April 25th marked the fifth consecutive year in which MOSAIC has organized VOYAGES Youth Conference. Held during the National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, the event attracted over sixty visible minority youth. This years’ event focused on providing youth with information and resources on the impacts of family violence on children and youth.The conference featured a dynamic presentation by the BC Lions “Be More Than A Bystander” project, where players Dean Valli and Shawn Gore shared their personal experiences of violence. In the afternoon, the BC Society of Transition Houses also delivered an engaging and highly interactive session.Youth participants learned about the cycle of family violence and how they can break free by practicing the elements of a healthy relationship. Youth also had the opportunity to explore their own experiences as they engaged in popular theater activities. Through this process, youth were able to explore gender inequality and how practices of inequality may lead to violence. As a result, short theatrical scenes were created and shared which ignited solutions-based dialogue amongst the youth. An extensive on-site resource gallery provided youth with information on various resources available to them in their community.The conference took place at Douglas College’s New Westminster campus.
