Young people have a unique way of expressing themselves and cutting to the chase. Child and Youth Advocate Jackie Lake Kavanagh is therefore inviting youth from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to help in an awareness campaign with her office. The “30 for 30 Campaign” will release a message a day for 30 days in November from these youth in order to raise awareness and understanding of their issues and insights.

Jackie Lake Kavanagh said, “Many of these youth are extremely marginalized, face discrimination and violence, and can find it difficult to be heard. While they have important perspectives and insights to share, they are not always in a safe space to do so.” The Child and Youth Advocate is interested in hearing the messages of these youth in order to amplify these important voices, and to  build better public understanding and change. A new message will be posted daily to the twitter account and website of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate. In this way, youth can share their messages safely. Names and home communities will not be identified.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is committed to ensuring that the rights of children and youth are respected and protected. These include the right to be heard in matters and decisions that affect them, and the right to be free from discrimination and violence. It is important to listen because young people are experts in their own lives. This is where meaningful change begins.

Youth can share their messages by emailing office@ocya.nl.ca, texting to TextUs@ocya.nl.ca, or by calling 1-877-753-3888. The deadline for messages is October 15, 2020.

The “30 for 30” campaign poster can be found attached, on the OCYA website childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca/default.htm and also on twitter @ocyanl.

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Media contact
Wilma MacInnis
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888  
wilmamacinnis@ocya.nl.ca