“We need to educate the future, which are the young people, so they can make conscious informed decisions when dealing with conflict resolution and peace-building,” he says.

Paul is one of five teenaged members of the Peaceful Communities Youth Steering Group. Their goal is “to promote peace, security, stability and understanding amongst the young people of Peterborough,” he explains. “We felt the education of of adolescents and young people would be the most effective audience because we are able to mold them and leave certain impressions.”

The steering group evolved out of the City of Peterborough’s Youth Council, a 10-member team that serves as a voice for local young people. Ellen Stewart, a City employee and advisor to the council, explains that the council was inspired to form the steering group after seeing a presentation about Peaceful Communities in September.

It is a natural fit, she says. “The council decided it would support Peaceful Communities – they felt it would be a useful and worthwhile project that would benefit youth,” Ellen says.

Paul agrees wholeheartedly. “If this project is to be successful, it needs to be relevant to the target audience (youth), so utilizing a youth steering group provides legitimacy and direction. Involvement is the key and needs to be emphasized. Young people need to have a voice and become involved.”

Along with Peaceful Communities project facilitator Leni Rautiainen, the steering group meets once or twice a month to discuss strategies. Currently, they are creating a multi-media presentation they can bring in to schools, youth centres and other venues. It will act as an educational tool that will “inform, entertain and spread our message in the community,” Paul explains.

On a personal level, Paul feels strongly about the powerful potential that youth has to make a positive difference in the community – if they engage themselves. He hopes other young people will step forward and take action.

“I think it is important for young people to become involved in these types of projects because we need to have input (and) bring our unique perspectives to the table for discussion. I feel that as a concerned citizen in my community, it is the responsible thing to do to become involved,” notes Paul.

Any young people interested in joining the Peaceful Communities Youth Steering Group can call Leni at (705) 761-5915.

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