OneChild Network

Empowering Youth to Lead the Fight Against Online Child Exploitation At OneChild, we are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with TELUS WISE, one of Canada’s leading digital literacy programs, to take bold steps in the fight against the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC), especially in the ever-evolving digital space. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to raise awareness, protect children, and empower youth to drive positive change. Over the summer, our Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) alumni and summer interns worked closely with TELUS WISE to co-design valuable new resources aimed at promoting online safety. We are incredibly proud to have youth leaders like Ohanna and Darius, with guidance from our Youth Coordinators Ida and Chamel, contribute to TELUS WISE’s resource hub. The first of these resources is now live and can be accessed through TELUS WISE’s online safety page, providing a wealth of knowledge to ensure that young people and families stay informed and protected online. TELUS WISE offers a free and comprehensive digital literacy program that includes workshops and educational tools to promote positive and safe online experiences for people of all ages. This collaboration has been a rewarding experience for our team, particularly for our youth activists, who had the chance to lend their voices and creativity to a project that truly makes a difference. This partnership is more than just a resource-building exercise; it reflects OneChild’s commitment to youth-led initiatives and our belief in the power of co-design. By involving our YAS alumni in meaningful collaborations like this, we ensure that youth voices are at the forefront of the fight against child sexual exploitation. These young leaders bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of the issues that affect their generation. At OneChild, we are always open to new opportunities for collaboration that allow for co-design and meaningful youth participation. Together, we can continue to develop impactful solutions that safeguard children and create a safer, more empowered online environment for every child. We’re excited for what’s to come in this partnership and the additional resources we’ll be creating alongside TELUS WISE to further our shared mission. Thank you to TELUS WISE for making this incredible opportunity possible! 🔗 Learn more and check out the first resource now available on the TELUS WISE online safety page or visit the links below. 1️⃣ Sextortion: Protecting yourself in the digital age https://t.ly/eTBiZ 2️⃣ Online grooming: Identify the signs and protect yourself https://t.ly/NeX1z #OneChild #TELUSWISE #DigitalSafety #YouthLeadership #Collaboration #StopSEC #YouthActivism #OnlineSafety #CoDesignWithYouth #ChildProtection #YouthAdvisorySquad #EndChildExploitation #PreventionEducation TELUS | TELUS Digital | Cheryl Perera, O. Ont, LL.D (honoris causa) | Ida Alimoradi | Chamuel Araya

Welcome to the team, Deepika! We’re thrilled to have you join our Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) family! YAS is a highly competitive program where passionate young leaders come together to make a real impact in the fight to end Child Sexual Exploitation. You’ll have the chance to learn, grow, and collaborate alongside some of the most inspiring child and youth advocates. Here’s to an exciting new chapter ahead!

At OneChild, we’re incredibly fortunate to have Cheryl as our leader, mentor, and strongest ally. She passionately advocates for youth involvement in the fight to end Child Sexual Exploitation and champions youth-led design every step of the way.

Our Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) Alum Joanna's inspiring journey.

What if young people had the knowledge, tools, training, funding, and mentorship to become powerful advocates, spreading critical awarenesses and impacting policies in the fight against the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC)? At OneChild, we believe in this vision and are dedicated to making it a reality through our Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) program. Here’s what a youth you know could gain by joining YAS for the 2024-2025 cohort: -Learn from experts including survivor leaders, parents of victims, policymakers, law enforcement, and frontline workers and contribute to critical discussions on the sexual exploitation of children and other related youth issues. - Develop Public Speaking, Advocacy, and Leadership Skills with expert mentorship. - The opportunity to design and lead their own community project to raise awareness, advocate, or support survivors. -The chance to be meaningfully engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of OneChild’s programs, resources, events, and campaigns -Opportunities to influence corporate as well as provincial, national and multilateral policies and programs - Earn a $500 Scholarship upon completion of the program - Receive a Personalized Reference Letter to support applications for scholarships, awards, internships and job opportunities -Gain Certification of Involvement that recognizes their contributions to youth empowerment and civic duty. -Gain access to paid internships with OneChild and network with professionals in the field This upcoming cohort is especially exciting as we are expanding our call for YAS to include youth not just from Ontario, but also from our pilot provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. This expansion offers a wonderful opportunity for youth across Canada to join and benefit from the program. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this exciting opportunity as applications close TODAY! Hear firsthand from a recent YAS graduate, now a OneChild Summer Intern, about her transformative experience with YAS. If you’re interested in supporting the YAS program or learning more, please connect with us at info@onechild.ca. To apply or to share this opportunity with a young person in your life, click on the link below (Applications close August 15, 2024): https://lnkd.in/erHmaYPP Thank you for considering support for a program that empowers the next generation of leaders and advocates. #JoinYAS #OneChildNetwork #YAS #YouthAdvisorySquad #Scholarship #EndChildExploitation #YouthAdvocates #PreventionEducation

At OneChild, it is peer-on-peer education. Our Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) graduates of this summer now have the opportunity to educate their peers and spread awareness about the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC). They know the power they hold as YOUTH and want to empower their peers by sharing tips, tools, and ways to fight SEC and help bring an end to child sexual exploitation. Today's Fact Friday is all about Protecting Our Children: Understanding Article 34 of the UN CRC 🌍 What is Article 34? Article 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) mandates that children be protected from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes: - Preventing the inducement or coercion of children into any unlawful sexual activity. - Preventing the exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices. - Preventing the exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials. How Do Countries Uphold This? Countries that have ratified the CRC, known as States Parties, commit to taking all appropriate measures to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes: 1. Legislation: Enacting laws that criminalize all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse of children. 2. Prevention: Implementing programs and policies to educate children, parents, and communities about the risks and signs of sexual exploitation. 3. Protection: Establishing services to support and protect children who have been victims of sexual exploitation, including legal, psychological, and social assistance. 4. International Cooperation: Working with other countries and international organizations to combat cross-border sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Nearly every country in the world has ratified the CRC, making a global commitment to safeguard children’s rights and well-being. While implementation varies, the collective goal remains the same: to ensure every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. Together, with the power of YOUth, we can make a difference. Let's protect our children's futures. 💙 To learn more about YAS and how you can refer a youth, please visit https://lnkd.in/gFJyjtEH *Note! Referrals are not required to apply for YAS* Application are NOW OPEN to YOUth from Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia. Applications close Aug 15, 2024. Link to YAS applications for 2024 -2025 cohort: https://lnkd.in/erHmaYPP #ChildRights #UNCRC #Article34 #ProtectOurChildren #EndChildExploitation #GlobalCommitment

We couldn't let this day end without showing a huge thank you to youth Eleyna for her amazing support and advocacy on World Day Against Trafficking! 🙌💜 #DrawForAwareness 🎨 Your video is a powerful testament to the importance of raising awareness and supporting OneChild's mission. We’re truly grateful for your help in spreading the word about this Child Sexual Exploitation(SEC). Together, we can make a difference! 🌍✨ #YOUthMakeADifference #SpreadTheWord We love to see more YOUth Making A Difference! Please show support at https://lnkd.in/gdpGh9_f #WorldDayAgainstTrafficking #Advocacy #OneChild #ThankYou #YouthInAction #Advocacy #WorldDayAgainstaTraffickingInPersons

Exciting Opportunity for Youth Empowerment – Share the News! We are thrilled to announce that applications for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) program are now open! This upcoming cohort is especially exciting as we are expanding our call for YAS to include youth not just from Ontario, but also from our pilot provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. This expansion offers a wonderful opportunity for youth across Canada to join and benefit from the program. We invite our partners, parents, educators, and community leaders to share this opportunity with a youth. What is the YAS Program? The Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) is an amazing leadership and empowerment program for youth. It’s a 10-month scholarship program where participants develop leadership, advocacy, and public speaking skills while fighting against the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC). It’s perfect for anyone aged 14-17 who wants to make a difference and get a head start on a future career in fields like public speaking, social work, education, public policy, law, nonprofit work, and many more. How Does it Work? - Interested Youth can apply for FREE to the YAS program - Applicants will be invited to a brief interview with our Youth Coordinators to learn more about the program and how it can benefit them - Applicants selected to join the YAS program will then receive their welcome package including a calendar of exciting opportunities to learn from experts and guest speakers - The YAS program will then commence from September 2024 to June 2025 with biweekly virtual sessions on Saturday mornings, led by our awesome Youth Coordinators What's Included in the YAS Experience for Youth? - Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from experts in SEC advocacy, including survivors, parents of victims, reformed traffickers, policymakers, lawyers, trauma professionals, social media influencers, and PR specialists. - Capstone Project: Design and implement your own project to raise awareness, advocate, or fundraise in your school or community. - Youth Advisory Role: Advise OneChild on youth engagement strategies and work with organizations like the United Nations and Meta to help develop child-safe policies and programs. What Youth Will Learn so they can be agents of change in their community: - Safeguarding Child Rights - Anti-Oppression - Grooming and Sex Trafficking - Impact of sex trafficking on Indigenous girls - Sextortion and tech-facilitated sexual crimes - Promoting healthy relationships and boundary-setting - Impact of SEC on boys and promoting healthy masculinities - Lobbying and campaigning - Using Mass Media - Public Speaking and Facilitation - And so much more! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at youth@onechild.ca, DM us on Instagram @onechildnetwork, or call 905-886-2222. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference and help a youth grow as a leader! Thank you once again for your continued support.

YAS Self-Care Day Reflection: Art, Laughter, and Community! 🎨😄 July 24th had us reflecting on our very own Wellness Day. The OneChild Team, along with YAS graduates and alumni, gathered at the end of the school year for an art therapy session filled with good laughs and great company. It was a perfect reminder of the importance of self-care in our lives. Taking care of yourself is crucial and we work to ensure our team knows this. By prioritizing self-care, youth not only protect their mental health but also project confidence and stability, making it less likely for others to target or take advantage of them. It is just one step towards building a foundation of strength and resilience. Our day together reinforced how essential it is to invest in our well-being. We also like to think of our YAS community as a safe space bursting with inspiration and support. The bonds we form and the memories we create are what make our community so special. This day was one for the books, and we hope to have many more like it! We encourage our partners to create more safe spaces within their organizations where youth can connect and thrive. We are open to idea exchanges and collaborations to empower youth for positive change. For questions about our programs or to explore collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at info@onechild.ca or programs@onechild.ca. To support our current youth programs and initiatives please visit https://lnkd.in/geRD9Q3N #WellnessDay #SelfCare #ArtTherapy #OneChild #YASCommunity #Inspiration #Support #YouthEmpowerment

This program can be life changing for youth aged 14 -17. If a young mind comes to mind please share.