The particaption of youth in Open Space

[Larry Peterson]

I recently led an Open Space towards the development of Gay-Positive,
housing for homeless youth in Toronto.  A number of street youth
participated as did folks from various agencies, government bodies, and
gay-positive community organizations.  It was a non-residential community
event, with an ebb and flow to participation.  Some youth heard about it on
the streets during the event and joined.  A film crew was shooting the event
and interviewing street youth.  Government funders, architects and other key
players also appeared and attended the "right" discussion sessions.

The new "brick" that appeared in a parking lot nearby was the perfect
talking piece.  It will be taken to all planning meetings and used in the
construction of the project, which will take a while to put together.
However, the momentum is there.

Larry