On this episode of Your Right to Speak, I talk with Michel McKenzie. Who is a motivational speaker and author of the book The CORE 7: Building and Mastering Your Best You. I have been working closely with Michel on a program he has developed called POWER. The POWER program is meant to motivate marginalized youth and teach them goal-setting skills.  Michel talks about why it is important for youth living in low income neighbourhoods and how to look beyond the challenges that are in front of them. Michel explains some of the gaps in low income neighbourhoods and what he has experienced living within one himself. Please see below for the link to Michel’s book. Let’s raise awareness together!

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/CORE7-Building-Mastering-Your-Best/dp/0994927320 

On this episode of Your Right To Speak, Salvatore talks with Mafo about violence against women. Mafo explains the gasp in services offered with a focus on the shelter system.  The conversation turns to how there are systemic issues and that there needs to be better funding provided by the government to make services more efficient. 

Let's raise awareness together!

On this episode, Wolfgang and Salvatore have a conversation about Salvatore’s recently completed Master’s research paper. In the discussion, Salvatore explains the term “adultism”, how it shows up in special education policy, the relevance of policy for those who work with children and youth, and how to work with young people (particularly those labeled disabled) to address adultism.

On this episode of Your Right to Speak we talk with child and youth counsellor Vanessa Lackraj. Vanessa talks about relational approaches and strength-based practice. Throughout the episode, Vanessa stresses the importance of CYCs to be working in the moment, meeting young people where they are at, and recognizing that young people are experts in their own lives. Vanessa also offers advice to new CYCs entering the field and wisdom on how to address boundary challenges with young people.

Let’s raise awareness together!

If you are a child or youth that would like to be on the show or have a topic that you think we should discuss, please email Salvatore and Jenn at yourrighttospeak@gmail.com 

On this episode of Your Right to Speak, Salvatore and Jenn speak with Carleen as they continue on the topic of Sexual Abuse. Carleen talks about how there is not a one-fits-all therapy for sexual abuse and how the therapy needs to meet where the individual is at mentally and emotionally. Carleen makes it a point to say that labels such as survivor or victim are often charge but she found in her experiences people who are sexually abuse want to be seen as an individual.   Carleen talks about how some people who are sexually abused may have a positive reaction to their body however it was not wanted and it creates a scene of guilt, shame and how to address this in therapy.   

If you are a child or youth that would like to be on the show or if you have a topic that you think we should talk about please email Salvatore at yourrighttospeak@gmail.com 

On this episode, we talk with Cheyanne about sexual abuse. Cheyanne talks about her unfortunate experiences as a sexual abuse survivor, as well as why it is taboo to talk about sexual abuse and the connection to culture. There is discussion on how to recover as a survivor or victim and the importance of an individual to label themselves. Cheyanne stresses the importance of using a cultural humility perceptive.

Facebook: Abuse Never Becomes Us (ANBU)

Twitter: cheyratnam

Facebook Subscribe: Cheyanne Ratnam

LinkedIN: LI: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cheyanneratnam

Since school has started, I am not able to give as much time to the podcast as I was during the summer months. For the academic year, my plan is to post a podcast on the last Wednesday of each month. The next podcast will be on Sept 26.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for listening. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.

Wolfgang