P.O.W.E.R.
HISTORY
P.O.W.E.R. (People of Whitecourt Encouraging Resiliency)
Originally focused on youth, the Whitecourt coalition has enhanced its asset development climate for youth in all sectors with intention. Creating opportunities for people to enhance their capacity for positive youth development, with intention, in the Whitecourt community.
P.O.W.E.R. sponsored activities and programs included positive fieldtrip, anti-bullying campaign, healthy relationships and well-being, and building resiliency through POWER boxes. We empowered youth to bring back knowledge regarding healthy public policy, science, education, and social justice that would benefit local community development and growth. Youth were encouraged to engage other youth and adults within the community to discuss their own responsibility, a sense of purpose, and their own ability to influence planning and decision making within Whitecourt. The POWER group provided youth the opportunity to engage with the coalition and attend positive activities. Whitecourt youth gained appreciation and awareness of their community through inclusion and importance of being part of a supportive environment where we all share common attitudes, interests and goals. Participants in the activities were given a sense of purpose and belonging. Participants left with a feeling that they are a part of our community and expressed a commitment to those who live and work here. We fostered an environment that supports healthy choices and prevents the harms associated with drugs and alcohol while building on their self-esteem, positive peer relationships, and values that nurture positive mental health.
In Whitecourt we are so lucky to have such amazing agencies to collaborate with. The wellness of Whitecourt’s community and youth are based on our ability to provide power to the people within the community. These partnerships work together to influence behaviors, assemble tools, and provide mutual support. Whether we bring contributions from the head, heart, or hands we all offer something. We offer a resiliency to help our youth.
P.O.W.E.R. Today
Today the community engagement action team is a community-based team that supports, fosters, and promotes healthy, thriving, and engaged people from Whitecourt and surrounding municipalities and counties.
Key stakeholders collaborate with each other to identify weaknesses and strengths within our community and build on initiatives and educational opportunities that enhance a sense of community, wellbeing, and strength for all. It’s a place to identify social issues and trends. Where together we can problem solve, share resources, and provide mutual support.
An environment must offer security while also providing connect, networking, shelter, and sense of community and belonging, to be considered supportive. It builds on their resiliency, health, well-being and overall development. Whether being in schools, communities, or individual homes, it builds on an individual being able to access multiple services and supports. Strengthening community action is about supporting and fostering collective community efforts in creating supportive environments while promoting the social determinants of health. It means working collaboratively to improve access and influence social supports and coping skills, healthy behaviors, access to health services, and other social and economic influences on health. With each activity P.O.W.E.R collaborated with key community members, coalitions, businesses, and committees to foster these commitments and develop on interpersonal and resistance skills, equality and social justice.
OUR VISION
Helping communities build the capacity for a healthy foundation.
OUR MISSION
Creating opportunities for people to enhance their capacity for positive development, with intention, in the Whitecourt community.
The P.O.W.E.R. Coalition aims to optimize collaboration where there is a sense of belonging. It’s a place where we identify social issues and trends where together we will problem solve, share resources, implement programs, and respect each other.