The stories of youth matter—but it can be a struggle for them to share them.
This Saturday, MyReach Alberta is offering a free, one-day hands-on workshop aimed at empowering youth to tell their stories and ignite self-awareness. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at King’s Gate Church, 53 West Aarsby Rd.
Alexis Larsen helped plant the seed for the event, said Karlene Myers of the Cochrane-based non-profit organization.
“It’s a day where you get to come and share your stories,” Myers said. “In talking with Alexis, you learn there are youth who don’t know how to start sharing their story. They don’t know the first steps or what it will look like. Some have so many stories they want to share, but there’s fear—fear of being judged, and whether it will be safe.”
“There will be no judgment,” she added. “We won’t force anyone to share if they don’t want to. We just want them to put down the phone, put down the game pad, and be in a space with other youth—learning from each other.”
What participants may discover is that they unknowingly have similar stories.
Larsen is among those who will be sharing her story—and the freedom she’s found through it.
“I was ashamed of my own story when I first started to heal,” she said. “Now I realize it’s not something I need to be horrified by or scared to tell. I’m much more open and comfortable talking about what I went through. If anyone has questions, I’m always open to answering. That freedom is the most important thing.”
“I just want people my age to feel happier like I do, and to feel supported and safe.”
Having experienced it herself, Larsen understands how isolated youth can feel.
“Right now, a lot of kids feel like they’re in the dark—that nobody really gets what they’re going through,” she said. “The thing is, a lot of people do understand. I want people my age to feel comfortable talking about their struggles without feeling like they need to hide them.”
Adult professionals will also help facilitate the event, including Michael Emery of Unique Soapstone Experiences. He, too, will be telling his story.
He believes being able to share your story and ask for help without shame is a leadership quality.
“Once you start to tell your story and get comfortable with it, you realize it’s not a dangerous thing,” Emery said. “When I started telling my story—I had struggles with addiction, with mental health, and I had a suicide attempt—other people came up to me and said, ‘I really appreciate you being open. I’ve had similar experiences, and I didn’t think I could ever talk about it.’”
“Every one of us has been where youth are today. We’ve all had those struggles, and it’s OK to talk about it.”
As part of his involvement, Emery will lead a soapstone carving workshop—a method used to explore self-discovery through artistic expression.
Snacks and lunch will be provided. Participants will also receive a gift bag that includes a journal, pen, and an “Unplugged Youth” T-shirt.
Advance registration is preferred to ensure enough materials are available.
You can pre-register here.
