More than 360 young people from across Ontario gathered for the Durham Regional Police Service's annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum on July 23, an event that has become the centrepiece of a Whitby-based youth program now marking two decades.
The forum is run through the DRPS Youth in Policing (YIP) Initiative, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, according to a Durham Regional Police Service news release.
This year's theme, "Redefining Success," asked participants to look past conventional measures of achievement and think about how resilience, personal growth, community impact and meaningful relationships shape a fulfilling life.
The morning opened with remarks from Lorne Coe, the Whitby MPP who serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, followed by DRPS Deputy Chief Chirag Bhatt.
"Success is not defined by a title, a job, or a single achievement," said Deputy Chief Bhatt. "It is reflected in how we overcome challenges, support others, and make a positive difference in our communities."
Keynote speaker Zechariah Thomas, founder of SWIFT Hockey, spoke to the crowd about perseverance, entrepreneurship and leadership. He encouraged the students to treat obstacles as opportunities, stay resilient through adversity, and define success on their own terms while working to create positive change in their communities.
The day included workshops led by students and officers, along with networking sessions and leadership activities alongside police officers, community partners and professionals from a range of fields. Organizers said the sessions were designed to help youth build connections, develop leadership skills and explore future education and career paths — while also strengthening relationships between young people and law enforcement.
The Youth in Policing program, headquartered out of DRPS at 605 Rossland Rd. E. in Whitby, has used the annual forum as a cornerstone of its work for years. Through mentorship, education and community involvement, the program says the forum has helped thousands of youth build the confidence and skills to become leaders in their schools, workplaces and communities.
This year's event drew participants well beyond Durham's borders. Youth in Policing delegations attended from police services in Belleville, Brantford, Cornwall, Gananoque, Guelph, Halton Region, Hamilton, Owen Sound, Smiths Falls, Toronto and Waterloo Region, along with the Ontario Provincial Police.
The police service also credited the YIP students and leaders who planned and ran the event for making it a success.
Residents interested in the program can find more information through the DRPS Youth in Policing page or by following the program's social media accounts.
