Alberta invests $500K in ‘VOICE’ for gender-equality mentorship program

Alberta is investing in an additional $500,000 for the Valuable Opportunities to Inspire Change through Empowerment (VOICE) program to help address the root causes of gender-based violence.

The province says this is on top of previous funding, bringing the total pledged to $900,000.

The funding will go towards a mentorship program that connects professional athletes with young people through high schools and community groups.

The government says the goal of the platform is to empower youth to be proactive towards stigmas, challenge behavioral norms, and advocate for change towards gender equality.

The funding will also help expand the program to fraternities and sororities and deliver programs in two high schools, including St. Albert Catholic High School and Bert Church High School.

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VOICE was originally an annual training session for the Canadian Football League’s athletes and staff including the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders.

Since its launch, VOICE has trained 34 ambassadors, connected with 21 schools, and engaged with at least 3,000 students, according to a provincial release.

“When young adults are inspired to get involved in their communities and foster healthy relationships, they build a better future for themselves, their friends, and future generations. Every Albertan deserves to feel safe in our province, and programs like this provide important tools for our youth to navigate difficult situations and inspire change,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Associate Minister of Status of Women.

“Thank you to the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Culture and Status of Women for their continued support and investment in VOICE” said Colleen Pirie,  the director and founder of VOICE. “This announcement is one more step towards ensuring all Albertans have the access and opportunity to be engaged in our programming. Education and mentorship is a major source of connection for youth, and we look forward to working alongside our partners to end gender-based violence across our province.”

The program still wants to reach, by December, K to 12 schools in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Athabasca, Bonnyville, Brooks, and several First Nations and Metis communities of at least 11,000 Alberta youth.