Calling all students

Forum for Young Canadians, an organization which brings students from all parts of Canada to Ottawa each year to develop their leadership and citizenship skills and to discover how government works, is looking for youth to represent your community at its 2008 programs.

Students selected for the Forum program take part in a number of exciting activities in the Nation's Capital, including actually sitting in the Commons and Senate chambers, talking to parliamentarians and senior public servants, and visiting the Supreme Court of Canada. They will also participate in a mock Cabinet discussion of immigration policy, and take part in a staged First Ministers' Conference. In addition to enhanced leadership skills, students take home an unparalleled insight into the workings of Canadian government, an understanding of the diverse viewpoints of fellow Canadians, a broader understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship, and incredible friendships that last a lifetime.

"I came to Forum as a student in 1992, an eager 16 year-old from a small town in Ontario looking to find out how I could make a difference and have a say in what the government was doing in Canada," says Executive Director, Dawn Pickering. "What I gained was an incredible insight into my country and fellow Canadians, a sense of empowerment to make a difference starting in my own community, and a wonderful and lasting network of friends across Canada." She also laughingly noted, "It doesn't look bad on a resumé or a college or university application either, and I probably wouldn't be here as Executive Director today without the experience!"

A student from one of our sessions in 2007 wrote this of their experience on the program evaluation, "I loved my experience at Forum--it is simply indescribable! I made great friends, learnt a lot, and changed my views of government completely! I am now trying to encourage younger students at my school to apply for next year because I truly believe it was one of the best experiences of my life!!" Another wrote, "Thank you so much for allowing me to come to Ottawa. That week was one of the most interesting and inspiring weeks of my life!"

To apply youth must be responsible students between the ages of 14 and 19, based on sound academic performance, social and leadership skills, extra-curricular activities and have an interest in current national and community affairs. Parental permission and a recommendation from the student's school are also required. Students rely on donations from local organizations (all donations over $10 are issued tax receipts) to assist in paying their fees which cover program costs, room and board. Travel costs are covered by Exchanges Canada, a youth exchange program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Bursaries are available to students to help offset the program fees. To apply, students should visit our web site at: www.forum.ca or call us for more information at 613-233-4086.

The Foundation for the Study of Processes of Government in Canada is a not-for-profit organization that delivers national and international youth leadership programs that promote understanding of the roles and functions of Canada's federal government and the meaning of Canadian citizenship. To-date the Foundation has brought more than 16,000 of Canada's youth to the nation's capital to encourage dialogue and understanding among young Canadians from across the country. The Foundation's current programs include including the Forum for Young Canadians, the Canada-U.S. Youth Forum and the Forum Teachers' Conference.