SOUTH BRUCE – Fifteen volunteers from across South Bruce gathered in downtown Mildmay and Teeswater the evening of June 13 to assist in tidying the community.
The municipality’s #NextGenNetwork – a group with events geared towards the next generation of South Bruce leaders – held a successful community cleanup for the third year in a row.
“The cleanup was a great opportunity to spend time with different members of the community, while doing something beneficial for South Bruce,” said Teeswater resident Rhys Tiffin.
#NextGenNetwork events have been ongoing since April 2021. Past activities include a tour of the Ontario Power Generation NSS Western Facility and Bruce Power B, free public swims, bingo and trivia nights, various workshops, a borehole site tour and more.
“We encourage residents to participate in #NextGenNetwork events, as they generate an inclusive space for our community to engage and come together to create positive outcomes,” said Alena Cassidy, development student with the Municipality of South Bruce.
The #NextGenNetwork concept was created as a result of the 2021 South Bruce Youth Engagement Strategy Report, which aims “to see youth fully engaged, informed and thriving in their community of South Bruce.” The report is informed by input from local youth and describes several strategic actions for the Municipality, including to “host and support family and community initiatives”, and “connect with youth and provide the support and information they need to create the future they want for themselves.” Municipal staff supports the “Core Four” – a small group of engaged young residents that volunteer their time to brainstorm ideas, coordinate events and advise staff on a regular basis about youth engagement.
Any South Bruce resident 30 or under, who wants to receive updates or participate in future events can contact Steve Travale at stravale@southbruce.ca or visit www.southbruce.ca/NextGenNetwork.
