Press Release
Young people all over the Kenora-Rainy River districts soon could find themselves getting ticketed for their behaviour.
But there’s no crime wave—just a widespread effort to catch kids doing great things in their community.
The Northwestern Health Unit has teamed up with numerous community partners across the region, including the OPP, to launch this “Positive Ticketing” campaign.
It is based on the simple idea that rewarding good behaviour will inspire and motivate greater good behaviour.
The program offers one way to focus on youth as positive contributors to the community.
“The good deeds of youth can sometimes go unnoticed,” noted OPP Community Mobilization Officer Bob Bernie.
“These tickets are valuable tools to recognize the positive actions of our youth, letting them know that their contributions are appreciated, valued, and worthy of our attention,” he stressed.
Communities play an important role in shaping the lives of young people. Everyone can do their part by taking the time to let youth know they are appreciated when they are seen doing something great–no matter how big or small the act may be.
The overall goal is to encourage and immediately acknowledge good behaviour, thereby creating a more positive, youth-friendly community culture.
The “Positive Ticketing” campaign is part of a larger youth engagement strategy at the health unit.
Research shows that when youth feel valued, respected, and connected to their community, they are more likely to grow into healthy, caring, and competent people—and less likely to engage in risky behaviours.
“Positive Ticketing” is a small investment communities can make to help ensure positive outcomes for young people.
