YIELD Youths in Expression – A Leadership Dialogue was inspired by the tragic shooting death of the 19 year old nephew of one of its co-founders. The assailant was also a youth who unfortunately felt that expressing himself through violence was a better option than seeking more empowering ways of communication.

Gladys Sibayan founded YIELD and Norm Johnson funded the program to provide a space for youth where they can express themselves, feel heard and also listen to the story of others in order to expand their perspective and understanding. YIELD provides an opportunity for discovery and sharing of dreams and talents. Through their sharing, the participants learn the skills of communication, cooperation and creative problem solving.

On March 4, 2006, eight of the 11 energetic, enthusiastic participants celebrated the completion of the pilot project, a culmination of 12 weeks of play, laughter, dialogue and connection. We saw shyness give way to sharing, apprehension give way to confidence, as the participants took turns chairing the meetings, entertaining the crowd with their many talents, and discovering the brilliant treasure within themselves and others.

At the celebration, several of the youth relived the journey of having fun while realizing the depth of their connection. As Michael O’Keefe shared, “At first I didn’t know if I had much in common with the others, but by the end of it, I discovered that we are all one.” The first YIELD program will run in Edmonton in April 2006. The second program in Calgary will be in September 2006.