YIP’s Spring C.A.N. Conference

The Durham Regional Police Service’s (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) team wrapped up the Winter session with their 9th semi-annual C.A.N. (Community Advocacy and Networking) Conference on Saturday, March 22, 2024. The C.A.N. Conference aims to provide the soon-to-be YIP graduates with valuable skills and opportunities for employment. This year’s theme was Networking, focusing on how youth can engage with the people they connect with daily.  A special thank you to the Durham District School Board for providing the perfect location, allowing participants to gather and engage in meaningful activities, contributing to the success of our event.

The C.A.N. Conference was led by YIP Team “Durham Youth Ambassadors,” who prepared workshops and activities to encourage their peers to identify their strengths and use them effectively. Participants were tasked with finding innovative ways to contribute to the community while also developing their public speaking skills through mock interviews. 

In the morning, speakers from the Humane Society of Durham Region, Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care Facility, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Durham Regional Police Service’s Tactical Support Unit led hands-on workshops. Morning activities included the construction of 20 cat shelters, which were distributed to the community in collaboration with the Humane Society of Durham Region, the creation of 20 “You are not alone” videos for residents at Hillside Terraces, and practical simulations conducted by both the CBSA and DRPS. 

The afternoon segment of the conference was open to the public and we were joined by over 210 youth from across Durham Region. There were 47 community booths that offered networking, volunteer, employment, and professional development opportunities.

A big thank you to all participants and community organizations for supporting this event. YIP is dedicated to fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for youth across the Durham Region.

Looking to get involved with YIP? We are currently accepting applications until April 2nd @ 4:00 p.m.

For more information and to apply visit: www.drps.ca/yip.