Ryerson University announced the launch of the Jack Layton Summer School for Youth Activism program in memory of the late New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Sept. 24.
Inspired by Jack Layton’s last letter to Canadians, Ryerson professor and Jack Layton chair Myer Siemiatycki said he initiated the program to honour Layton’s legacy.
“There were many memorable elements to that final statement that Jack wanted to send to Canadians,” Siemiatycki said. “I was especially struck by the emphasis that Jack placed on wanting to convey some special words to the youth of Canada and how inspired he has always been with the political participation, energy, and creativity of young people in the political process.”
The youth activist program will be aimed at cultivating political participation, engagement, and leadership skills of youth.
“Our intent is to launch [the program] by selecting young people, around the age of 16-25 who have already demonstrated in some capacity, participation in the community, neighbourhood, or particular cause or political issue,” Siemiatycki said.
Although the program is still in its early stages of development, it is set to be launched during summer 2014. It will take place at Ryerson over a span of one to two weeks.
Layton was a professor at Ryerson from 1974 until 1982, when he was elected to Toronto City Council.
Siemiatycki, who had previously worked with Layton during his time as a professor at the university, said he kick-started the creation of the program with the help of the institution to show commitment to the goals and values Layton championed.
Alongside Siemiatycki, Toronto street nurse and Ryerson’s newly appointed distinguished visiting practitioner Cathy Crowe will be helping with the creation of the program.
Crowe, who had also worked with Layton in the area of homelessness, said she remembers the former NDP leader fondly.
“He admired youth activism, youth ideas, and integrated that in everything he did,” Crowe said. “He really admired youth involvement.”
Crowe said the summer school will be open to those beyond the Ryerson community.
“Jack would have wanted it to be very accessible,” she said.
Among building political knowledge and understanding among youth, both Crowe and Siemiatycki said they hope participants of the program will take away a sense of purpose, along with confidence, allowing them to believe that they can change the world.
Crowe also reflected on Layton’s final letter as an inspiration for the founding of the program.
“Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done,” she quoted from the letter.
