Cornwall, ON – The Cornwall Community Police Service successfully wrapped up their 2013 Youth Symposium. The 9th annual Youth Symposium was very well received and sent out powerful messages for youths and adults alike. The Youth Symposium was packed with anti-bullying preventions tips and suggestions on making the right choices, being yourself and treating others with respect.

It’s no secret that Cornwall Police Chief Daniel Parkinson firmly believes that healthier lifestyle choices and more youth related activities would in turn help reduce the risks of our youth turning to crime. He remains committed and focused following last year’s opening of the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG in the east end facilitating these better choices. “We certainly have made the necessary inroads into building better relationships with our youth,” added Chief Parkinson. “But without the support of the many wonderful community partners, these sorts of events may not be possible,” concluded the Chief.

As part of the activities the Cornwall Community Police Service hosted a Professionals presentation with guest speaker Mike Neuts on March 5th, 2013. It was impossible to listen to his story without felling emotional and wanting to make a difference. Mike Neuts has become an advocate for youth, speaking out against bullying with a frightening truth that every parent, child and care-giver should hear. His son was bullied one time, and it cost him his life. His message was clear: “Bullying, whatever the situation, is wrong. People get hurt. People die.”

Over the next two days, five presentations took place with the help of a fantastic motivational speaker in both English and French. The Cornwall Community Police Service was proud to reach out to over 2500 students from our Community with the well received and entertaining Justice Bourdeau of San Diego, California. Students were inspired to live with passion and make a difference in the world around them. The message of these 1 hour presentations was apparent: “Be YOUnique” , challenged them to accept themselves and understand others. He also reminded students that “Opportunities are taken not given”, to choose gratitude and speak the truth.

The students were captured by Justin’s amusing yet profound stories. He was able to reach out and interacted with them at a different level. After each presentation, several students spoke to Justin and numerous others sent him messages and tweets thanking him for inspiring them.

For more information regarding the guest speakers:

Mike Neuts –  www.makechildrenbetternow.com

Justin Bourdeau – www.justinbourdeau.com  and Twitter @leadwithjustin

The Cornwall Community Police Service would like to thank our community partner, the Eastern Ontario Training Board for making this one week event possible and helping to bring these terrific guest speakers to Cornwall. We thank them for their commitment and devotion to our community especially our youth.  Making healthier lifestyle choices ultimately assists us in our vision of “A safer Cornwall, reducing crime always.”