17th Annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum
Durham Regional Police Service’s (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) program hosted its 17th Annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum on July 24, 2024.
This year the forum highlighted Fostering Resilience and welcomed over 400 in-person participants from other YIP programs across Ontario. More than 100 youth, ranging from high school students to young professionals, participated virtually and everyone eagerly shared their stories and learned from each other’s experiences.
DRPS Deputy Chief of Police Chris Kirkpatrick kicked off the forum with a discussion about DRPS’ commitment to community policing and resilience-building strategies. The forum featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the forefront.
First up was Survivor 42 winner Maryanne Oketch, who shared how resiliency helped her face the challenges she faced while on the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji and in her life. Next was the Director of School & Community Programs for Live Different, Johnny Henderson, who emphasized the role of empathy, communication, and mutual understanding in fostering trust and resilience within neighbourhoods by “Owning your own story.” To close off the day, renowned illusionist Scott Hammell delivered his message through magic and courage, a compelling way to communicate with the attendees.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in youth-led activities and learned more about DRPS. By fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration, the forum inspires participants to become agents of positive change and strengthen the fabric of community-police partnerships.
The event also supported YIP’s fundraiser for Durham’s Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre. Attendees purchased pizza, drinks, and snacks, which raised $1370.25 that will be donated to Heath Place. You can help their team fundraiser here: https://hearthplace.org/youth-in-policing-donations/.
A huge thank you goes to the 17 DRPS members and 15 public safety partners who participated, including:
- Bellville Police Service
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Cornwall Police Service
- Gananoque Police Service
- Guelph Police Service
- Halton Regional Police Service
- Hamilton Police Service
- London Police Service
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Owen Sound Police Service
- Sarnia Police Service
- Toronto Police Service
- Treaty Three Police Service
- Waterloo Regional Police Service
- York Regional Police
A special thank you goes to the current/former members of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services who attended. We also want to recognize the YIP leaders and students who organized this event over the past two months!
Each year, the Ripple Effect Youth Forum continues to serve as a unique opportunity for youth to receive community volunteer hours on a day of exploring leadership, optimism, and empowerment. YIP is proud to host events for future leaders and ambassadors of change. The program continues to extend to more youth and people from our community!
The YIP program is hiring for the 2024/25 Winter initiative, and applications for Student positions close on August 19, 2024, @ 4:00 pm. Check out www.drps.ca/yip or contact youthinpolicing@drps.ca for more information!