News release: DEAL.org site re-launch
Written by Erin Mulvihill on 11/02/10
RCMP’s by-youth, for-youth crime prevention program launches new and improved website
Ottawa, ON – Feb. 11, 2010 – For DEAL.org, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s by-youth, for-youth crime prevention website, it’s out with the old and in with the new.
The award-winning resource, which was created in 1997, has unveiled a revamped and redesigned site.
“As a by-youth, for-youth initiative, we are uniquely qualified to act as a voice for young Canadians,” says Erin Mulvihill, acting manager of the RCMP’s Youth Engagement Section, which publishes DEAL.org. “Improving the site to better serve our target audience will allow us to continue to do that.”
DEAL.org aims to help reduce youth involvement in crime as victims and/or offenders. The site profiles positive youth-led initiatives across Canada and raises awareness on topics such as bullying, impaired driving, dating violence, drugs and gangs. It also facilitates a national youth advisory committee, which provides young people a secure, online forum to discuss issues that matter to them.
“Canadian youth have great ideas and a unique point of view that we want to hear,” says Insp. Shelly DuPont, the officer in charge of RCMP National Crime Prevention Services. “By encouraging youth across Canada to connect with the site and the youth that run it, DEAL.org is able to tailor the site to reflect what youth want.”
In addition to a new look, the site’s monthly webzine has been replaced by regular blog-style posts to keep up with the pace of online media.
“Young people are used to having new information at their fingertips and getting it fast,” says Mulvihill. “We wanted the new site to be as current as possible so that we can better meet the needs of young people across Canada.”
The site also continues to be a prime destination for adult audiences. Its toolbox of research-based presentations, videos and other resources offers advice on how parents, educators, police officers and youth workers can best support youth and the issues they face.
“Supporting youth is one of the RCMP’s five strategic priorities,” Dupont. “By providing a forum for expression and promoting leadership, DEAL.org encourages youth to make positive decisions and to get involved in their schools and communities.”
To discover the new DEAL.org, visit www.deal.org.
For more information:
613-993-4023
5 Reader Comments:
bernadetteFebruary 18th
how do I get my son into this program for his own saftey and also he wants to be a rcmp youth worker
ErinFebruary 18th
Hi Bernadette,
One way your son can become involved with the program is through our Youth Advisory Committee.
The members of our Youth Advisory Committee interact through a secure online forum, where they discuss issues that matter to them. The discussions help DEAL.org better tailor its resources to meet the needs of Canadian youth and allow us to provide the RCMP with a much-needed window into what youth feel are the real issues in their communities.
You can visit the Youth Advisory page on our website for more information or email me at deal-choix@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Thanks!
JoesephFebruary 23rd
This sounds very interesting, but do you have an age limit? My daughter Lina wants to join and she is 10. I also want to research it more.
Thanks,
Joeseph
Lara KinkartzFebruary 24th
Hi Joeseph,
Although our website is primarily tailored to youth aged 12-18, many of our materials are suitable for younger youth as well. To join the Youth Advisory Committee, youth must be between 14 and 18 years of age.
Our resources are also suitable for parents and educators. The Knowzone fact sheets can help adults inform themselves on the issues facing youth today, and the blogs can help you stay up-to-date on hot topics in the world of youth. In addition, the Toolbox section of our website contains a series of fully downloadable youth-friendly presentations, complete with presenter’s script. These presentations are designed to help adults educate youth on various issues like gangs, bullying and impaired driving.
Thanks!
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