Katimavik is proud to roll out its new marketing campaign aimed at recruiting Canadian youth between the ages of 17 and 21 to participate in our 2009-2010 programming year. The slogan for this dynamic new campaign challenges young Canadians to “GET A LIFE.”

“GET A LIFE” is one of those well-known idiomatic expressions that resonate. Some of you have been told to “GET A LIFE” and have in turn told others to do the same. Like many successful campaigns aimed at youth, our new slogan is humorous, playful and a little bit provocative.

But what does “GET A LIFE” mean in the context of the Katimavik campaign? Simply put, we are asking young people to become nation builders. Getting a life implies much more than the numerous personal benefits gained from participating in Katimavik – valuable work experience, leadership skills, lifelong friendships etc… It addresses the need for young people to look beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings and to become active players in the social and economic development of Canadian society.

Katimavik’ is developing new and exciting ways for next year’s participants to “GET A LIFE.” Starting in the fall of 2009 we will offer three new specialized 6-month programs that focus on the specific themes of our learning program. These include Cultural Discovery and Civic Engagement, Eco-citizenship and Active Living as well as Second Language and Cultural Diversity.

We are diversifying to meet the needs and growing demand of today’s youth and to ensure that Katimavik continues to offer relevant and innovative programs. Katimavik’s time-tested 9-month program will remain the cornerstone of our service leaning model for young people interested in engaging in a longer term of active community service.

The flip side of the “GET A LIFE” call to action are the testimonials emanating from the 33, 000 alumni who “GOT A LIFE”. For over thirty years, Katimavik has provided young Canadians from every corner of the country and from all social and demographic backgrounds the opportunity to experience independent living away from their home and to embark on a journey of cultural, collective and personal discovery. The lasting impact of our program cannot be understated. Whenever I meet an alumnus, I am amazed with the enduring impact this full time volunteer service experience has had on their lives.

Our alumni are the driving force behind this year’s recruitment campaign and are currently giving presentations in hundreds of schools and at community events across Canada. Beyond slogans and fanciful marketing campaigns, our alumni remain our best ambassadors. Because of their personal experience with Katimavik, they embody the spirit of nation building, personal growth and service learning, which is at the heart of our program.

In the months ahead, I encourage our alumni, parents, educators and all those of us working with youth to inform as many young people to “Get a life” and help build a better Canada.

Sincerely,


Jean-Guy Bigeau
Executive Director