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What is the Youth Justice Project?

A way to connect young people with the deacons in their church to find innovative ways to address the injustices in their community.

Who Can Apply?

Young people between the ages of 13-19 who belong to a Christian Reformed Church in Canada can apply.

How Does it Work?

  • Participants are encouraged to submit a Pre-Application to see if their idea is a good fit for the Youth Justice Project. (See top right of this page.)
  • Once pre-approved, participants will submit a video describing the justice issue they are passionate about, including ways a NewGround partnership can help them actively work to bring about positive change.
  • Youth must involve their deacons in the justice cause/activity.
  • The video must be approximately 3-5 minutes long.
  • Applicants must identify areas in which NewGround can provide coaching and mentoring support.
  • Applicants must sign the appropriate release for NewGround and Diaconal Ministries Canada to produce a video documenting the Youth Justice Project.
  • Applications and videos will be accepted throughout the year.
  • The NewGround Committee will review submissions as they come in. The NewGround Committee will notify the applicant(s) within thirty (30) days of submission whether their project has been approved or not.
  • Successful applicants will receive up to $6,000 for their cause (plus $3,000 of coaching/mentoring/support).

What Kinds of Causes Will Be Considered?

Youth Homelessness, Mental Health, Teen Pregnancy, Bullying, Drug Addiction, Refugees, Creation Care, Exploitation, etc. are examples of causes that can be highlighted in the submitted videos.

The injustice can be a global issue but there must be a direct connection to the community you live in.

Ways to address the injustice must demonstrate a commitment to asset-based community development principles such as: empowerment of participants, partnerships, and focusing on people’s abilities (not just their needs).

Timeline

  1. Applications and videos will be accepted throughout the year.
  2. The NewGround Committee will review submissions as they come in.
  3. The NewGround Committee will notify the applicant(s) within thirty (30) days of submission whether their project has been approved or not.
  4. All monies awarded to the successful application will be given in two (2) installments at the agreed upon time as follows:
    -First grant installment will 75% of $6,000 = $4,500;
    -A second/final installment will be the remaining 25%
  5. A Final Report will be due sixty (60) days after the final installment is issued or on an agreed upon date.

How to Apply

Fill out the Pre-Application Form on this page...

-OR-

Contact Diaconal Ministries today to speak to a staff member.

Contact Us to Apply

Please take a moment to fill out this Pre-Application form to ensure your idea is a good match for the Youth Justice Project.

Once submitted, someone from Diaconal Ministries Canada will be in touch!