YOUTH SKILLS & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
At the Calgary Single Mothers Society (CSMS), we believe youth are the leaders oftoday and the changemakers of tomorrow. Our Youth Skills and Leadership Programsare designed to support youth—especially those from single-parent, newcomer, andmarginalized families—in building resilience, confidence, leadership, empathy,advocacy skills, and a strong sense of community responsibility.
Our youth programs primarily run during the summer months, with additional activitiesand opportunities offered throughout the year.
These programs create safe and engaging spaces where youth connect with oneanother, develop leadership skills, and give back to their communities. Youth areencouraged to take an active role in planning and leading activities, making the programyouth-led and youth-informed, with guidance and supervision from a Youth Coordinator.
To strengthen impact and expand access to resources, CSMS works in collaborationwith other community organizations, agencies, and partners. These partnerships allowus to provide youth with broader learning opportunities, shared resources, mentorship,and pathways to community involvement and leadership beyond our programs.
Through workshops and hands-on experiences, youth build skills in areas such as:
● Leadership and teamwork
● Advocacy and civic engagement
● Self-esteem, confidence, and communication
● Managing stress, self-care, and emotional well-being
● Understanding power, privilege, racism, and discrimination
Participants are also supported to develop and deliver peer-led presentations and workshops on topics including:
● Power and privilege
● Anti-racism and Islamophobia awareness
● Mental health, stress management, and self-care for teens
● Youth rights and advocacy
Throughout the year, youth engage in a variety of activities such as:
● Sports and recreational activities
● Community service and volunteer initiatives
● Cultural and creative arts programs
● Civic education and leadership development
● Employment readiness, career exploration, and preparation for summer jobs
● Community outreach initiatives and social impact projects
Youth involved in CSMS programs also participate in broader community initiatives,advocacy efforts, and awareness campaigns that promote equity, inclusion, and socialjustice.
Upcoming Programs
Stay tuned for our Youth Social Network in collaboration with amazing community organizations Canadian Zalmi Socitey, ILM Society, and Sankofa Foundation.
If you would like to arrange a youth workshop, presentation, or collaboration, pleasecontact us at Calgarysinglemotherssociety@gmail.com