A Look Back At 1991 - 1992...
September 1, 2009
In 1991, the NYICN was led by a co-directorship of a National Development Officer (a youth from care under age 24), and one adult support staff. Although the Network had seen major accomplishments since it began in 1985, it was suddenly faced with unexpected challenges. Due to lack of funding, staff had no choice but to pack up the office and run the Network from home. Despite this setback, the team was not discouraged. Instead they turned their energy to writing grant proposals and the development of new resources that would keep the organization running smoothly.
As a key function of the NYICN was to support the development of youth-led networks, they decided to create a practical training tool that could be used by their own staff and board members, as well as local groups in each province and territory. Funding was received for this project and in 1992 'The Local Development Manual' was launched.
Also in 1992, the Network received a 'designated grant' from Health and Welfare Canada towards the development and training of a formal Adult Advisory Committee. This committee provided expertise and mentorship to the board (all youth ages 18 - 24) in a non-voting capacity. To quote one former board member,
The Advisory Committee wasn't formal in the beginning. It was adults who believed in us and our right to participate, and the need for us to participate in the decisions that had an impact on our lives...Many of us bonded in the individual relationships and the skills they taught us...They helped create the mechanism so we could have a voice. They were helping us create a structure so we could have a network...They had an amazing impact. And even when the network was formalized, the power was still in the individual relationships.
We invite you to read more in future E-Networker issues. Looking back reminds us how we became a strong, member-driven organization that continues to honour the efforts and triumphs made by those before us.
