FOR YOUTH

INFORMATION BY TOPIC

How can I find something to do that interests me?

It is important to all aspects of life, including mental and physical health, to have some interests, hobbies, and activities that are fun or otherwise add something to your life. Without this, life can get pretty boring. Here are a few suggestions for some low or no cost things to do:

• Reading: If you like to read, want to look at magazines, or want to find out more about a topic you're interested in a public library is a good way to go. You can go in, get cool/warm if weather is an issue, read inside, and take books out if you get a library card (this may require an address and i.d., however). For a listing of libraries in Canada see Collections Canada, and see Public Libraries for libraries in the U.S. Also, you can find a used book store. While the stuff in the shelves may be a little pricey, depending on the store, they often have discount bins where you can get books for a buck or two.
  
  
• Computers: There are a few ways to access computers. Computers can be great for looking up information (as you are doing now), connecting with other people, and finding interesting stuff. One way to get access to a computer is to find an internet café (a place where, for a fee, you can access a computer). These are very common in larger cities, though can be pretty expensive. Another way is to find an agency that has computers that are free for use. Many agencies, though, will have rules about use (e.g., can be used only for looking for work, shelter, etc., time limits). The other option is to find a public library that has open access computers. Access is free, though in some cases time limits might apply.
  
  
• Sports/Exercise: YMCAs (Ymca.net in the U.S. and Ymca.ca/ in Canada) are a good way of getting access to gyms, pools, and team sports. Fees are generally low, and YMCA has a policy of negotiating very low rates for those who can't afford their regular fees (i.e., little money, or are on income assistance).
  
  
• Art/Writing: Art and writing are very popular with many youth. It is challenging and allows people to express their experience. You can keep it to yourself, show it to friends and talk about it, and possibly make a bit of money selling it. The means of doing art and writing can also be very cheap. A note book, sketch pad, pens, etc. can be bought at discount stores for about a dollar each. Art stores can also have discount bins where you can buy supplies, though they are usually a lot more expensive. There are several agencies in Canada that are art studios for street youth such as Sketch in Toronto. There are several websites that profile the creative work of street involved/under housed youths. You can have a look at the following sites for more info and for possible venues in which you can show your work:
  Road Dawgz
  DigiHitch
  Floaters
  Outsider Art/
  Runaway Lives/
  
  
• Advocacy: Many people find it very rewarding to invest time and energy into activities that reduce some of the problems in the world. There are thousands of organizations whether you want to look into anarchism DigiHitch, political activism DigiHitch, anti-poverty organizations (e.g., OCAP/ in Ontario), and most cities have volunteer clearinghouses which list organizations in which you can get involved.
  
  
• Youth Agencies: Any of the above areas of interest can often be tapped into through youth agencies. Many youth agencies help youths find such interests and get access to resources to make them happen. Ask around. Find out if a service/agency has something set up that you want to do and try to get into it. There are some great programmes geared this way (e.g., Sketch in Toronto: Sketch).