Dialogue New Brunswick recently launched The 2020-2021 Social Cohesion Lab which aims to assist youth ages 15-30 “to develop projects in our various communities in New Brunswick that are related to social cohesion, affecting economic, cultural, social and political aspects.” The cohort of 20 youth that have been selected has been announced and Anglophone North School District is well represented with 8 youth coming from our district.

These students and staff will now receive $300 of, “start-up funding to launch their projects as well as training in design thinking, prototyping and human-centered design.” They will also be afforded an exclusive opportunity to apply for additional $1500 in funding via a partnership established between Dialogue NB, Uni Financial, and The Rising Youth Grant.

The following ASDN students and staff have been selected as participants in the 2020-2021 Dialogue NB Social Cohesion Lab:

Tayrn Hachey; JMH – Creating a mural and awareness posters at JMH to educate the school community about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Woman and Children.

Katie Kennedy and MV Real Talk – These students plan to create a more welcoming space in their guidance department to help rid the stigma of seeking help for mental health support.

Sophie Jardine; MVHS – Building upon her experience volunteering with Special Olympics Miramichi, Sophie recognized that with the Covid-19 pandemic many of the traditional Special Olympics sport offerings in Miramichi have been cancelled. Sophie has sought funding to start a Special Olympics snowshoe club in Miramichi so Special Olympians can safely remain active.

Dynika Hay; JMH – As someone who is passionate about environmental issues, Dynika plans to start her own eco-friendly and ethically made clothing line and donate all proceeds to local and global initiatives to help fight climate change and pollution. Dynika also plans to help support the Miramichi Team Up to Clean Up initiative.

Amelia-Mae Walker and NSER Rotary Interact Club – Students plan to launch a not-for-profit business to sell customized school masks with all proceeds being donated to the IWK.

Lindsey Gallant; Rexton Elementary – Lindsey plans to launch a monthly experiential field trip experience for students during which her grade 3-4 French Immersion class will create and publish tourism commercials based on their experiences learning about First Nations culture in New Brunswick.

Sierra Sprague; Bathurst High – Sierra is working with the Spirit of Christmas organization in Bathurst and will use these funds to launch several initiatives to support this dedicated group of volunteers during a difficult fundraising season due to Covid-19.

Naomi Wallace and World Reality Education (WRED); JMH – Naomi and a team of students at JMH will be using their newly purchased GlowForge to craft different items to sell at the local Farmer’s Market. The income generated from this initiative will be used to support other young entrepreneurs and like-minded global citizens as seed money to help spread the ideal of becoming global citizens.

Congratulations to Tayrn, Katie, Sophie, Dynika, Amelia-Mae, Lindsey, Sierra, and Naomi. We know you will be fine representatives of ASDN!