Wednesday, July 31, 2019 (Brandon, MB) – Sixteen young leaders in the fair industry will be the first to participate in a professional development program geared towards those in the fair industry. The program starts this summer, as they participate in work exchange placements. Then, this fall, participants will gather at the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) convention to continue their Youth Inspired! professional development training.
The CAFE, with the participation of the Government of Canada, has launched a Youth Inspired! Program for youth ages, 18 to 30, to foster the next generation of leaders in the fair industry. Participants will benefit from the following:
Join the National Future Leaders Team;
Complete a work exchange at a Canadian fair or exhibition;
The ability to get involved in their community and on a national scale;
Interact with youth from across the country;
Take part in a custom Youth Inspired! program at the annual CAFE convention;
Gain tools and resources to strengthen leadership abilities within their communities;
Share the experience with other local youth by hosting a meeting to help them realize their potential as Future Leaders.
Upon completion of the Youth Inspired! Program participants will earn the title of "Certified CAFE Agent" (CCA).
CAFE is pleased to announce the sixteen Youth Inspired! participants and their respective organizations. These individuals will be the first to experience CAFE Youth Inspired! programming.
Nathan Anderson – Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
Hayley Campbell – Pontiac Agricultural Society
Kaitlyn Courchesne – Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions
Gillian Davidson – Hants County Exhibition
Erin Dittburner – Pontiac Agricultural Society
Lynda Franc – North American Midway Entertainment
Chelsea Galloway – Queen City Exhibition
Shannon Gillan – Carp Agricultural Society
Naomi Lawson-Baird – Calgary Stampede
Daniel Litwack – Canadian National Exhibition
Ashley Nelson – Westerner Park
Samantha Salois – Société d’Agriculture de Missiquoi
Megan Tackaberry – Calgary Stampede
Lauren Tozer – New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition
Karen Van Staveren – Collingwood Agricultural Society
Ashley Warner – Calgary Stampede
CAFE will share updates of the work exchanges in Canadian Fair News, CAFE E-News, and on social media.
"We are excited by the level of responses received for this new program. Thanks to the support of Canadian Heritage, we are able to offer young leaders in the fair industry an engaging experience and the opportunity to expand their networks. We look forward to welcoming our first group of Youth Inspired! participants at this year's annual CAFE convention in Halifax, NS.", said Christina Franc, CAFE Executive Director.
“The Youth Inspired! program is a great opportunity for our youth to gain valuable experience to strengthen their leadership abilities within their communities,” said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. “Our government is proud to invest in projects that help our dynamic and inspired young people to connect with one another and explore the diversity of Canada’s communities, languages and cultures.”
Details on the Youth Inspired! program can be found at: https://www.canadian-fairs.ca/en/programs/youth-inspired-program/
For more information:
Holly Campbell, Program Coordinator
1-800-663-1714 Ext. 703 | holly@canadian-fairs.ca
About CAFE
The Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions is a registered charity, which represents about 700 fairs and agricultural societies across Canada. CAFE is committed to fostering excellence through innovative leadership with partners and key stakeholders, providing meaningful resources, collaborating to increase national awareness and ensuring a sustainable future for the fair and event industry.
About the Youth Take Charge Program
Canadian Heritage's Youth Take Charge program supports youth-led projects that exemplify the ability to strengthen youth attachment to Canada. It gives young people an opportunity to learn more about their country's rich history and diversity, and to become citizens actively involved in their communities.
