Press Releases
Media Release
Experience Labrador with Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth
Exchange to feature recreation, employment and cultural diversity of life in ‘The Big Land’
St. John’s, NL, November 19, 2010 – Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the second instalment of Experience Labrador, a cultural exchange for youth. The program will allow 25 youth aged 15-35 from all over the province to travel to Labrador in March 2011, providing them the opportunity to experience the diverse culture, traditions, employment opportunities and self-government in Labrador. The project is made possible by funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy under the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.
In 2010, 21 youth participated in the first Experience Labrador project that featured presentations from resource-based industry representatives, interactive sessions with Innu, Inuit and Métis youth and elders, outdoor activities and more. “This year’s exchange promises to be even better, with the recommendations and suggestions from last year’s participants helping to shape the planning and programming for the 2011 trip”, says Greg Knott, chair of the board of directors. “We’ll be maintaining most of the aspects of the last trip, but enhancing it as well with new activities.”
Returning as Youth Exchange Coordinator is Brian Ash, who is currently completing programming activities. “While the first trip was very successful, we are committed to program growth. This year, we plan to increase interaction with aboriginal peoples as well as the number of outdoor activities. We’re also looking into the possibility of visiting more coastal areas as well. If last year’s trip is any indication, it promises to be an eye-opening and memorable trip for all involved.”
Applications for the exchange will be available to members at www.finaly.ca. Membership free and youth from all parts of the province are encouraged to apply.
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Reid Eveleigh
Interim Executive Director
709.738.6274
FINALY! is a youth driven organization that has operated in the province since 1996. FINALY! is represented all over Newfoundland and Labrador via its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council, as well as its 1900+ members between the ages of 15-35.
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FINALY! Announces Experience Labrador
Exchange to feature recreation, employment and cultural diversity of life in ‘The Big Land’
St. John’s, NL, March 1, 2010 – Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!) is pleased to announce that Experience Labrador, a cultural exchange for youth, will take place from April 12-17, 2010. The program will allow 25 youth aged 15-35 from all over the province to travel to Labrador for a five-day exchange, providing them the opportunity to experience the diverse culture, traditions, employment opportunities and self-government in Labrador. The project is made possible by funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy. FINALY! is also pleased to announce that Brian Ash has taken on the role of Youth Exchange Coordinator.
FINALY!’S Chairperson, Greg Knott, says that the program “has been a goal of FINALY!’s for a long time now. Many of our members have never had the opportunity to go to Labrador. This exchange is an opportunity for them to gain a new perspective on a part of their own province”.
“There’s just so much to experience in Labrador.” adds Brian Ash, Youth Exchange Coordinator. “We’re planning outdoor activities like cross country skiing, ice-fishing, traditional northern games and survival techniques. We’ve scheduled presentations from resource-based industry and the tourism sector as well. Importantly, participants will experience the aboriginal cultures of Labrador gaining insight into their past, present and future through a cross cultural training program. Overall, it’s going to be quite an experience for these 25 youth.”
Applications for the exchange will be available at www.finaly.ca. At least one youth from each of the province’s 20 economic zones will be selected to participate.
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Reid Eveleigh
Communications Coordinator
709.738.6276
FINALY! is a youth driven organization that has operated in the province since 1996. FINALY! is represented all over Newfoundland and Labrador via its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council, as well as its 1900+ members between the ages of 15-35.
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FINALY!’s Annual Leadership Summit and AGM
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth To Meet at the Terra Nova Resort
St. John’s, NL, October 29, 2009 – Youth from all across Newfoundland and Labrador are on the road today. They are making their way to the Terra Nova Resort in Port Blandford to attend the Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!) Leadership Summit and Annual General Meeting.
This year’s theme, “Creating Opportunities for a Brighter Future” reflects FINALY!’s belief in the infinite potential of Newfoundland and Labrador, its youth and their ability to create opportunities for themselves here at home. Delegates will attend sessions on Networking, Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise, Financial Planning and more. There are many speakers attending the event, as well as special guests:
· The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector
· Keith Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
“Every year, FINALY! members from every part of province attend this conference,” says Chris Gaulton, Chair of FINALY!’s Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council (PYC). “Newfoundland and Labrador is such a vast province – our conference is a fantastic opportunity for our members to connect with other youth from different parts of the province. It’s important to us for our members to be connected, because regardless of where they live, the future of all parts of our province depends on them.”
The Leadership Summit will finish with the Annual General Meeting, where the new Board of Directors will be elected from nominations within the membership based on regions. The Board of Directors (PYC) is comprised of youth between the ages of 15-35.
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Reid Eveleigh
Communications Coordinator
709.738.6276
FINALY! is a youth driven organization that has operated in the province since 1996. FINALY! is represented all over Newfoundland and Labrador via its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council, as well as its 1800+ members between the ages of 15-35.
Media Release
FINALY! Appoints New Executive Director
St. John’s, NL, September 21, 2009 – Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!) and its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council (PYC) are pleased to announce today it has a new Executive Director. Mr. John Mercer was selected following an intensive and thorough executive search process.
“As a provincial organization focused on youth aged 15-35, FINALY! was looking for someone with experience in working directly with youth, with the formation of youth councils and someone who knows firsthand about economic development, “ said Chris Gaulton, Chair of the Board of Directors, the PYC. “John brings this combination and more to our organization. His experience and enthusiasm will be valuable assets to FINALY!”
John Mercer was born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor and graduated with honours from St. FX in 2006, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After graduating, he was hired as the Regional Youth Development Officer for Central Newfoundland by FINALY! From here, he was hired as the Youth Development Coordinator for the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation for Zone 12. After completing that contract, John accepted a position with the College of the North Atlantic as Student Development Officer, where he handled everything to do with student life. Most recently, he has worked with the Wiseman Centre in St. John’s.
“I was drawn to FINALY! because they give a voice to youth all over this province with the work they have done, and continue to do,” Mercer says. “The mission and mandate of the organization are completely in line with my own personal and professional experiences and I look forward to the projects and work that FINALY! is working on, as well as connecting with the membership.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Reid
Communications Coordinator
709.738.6276
FINALY! is a youth driven organization that has operated in the province since 1996. FINALY! is represented all over Newfoundland and Labrador via its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council, as well as its 1800+ members between the ages of 15-35.
Media Release
FINALY! Launches New Website for Youth in Newfoundland & Labrador
St. John’s, NL, July 23, 2009 – Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!) officially launched its new website today, a resource for youth across the province. The new site maintains all the informative content of the previous site, with added resources for youth.
The new site provides its members and other users with a comprehensive overview of the projects that FINALY! is working on for youth in the province, information on the Board of Directors (Provincial Youth Council), employment opportunities, upcoming conferences, volunteer opportunities and more. Youth between the ages of 15-35 in Newfoundland and Labrador can sign up for the free membership online as well.
“FINALY! is membership-driven.” says Christie Meadus, Executive Director for FINALY!, “Many of our members indicated that our site needed a new, fresh look, which we’ve accomplished with this new site. We will continue to serve youth all over Newfoundland and Labrador with this site and we look forward to continued growth and success.”
Visit the new site at www.finaly.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Reid
Communications Coordinator
709.738.6276
FINALY! is a youth driven organization that has operated in the province since 1996. FINALY! is represented all over Newfoundland and Labrador via its Board of Directors, the Provincial Youth Council, as well as its 1800+ members between the ages of 15-35.
