Changing Perceptions of Youth

Balanced media coverage should include the youth voice. "Nothing about us, without us" should be an underlying part of any youth focused media campaign. Building relationships between media and youth can positively shape lives, increase opportunities, and build a stronger sense of community.

TRUE YOUth is a youth-driven campaign concerned with the negative images of youth in our communities. The Social Imaging Action Group (SIAG) is a collaboration of Calgary agencies who are committed to increasing the positive portrayal of youth in society while encouraging the appreciation for them. SIAG works with the media to deliver more balanced reporting and to give youth a voice.

What you can do:

Avoid using generalizations, stereotypes and prejudices
Explore and consider the youth perspective by talking to youth about the media
Think critically about youth-related media, and consider all sides of the story
Lead by example and become an active member of your community
Make an active effort to praise and encourage youth who give to their community
Encourage youth to involve themselves in civic activities, like volunteer work
Involve youth in decision-making, because our choices affect them, too
Treat youth as contributing members of society, deserving of respect

True Youth Media Toolkit

In 2008, SIAG created the TRUE YOUth Media Toolkit, designed to help youth-serving organizations engage young people in contacting the media with positive youth stories.

The toolkit includes the learnings from the past six years, the accomplishments of the TRUE YOUth campaign, and a large section on how to engage media effectively. The toolkit also makes use of examples such as media advisories and letters to the editor.

This is a wonderful tool for youth and youth mentors by which they can learn to access the media and encourage more focus on the positive youth stories in the community.

> Download the toolkit now

Contact Amber Forest at (403) 231-2610 for more information.

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