Our mission
Born from the commitment of some thirty actors, community organizations and associations mobilized on the ground for several years, the Afro Youth Summit is an innovative network that actively contributes to the economic and social development of Quebec by focusing on the exceptional potential of young people from Black communities.
Founding declaration
January 28, 2017
We, members of Black communities, leaders of organizations, community leaders and public and private partners, gathered in Montreal on January 28, 2017, express our confidence in the potential and success of our youth.
We believe that our young people deserve to live in a society where quality of life, cultural diversity, equal opportunities, environmental protection, educational success, employment and inclusion are at the heart of daily concerns.
We have agreed to contribute to providing synergistic and innovative responses to the challenges facing our young people, such as racism, discrimination, racial profiling, unemployment, underemployment, school dropout and precariousness.
Collaboration between organizational leaders, community leaders, and partners in Black communities is a key element of the youth development strategy in our communities. Appropriate, innovative, and sustainable practices that promote social and economic inclusion, support families, and access to education in all its forms must be at the heart of our discussions.
We will work to ensure that educational settings are truly welcoming and inclusive, enabling every young person to reach their full potential, and that technological modernization efforts are tools for social, economic and cultural inclusion, leading to greater participation of our young people in the economic growth of our society.
Together with the whole of Quebec and Canadian society, we will contribute to meeting the challenges of social development, the fight against poverty and living together.
We are committed to contributing to the implementation of projects stemming from the annual summit.
We recognize governments as natural partners in the development of young Quebecers and Canadians from Black communities and we call on them to assume their responsibilities.
We are setting up a study committee that will monitor social and economic development of young people in Black communities.
To this end, the Socio-economic Summit for the Development of Black Youth, or the Afro Youth Summit, will hold an annual public accountability review of actions taken.
Our core values
Respect
We value each person in their dignity and recognize the uniqueness of their journey and contributions.
Equity
We are taking concrete action to reduce inequalities and ensure that every person, regardless of their background, has access to the same opportunities for success.
Integrity
We are a transparent organization where our members and employees act with fairness and honesty in all their dealings.
Social justice
We resolutely fight all forms of social injustice to build a more just and equitable society.
Social justice
We resolutely fight all forms of social injustice to build a more just and equitable society.
Diversity and inclusion
We are actively working to build a truly inclusive society that celebrates and values diversity.
Founding declaration
Six strategic approaches that guide our daily actions
Federation
To foster collaboration between our members and local, regional and national bodies
Social analysis
Stimulating debates and actions to develop a shared social and political analysis and vision
Youth participation
To ensure the active participation of young people in all our activities and initiatives
Organization
Organize a summit periodically on issues affecting Black communities
Promotion
Promote projects and initiatives stemming from the Afro Youth Summit
Communication
Facilitating the flow of information within the network