Latest news with #CivicEngagement
CBC
18-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Brandon program aims to help newcomer youth see future as leaders
The new Youth Rise Leadership Program aims to help newcomers and racialized youth in Brandon, Man., step into the world of local government and imagine themselves as future leaders. Organizers hope it will empower youth through civic engagement and leadership development.
CBC
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Summer program aims to help newcomer, racialized kids in Brandon see themselves as future municipal leaders
A new program aims to help newcomers and racialized youth in Brandon, Man., step into the world of local government — and imagine themselves as future leaders. The Youth Rise Leadership Program — a civic engagement program created through a partnership with Westman Immigrant Services, the Urban Alliance on Race Relations and the City of Brandon — is the first program of its kind in Manitoba, according to Enver Naidoo, the CEO of the immigrant services organization. Its focus is empowering youth through civic engagement and leadership development, he said. Ahmed Elketeay, 15, a student at Brandon's Vincent Massey High School, says he didn't know a lot about how municipal government works before the program, but that's changed. "We've basically been learning about how to become a leader," and about entrepreneurship, he said. The skills he's learning will let him "help Brandon to become even a better place than it is," said Elketeay. He wants to become a doctor and one day wants to help build a second hospital in Brandon to ease pressure on the health-care system, he said. He believes the program is helping him develop the tools to make those goals possible. Now in its fourth week, the Youth Rise program includes skill-building sessions and mentorship from local leaders for 12 youth. Elketeay and eight other participants got a tour of one of the Brandon fire and emergency services department's halls on Wednesday from fire Chief Terry Parlow. The program is an opportunity to inspire future leaders, and maybe even future firefighter-paramedics, said Parlow. Having young people talk with department members about what they do in the city opens their eyes to the opportunities, he said. "We want them to feel like they have a place here … because they've walked through the halls," said Parlow. He also said it's important for his department to reflect the diversity of Brandon. Fostering citizenship, belonging: CEO Westman Immigrant Services CEO Naidoo says the program primarily focuses on immigrant and newcomer youth, but he hopes to expand it to include others from diverse backgrounds. "We wanted to be a bit more fluid in our description," he said. "Our focus is trying to introduce youth who may not have had experiences to civic engagement at the level that it exists here in Brandon." Immigrants make up about 18 per cent of Brandon's population. Naidoo said ensuring they know what career paths are available locally is essential for long-term retention and representation in a range of jobs. He believes the program can have a generational impact, because it will help youth understand how they can be involved in their local community for years to come. "If you don't have an understanding of how you can get involved … it's a missed opportunity for both youth and the city," Naidoo said. But it's about more than jobs, he said — it's also about fostering a deeper sense of citizenship and belonging by getting involved in their community. Whether through volunteering, a student council or voting, that level of engagement can give youth skills they can carry forward into future careers, said Naidoo. "This could support just the way we see the shaping of youth being more involved in the city of Brandon at a variety of levels," he said. The program's success will be measured by how many mentorships it builds and whether it improves retention in the community, said Naidoo. The goal is to eventually expand it to include 100 youth. Looking to the future Regina Carlos, 16, who came to Brandon from the Philippines last June, was encouraged to join the program by her mom. She now attends Crocus Plains High School in Brandon and wants to pursue a career in health care. She's said she's enjoyed the hands-on approach of the program, and the opportunity to build leadership and networking skills. "I think that in college or university, I might be able to use networking to my advantage to move up in society," Carlos said. Through the program, she's working on an advocacy project focused on mental health — a topic she says wasn't talked about enough in the Philippines. That can make people feel left out of the community, and she doesn't want that to happen to anyone. Elketeay, meanwhile, is working on a project focused on equality — something he says every community needs.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Is Georgia the most patriotic state in the country? What WalletHub says as July 4 approaches
With the Fourth of July just around the corner and fireworks ready, a new report has Georgians wondering where the state ranks among the most patriotic in the nation. WalletHub has released its list of the most patriotic states in the U.S. for 2025. See where Georgia stands. Not quite, but don't count the Peach State out. While Georgia didn't make the top 10, it still proudly waved its flag at No. 22 in the report, with an overall score of 49.73. Georgia ranked No. 5 in Military Engagement, showing strong support for service members and veterans. However, it came in at No. 33 for Civic Engagement, meaning there's room to grow when it comes to voting, volunteering, and community involvement. But let's be honest, patriotism isn't all about numbers. It lives in the backyard barbecues, the hometown parades, and every chorus of 'God Bless America.' Virginia Montana Vermont Colorado Oregon Washington North Dakota Maryland Minnesota New Hampshire The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day marks the nation's birth as an independent country. This year, it is on Friday. To find out which states wear their patriotism loudest and proudest, WalletHub compared all 50 states across two main categories: Military Engagement and Civic Engagement. Using 13 data-driven metrics, from enlistment rates to voter turnout, they scored each state on a 100-point scale. Those scores were then averaged and ranked. For more information, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Independence Day: Is Georgia the most patriotic state in the US?
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
KeyBank Recognized as One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Employers in the Greater Philadelphia Region
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, June 27, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank has been named a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber), in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners. Modeled after Points of Light's national program, the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities – setting the standard for civic engagement in the region. 'At KeyBank, we believe that being a good corporate citizen means showing up for our communities with purpose and consistency,' said KeyBank Eastern Pennsylvania Market President Youseff Tannous. 'We are honored to be recognized as one of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees. This distinction reflects the deep commitment of our teammates who invest their time, talents and resources to help our neighborhoods thrive. It's a proud moment for all of us at KeyBank to be acknowledged for doing what we believe in—making a meaningful difference where we live and work.' The 2025 Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees represent private and public companies, as well as nonprofits, agencies, and institutions (e.g., hospitals and universities) of more than 10 employees operating in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. They have been selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: Since 2011, the national Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and has showcased how companies drive social impact in their business and within the community. 'The Chamber is proud to recognize KeyBank as a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia,' said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. 'Each of this year's honorees are valued members of Greater Philadelphia's business community, exemplifying what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrating the power of service. We thank KeyBank for their efforts to drive impact and congratulate them on this tremendous achievement.' In keeping with the Chamber's efforts to drive regional impact and achieve its vision, it also serves as home to the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network (GPCVN), a community of diverse businesses committed to giving back to their communities. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees were officially recognized on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at an Honoree Reveal Celebration hosted at the Cira Centre. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Self-Assessment is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value, and consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. To learn more about the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia and its honorees, please visit About Keycorp In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit KeyBank Member FDIC. About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government, and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all. Learn more at About Points of Light Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit Partners for Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 Regional partners with the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia on the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia are the Philadelphia Foundation (lead partner), Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network, Philanthropy Network, and True Impact (National Partner). ### Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from KeyBank
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- RNZ News
Rotorua homeless trespassed in Amohia St in council operation with police
Rough sleepers and their possessions outside the Salvation Army store on Amohia Street. Photo: Kelly Makiha Homeless people have been moved on and trespassed from a makeshift camp in Rotorua's CBD in a scene a charity worker described as "heartbreaking". The Rotorua Lakes Council said its operation, with support from police, was respectful, safe and necessary given concerns about antisocial behaviour by rough sleepers on Amohia Street. People have been staying outside the Salvation Army building in recent weeks, near sources of free food, showers and laundry facilities. Businesses complained about people urinating in public and other bad behaviour deterring customers. This morning, the camp was disestablished. Rough sleeper Adrianne Renata said authorities "came in and moved everybody" about 7am. She said they gathered loose belongings into bins and took away trolleys being used to carry them. Renata said she walked away to avoid being trespassed. The group had been warned at dinner the night before that police would be coming at 7am, she said. A woman with her wondered where they would sleep that night, and Renata said her head was spinning. "I feel like we're being moved around like cattle … like, 'oh, you need to go and graze in another garden'." A council spokesperson said the operation was responding to "increasing concern" about people sleeping rough in the CBD, including reports of anti-social behaviour and intimidation. Homelessness in the city was a complex issue, and the council worked with agencies to encourage people to accept support and "explore opportunities for stable accommodation". "However, there comes a point where anti-social behaviour and intimidation - and their impact on the public's sense of safety in the CBD - must be addressed." The area outside the Salvation Army on Amohia Street after authorities cleared it. Photo: Ben Fraser Operating under several council bylaws, trespass notices were issued. Belongings left behind were not seized, but collected by staff and stored for the owners to retrieve. More locations will be visited this week, and the council encouraged the government and social services to provide meaningful support and solutions for those experiencing homelessness. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell met last week with concerned CBD business owners, who urged the council to take action. Tapsell said the footpath was not an appropriate place to sleep, and the council had heard about illegal, offensive and anti-social behaviour by rough sleepers. "This has created unacceptable safety concerns for others and impacted businesses. We've taken action to resolve this issue." Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo: LDR / Laura Smith Salvation Army Rotorua community ministries manager Darnielle Hoods said it was not warned of the operation. "It is heartbreaking to see that this had to happen at such an early time of the morning, where some [homeless whānau] were having breakfast and some were still asleep." Hoods was not sure how many were moved on, but by 8am "everyone and everything" was gone. Staff saw people trespassed, and two were handcuffed and taken away. She emphasised that whānau could still access the charity's support, and it would continue working with rough sleepers. "Homelessness is not a moral failing; it is a complex social challenge that requires compassionate systemic solutions that uphold people's dignity." Hoods believed the incident reinforced the need for council, police and agency collaboration, and a compassionate approach for "our most vulnerable community members". "We believe there are more innovative ways to address rough sleeping that centre on the needs and voices of those experiencing homelessness, and that includes advocating for approaches that preserve human dignity." Rotorua's area commander, Inspector Herby Ngawhika, said the police role was to ensure council staff could conduct their work without incident and those trespassed remained safe. "By and large, people moved away quickly and without incident." Two were arrested for disorderly behaviour. The operation followed one to remove people from a geothermal park. Council active and engaged communities manager Rob Pitkethley told a meeting this month that the accumulation of people sleeping rough in Kuirau Park reached a point of "significant public concern". Police issued nine trespass notices there, and one person was later arrested for trespassing. Rotorua Lakes Council destination development group manager Jean-Paul Gaston and community safety and regulatory services director Mihikore Owen. Photo: LDR / Laura Smith In a report to a meeting on Wednesday, community safety director Mihikore Owen said "increasingly visible" homelessness in the CBD was driven by emergency housing facility closures and "prevailing economic pressures". Tents erected in Kuirau Park resulted in litter and "disorderly behaviour". Safe city guardians provided referrals to support services and encouraged behavioural change, but "behaviours did not improve". The meeting heard that at times there were about 40 rough sleepers, with 12-15 not engaging with support offered. Destination development group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said the team worked to communicate with support agencies to convey how the support and help offered to homeless people created challenges. "We've seen that amplified in recent weeks around Amohia Street." He said previous council efforts to trespass the homeless from reserves drove more to the CBD. A further update on homelessness in the CBD was heard in a confidential phase of the meeting. The council said this discussion was not heard in public because it contained information provided in confidence, and it was not in the public interest to share it at the time. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Additional reporting by Kelly Makiha of NZME.
