National Child Day 2024

National Child Day on November 20th is a crucial opportunity to reflect on and champion the rights of children in Canada. It serves as a key moment for advocacy and policy reflection, especially concerning the rights of children to quality education, mental health support, and protection from violence and exploitation. This year, we highlight ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that every child, including those in vulnerable circumstances such as Indigenous children, children with disabilities, and those in the child welfare system, has access to the resources and protections they need to thrive.

As we mark this day, NACY members are at the forefront of driving systemic change, advocating for policies that safeguard children's rights. Through grassroots initiatives, programs, and advocacy efforts, NACY members play an essential role in strengthening policies that benefit children nationwide. 

This National Child Day, we celebrate the progress made but acknowledge that more work is needed to ensure the rights and well-being of every child are fully protected. 

- National Alliance for Children and Youth

Celebrating National Child Day via #NACYNetwork

• On November 20, landmarks across Canada will light up blue for #NationalChildDay and #WorldChildrensDay, thanks to UNICEF Canada. From Toronto to Vancouver, celebrate children by taking a stroll, snapping a pic, and sharing with #ForEveryChild!  
• As Canada’s leading child welfare charity, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada works with partners to eliminate barriers, provide stability, and create opportunities, helping young people thrive. Join them in making a difference - learn more or donate at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada!
• On National Child Day, join Starlings Community for their Caregiver Connect session for a toolkit to support young people navigating this loss. Register here!

• Celebrate children’s rights on National Child Day with Children First Canada through exciting programs for kids of all ages! This year’s theme, #8MillionEmpowered, focuses on empowering Canada’s 8 million children to thrive. Sign up now!

Sector Wins!

• Kids Help Phone received $800K to expand prevention counseling. Thank you, Jill Dunlop and the Ontario government, for prioritizing safer schools and youth mental health! 
• With Ontario’s support, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is engaging 10,000 kids in in-school mentoring programs, boosting engagement, grades, and self-confidence. Learn more.
• YMCA Canada Peace Week is being celebrated to inspire the theme "Cultivating a Culture of Peace." Peace begins with small acts of kindness, inclusion, and understanding that help us thrive and create a better world.  
• For the 2024-26 National Service Project, Girl Guides of Canada have partnered with the Canadian Wildlife Federation to protect Canadian wildlife. Learn more!

Funding Opportunities

• Red Deer & District Community Microgrant Program 2024 program offers up to $5,000 to support community organizations with evolving needs, such as responsive programming, technology investment, or unforeseen expenses. Application deadline @ December 1, 2024.
• InMotion Network: Go Girl Event Grants offer communities a chance to engage with teen girls, and grants of up to $2,500. Applications are due by December 1, 2024, for programs running between January and May.
• City of Calgary Awards recognize exceptional achievements by Calgarians in five major categories, including the Award for Accessibility and Community Achievement Awards. Nominations open until December 2, 2024.
• Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund Reconciliation Action Grant Stream offers grants ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 available to support community-level reconciliation activities, events, and initiatives that promote cultural revitalization, Indigenous languages, and cross-cultural understanding. Applications due by December 13, 2024.
• Ontario Trillium Foundation is bringing a collaborative approach towards organizations tackling barriers for youth to access funding (up to $250K/year for 2–5 years). Priority is given to Black and Indigenous-led initiatives. Pre-application calls are required. Book here.

Professional Development

• Are you a Friendship Centre or organization funded by our Indigenous Languages Program? Share your innovative methods for language revitalization by applying to present in one of National Association of Friendship Centres program categories. Learn more. 

• Is your board ready to offer placement opportunities for young gender-marginalized leaders and foster an equitable environment for change-makers at FORA Network? Contact Sania Dogra for details!

Policy and Research

• Convention of the Rights of the Child
• The Globe and Mail's recent article highlights a concerning rise in violence against children and youth within households, with Statistics Canada reporting a 50% increase in cases since 2014. This marks the highest level of family violence in over a decade. Read the full analysis here.

• Wage increases should ease financial pressures for workers, but without rent control, much of those increases will just end up in landlords’ pockets," Ricardo Tranjan. Read more.