We are thrilled to announce ASI 2021’s Keynote Presentation: A Conversation with Paul Born. Paul Born is a global leader and an award-winning author on issues of community. His knowledge about Collective Impact and Community Engagement is extensive. Paul grew up as the son of refugees that worked together to survive and then thrive. This experience is what made him deeply curious about and engaged in ideas that cause people to work together for the common good.
The Youth Leadership Program is a priority of the Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe
Communities (ASI). Each year it is strengthened by lessons learned from previous ASI programs and
provides an opportunity for young people to attend and have a voice in shaping the future agenda for
children and youth in Atlantic Canada.
ASI has learned from previous events how important it is to foster intergenerational learning. There is
time for youth to participate in the full ASI program through presentations and roundtable discussions,
as well as convene separately to develop long lasting connections. The program is planned with youth
leaders who attended past ASI events and professionals who work in organizations serving youth.
At summer events, ASI supports at least 25 youth (representing each Atlantic province) to participate
in the Youth Leadership Program. Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who are affiliated with
a community group and have experience/interest in being an advocate or leader are encouraged to
apply.
The ASI 2021 Forum will be held online from August 23-25 in Charlottetown, PEI, streaming from the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Materials in French and simultaneous interpretation will be available for many presentations. A Youth Leadership Program will also be offered. Be part of a movement that brings together people who are capable of influencing and implementing changes at the policy and community levels! ASI 2021 aims to increase understanding of the importance of infant, child and youth mental health for the whole of society, and foster policy actions to influence upstream investment in support of mental health.
As the world has adapted to the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, we have witnessed a heightened human need to reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and our physical and natural environments. The ripple effects of COVID-19 have amplified the social and structural inequities that pre-existed the pandemic, resulting in a dramatic impact on mental and physical health at a societal level. A sense of disconnect spans intergenerational, social, environmental, financial, and political contexts, where the resulting social and physical isolation are taking a significant toll on mental health.
This disconnect also exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and ways of knowing and between relative levels of wealth and privilege across society. The importance of relationships, and community in building resilience to support positive health and wellness outcomes for society has never been clearer – community and connection matter! Personal, community, and societal resilience is essential to support the mental health of children and youth and achieve ‘the great reconnect’ in a post-COVID world. Importantly, Resilience isn’t just about “the capacity to absorb shocks and still maintain function” – it is also about “the capacity for renewal, re-organization and development” (Folke, 2006).
Develop knowledge and skills for building resilience in ourselves, our communities, society
Share ideas and engage in dialogue, building on evidence and best practice
Collaborate and have fun with diverse participants
Learn from youth advocates passionate about mental health promotion
Expand your networks in Atlantic Canada and beyond