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Number of positions available: 2
Commitment: January to June 2012. The peak months of activity are April/May.
Stipend: $250
Deadline for applications: 8 January 2012
Start Date: 16 January 2012
Location: Anywhere in Canada
Selection Criteria: You must be 25 years old or under to apply

The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is a network of organizations across Canada committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. As part of the CCR, the Youth Network (YN) gives youth and youth allies a voice to address challenges faced by newcomer youth and a space to share ideas. CCR Youth Ambassadors will act as liaisons (or connectors) between their region and the CCR Youth Network and will preferably be supported by a local CCR member organization. For more information on who we are and what we do, click here. 

Principal Responsibilities:
• Promoting the CCR and opportunities to get involved within the CCR amongst newcomer youth  (15-25)  and allies  in your region;
• Organizing an information session for newcomer youth and allies in your community to introduce the CCR Youth Network and recruit participants for activities;
• Engaging and supporting local newcomer youth/allies in organizing 1 public education or advocacy activity in the spring that addresses issues facing refugees and immigrants in Canada. The activity will focus on one of the topics proposed by the CCR, or an alternative topic, subject to approval by the CCR;
• Participating in monthly phone meetings with the CCR Youth Network;
• Participating in 1 national webinar training sessions with other CCR Youth Ambassador;
• Producing 1 report on the completion of activities (in June);
• Participating in national CCR meetings when a meeting is happening in your region or when you have access to funding to cover the costs of transportation. For information on CCR meetings, click here.
• Ensuring continuity by mentoring future CCR Youth Network Ambassadors

Mentorship program: If possible, a mentor from a local CCR member organization will be assigned to each Youth Ambassador in order to provide guidance and opportunities to share experiences and perspectives.

Priority will be given to people who: 

• Have refugee or immigrant experience
• Have experience working with the CCR Youth Network and/or the CCR
• Are involved with newcomer-serving organizations and groups, preferably CCR member organizations.

Selection will take into consideration the need to have representation from the various regions of Canada.

The CCR strongly encourages applications from people of colour, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer people.

Why be involved:

• Learn about important challenges facing refugees and immigrants in Canada and be part of the action to address these challenges.
• Make meaningful connections with people working in this domain.
• Further develop your leadership skills and experience through working with a well-established, national network of non-profit organizations.
• Be formally recognized for your contributions.

To apply, send the following documents to Cynthia Beaudry at cbeaudry [at] ccrweb [dot] ca by Sunday, January 8th.  Applications should be sent in Word or Wordperfect (no PDF please).

• A cover letter, explaining why you want to be a CCR Youth Ambassador, your relevant experience, how you are involved with newcomer-serving organizations and groups in your community, and your ideas for organizing a public education or advocacy event. On what issues would you like to work? For ideas, see our campaigns.
• your CV

For questions, please communicate with the CCR Youth Coordinator, Cynthia Beaudry.
Phone: 514-277-7223, extension 3
Email: cbeaudry [at] ccrweb [dot] ca