All they want is a chance — how many times have you heard that from the youth and young adults of Newfoundland and Labrador as they try to find a way and a means of earning a living in a tough economic climate?
Through its more than 20-year history, Choices for Youth has served thousands of youth since opening its doors in 1990. It continues striving to reach those it isn’t reaching, and serve those it works with more effectively, in concert with the support systems available across Newfoundland and Labrador.
This history has given the public examples of what’s possible when programming works, but also reveals the gaps in the support systems.
In order to enhance those services and to help with economic and social objectives, Choices for Youth hosted a Social Buying Symposium at the Alt Hotel in downtown St. John’s on Friday. About 100 people attended the event.
“We want to get it on the radar how to make use of the best resources that you have,” Sheldon Pollett, executive director of Choices for Use, said Friday afternoon.
“As an example, if government spends money to renovate Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units, why can’t we employ people who need an education, an opportunity, so we get the maximum benefit? You get the house renovated and in turn it helps lift people out of poverty.”
He said it is all about connecting the dots so everyone gets the maximum benefit out of every dollar available.
“If you buy a scone at Stella’s Circle, it may seem like it is only a scone, and you eat it. What you may not realize is purchasing that scone could be buying an opportunity for that person you got it from to get training and skills that will help them navigate the system,” said Chelsea MacNeil, the director of social enterprise for Choices for Youth.
“Our hope is this will flip on a switch or start a conversation somewhere so we can talk with partners in order to leverage what we spend for social opportunities.”
MacNeil said there has to be engagement with government in order to exact the changes sought.
She said jurisdictions such as Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia have solid plans in place. As an example, she said, for every $1 spent in Manitoba in procuring services, they see the benefit of more than $2.30 in gains.
By hosting the Social Buying Symposium, she hopes the conversation will be started among politicians — in municipalities and at the provincial government level — to understand the benefits that could be gained for all residents in this tough economic climate.
“It has a demonstrated social impact, and if you can procure (services) on a local level, why not,” MacNeil said.
“We have to start by showing what is possible, show our best practices which shows how it can be done. It’s not impossible.”
In order to stimulate an economy, such as the one in this province, you have to show solid policies, regulations and framework so there is open market access, she said.
“We want an economy that is fair and equitable, an inclusive workplace for all and meaningful work for the marginalized,” she said.
“Hopefully, the policy makers see the opportunity to do this.”
She said partners like Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Eastern Health could benefit from the services offered by social enterprises and, in the process, save the taxpayers of this province valuable money that can be used in other areas.
