Quick Reference Sheet ORGANIZATION SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF OTTAWA WHAT IT IS Organization Mandate The Social Planning Council of Ottawa has been a catalyst for Sustainable Social and Economic Development since 1928. Our mission is to provide the residents of Ottawa with the means to exercise informed leadership on issues affecting their social and economic wellbeing. WHAT THEY PROVIDE Key Programs & Services for Job Seekers PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Contact: Building Greener Futures Together (BGFT) - A multi-stakeholder initiative led by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa, the EnviroCentre, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, and several local home renovators. BGFT works to improve access to jobs in “green” residential renovations and retrofits for youth facing labour market barriers. In addition to providing essential employment supports, such as training opportunities and work placements, BGFT is actively developing the job market in order maximize opportunities for new workers. Project Coordinator Heather Hunter 613.236.9300 (x312) Tools for Trade - Collects donated tools (new and used) to be recycled for use by youth entering the environmentally friendly home renovations field. Being equipped with one's own tools is a critical element of employability in the trades, and allows youth the best chance possible at successful employment, while keeping high quality used tools out to the landfill. Project Coordinator Heather Hunter 613.236.9300 (x312) Youth Active Media - A new neighbourhood-based, videography initiative for youth. Youth will have the opportunity to learn the art of film making while creating short documentary-style films. Empowers youth to effect positive social change through art, while developing transferable skills, and providing employment opportunities for youth through paid mentorships. The first cohort begins in March 2015; additional groups throughout the year. Project Coordinator Heather Hunter 613.236.9300 (x312) Youth Leadership for Change - Youth doing strategic research and getting involved to improve youth employment and other issues. The 2014 forum had over 20 participants (including employment services, economic development workers, social service providers) focus on "Tackling Youth Unemployment and Underemployment". Past reports include: • Youth Employment, Unemployment and Under-Employment in Ottawa • Connecting Youth to the Hidden Job Market • Tackling Youth Employment: The Role of the Non Profit Agencies Read the report: 2014 Forum debrief Ottawa and Region Data Consortium - Hosts the Ottawa chapter of a national Community Data Program created by the Canadian Council of Social Development that enables community based organizations and municipalities to access data from Statistics Canada and other institutions to identify and better understand local social and economic trends. Find out more: hhunter@spcottawa.on.ca hhunter@spcottawa.on.ca hhunter@spcottawa.on.ca www.cims-scic.ca/data#cdp You can explore further at OttawaJobPath.ca: Youth Looking at the Current Job Market Getting Practical Experience Access this page directly at ottawajobpath.ca/quick-clicks.php