have similar experiences
- A community of support through YAPC
- Various and ongoing opportunities to influence policy and program change
Participants give:
- A passion for healthy & safe communities
- A desire to advocate for change by speaking and writing openly about their lived experience
Check back for information on the next intake for Voices Influencing Change.