News

CLOSED - Apply to Join the Guiding Council!

29 May 2024

Building Safer Communities (BSC) project is looking for passionate community members and organizations to join the Guiding Council to improve crisis response in Waterloo Region.

The BSC project aims to reduce involvement in the legal system and improve the safety and wellbeing of African, Caribbean and Black-identifying, First Nations, Inuit and Métis (Indigenous), and racialized youth. The BSC project seeks to develop a non-police alternative mental health and addiction crisis response framework that is youth focused.

The Guiding Council will lead the strategic development and community engagement process for a crisis response framework. For more information on the application process read the Application Overview.

To join the Guiding Council, apply here by June 26 at noon.


About the Guiding Council

Time commitment:

  • July 2024 to March 2026
  • Maximum 6 hours of meetings per month (may vary during orientation stage)


We are looking for:

  • African, Caribbean and Black-identifying and Indigenous
    • community leaders,
    • youth leaders,
    • persons with lived experience, and
  • Mental health and addictions professionals.
  • Systems members on the Guiding Council will include representatives from the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services, Waterloo Region Police Services, and additional health system organizations.


Honorarium:

  • An honorarium will be available for individuals who are not being compensated by an employer to engage in the Council.


Interested individuals are invited to apply online by filling out an application form. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, June 20 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Membership decisions will be made by a selection committee comprised of youth and community members. Guiding Council meetings will begin in July 2024.


Optional virtual Information sessions about the Guiding Council and the application process will be offered at the following dates:

  • Session 1: Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 – 7:30 pm (sign up here) OR
  • Session 2: Tuesday, June 18, 2:00 – 3:00 pm (sign up here)


Apply now to join the Guiding Council!