Executive Council
Education and Early Childhood Development
February 17, 2015
Connecting Youth and Strengthening Communities
Provincial Government Expands Getting the Message Out Program
The Provincial Government is today highlighting the expansion of the Getting the Message Out program, inviting young people in Newfoundland and Labrador to join the conversation about what it means to be civically engaged. Since 1993, Getting the Message Out (GMO) has encouraged thousands of junior high and high school students to learn about entrepreneurship and career planning.
"The goal of the Getting the Message Out program is to raise awareness of the endless possibilities for young people across the province and highlight individuals who have pursued their dreams to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
Following a successful civic engagement pilot presentation in 2014, developed in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Office of Public Engagement is expanding the Getting the Message Out program this year. In addition to the traditional program that builds awareness of entrepreneurship and career development opportunities in the province, GMO field coordinators will now also be travelling to junior high and high schools to engage students on local and global themes, such as charity fundraising, international development, volunteering, and Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, and Questioning (LBGTQ) issues.
"Connecting the Getting the Message Out program to curriculum in social studies programs across the province allows us to reach a whole new audience in both junior and senior high schools.We are helping young people explore how they can truly make a difference, both at home and around the world."
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
To inspire students to think about civic engagement, the Provincial Government is highlighting the launch of its new account on Instagram 
, where junior high and high school students can post a photo or video clip to demonstrate what it means to be civically engaged. By tagging @ope_govnl #NLYouth, each post will be considered as an entry in a draw for an iPad, taking place in April.
For the latest schedule of Getting the Message Out presentations, background information, and program success stories, visit gmo.nl.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is today highlighting the expansion of the Getting the Message Out program and inviting young people to join the conversation about what it means to be civically engaged.
- Since 1993, Getting the Message Out has encouraged youth to pursue entrepreneurial career and lifelong learning opportunities.
- For more information on Getting the Message Out, visit gmo.nl.ca.
- Check out more ways to get involved at nlyouth.ca , and through Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook.
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Media contacts:
|
Kip Bonnell
Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 728-4014 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
2015 02 17 12:10 p.m.