To foster new leaders, learn more about the community, and drive growth for the future of Cochrane, BGC Cochrane and Area will launch two special volunteer programs in September.
The first program starting in September, the Dare to Dream Youth Mentorship Program, will engage youth ages 10 to 17 years old as mentees to a mentor who is over 18 years old, as a way to teach guidance and life skills to the next generation of leaders.
Youth mentorship facilitator, Kendra McColeman, said with a very diverse age demographic accompanied by the town’s continued growth, she feels that the program will be a great fit for a very community-oriented place like Cochrane.
“The feedback I’ve gotten from the mentors who applied for this program are just really excited to be that support system, and just be there to help you answer any questions,” McColeman said. “Life experience goes a long way, and that’s one thing mentors can bring to the table, as well as their wisdom and patience.”
The second program, Lead Up 2.0 will provide 14 individuals ages 12 to 30 years old, the opportunity to volunteer in their community and the chance to develop life, work, self-confidence, efficacy, and leadership skills.
From Sept. 1 to March 15, 2024, participants will need to complete 120 hours of volunteer services. The program also offers incentives and will even feature a graduation ceremony for volunteers who complete the program.
McColeman said the program was originally piloted across Canada, but now is officially coming into place.
“There’s actually hundreds of BGC’S across Canada that apply to be part of this program, but only 30 of us got it, and Cochrane was lucky to be one of those 30,” McColeman said. “So, we’re super fortunate that this is even a program that we are able to offer.”
By offering participants the chance to explore different options that can highlight their strengths and comforts through a unique mix of leadership and volunteerism experiences provided by each program, McColeman said it has the added bonus of giving volunteers the chance to work with different community groups and organizations in Cochrane.
“If you have a kiddo that really enjoys research and they would love to research a different topic in the community that really speaks to them, that they would like to highlight more and raise awareness for, or even create an event or fundraiser for a non-profit or organization in the community, there’s that push to highlight something in Cochrane that’s their opportunity to do so,” McColeman said.
“And it also enables them to actually get a foot in the door at a place they would like to volunteer at, and there’s tons of beautiful non-profit organizations in Cochrane.”
With both programs on the horizon for the BGC, McColeman said participants will learn more about the community, while providing several life and career skills in the process, but also benefit the all parts of the community.
“I think the benefits are tenfold, and we might see them right away, but I think there will be plenty of long-term benefits for Cochrane as a whole,” she said.
McColeman said she thanks BGC for giving her the chance to bring these opportunities to the community. She added that the BGC can also help provide support in various forms those who are interested in participating, but are hesitant due to factors like transportation.
“If anyone is thinking about these programs or hesitant in any way, absolutely ask any questions you may have for me,” McColeman said. “We want everyone to have this opportunity. Some youths are slipping through the cracks and that’s what I want to avoid in these programs.”
For those looking to apply to be part of either programs, forms can be found at www.bgccochrane.ca. Alternatively, aspiring mentors and mentees can contact McColeman directly by emailing [email protected] or by either visiting the BGC Cochrane and Area building on Fifth Ave. or the new BGC Cochrane building between Yoshi Grill and The Club.
