The Afro-Canadian Positive Network (ACPNet) is currently recruiting participants for two community projects!
Check out their posters and more details below:
1. Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab
The Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab focuses on improving how justice and service providers support Black youth in British Columbia. The project aims to strengthen community-based and out-of-court options for Black youth involved in less serious offences and reduce unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system.
In preparation for the Training Lab, the ACPNet would like to hear from Black youth, professionals, community members, and others who have experiences, knowledge, or perspectives related to Black youth, justice, services, and community support. The feedback will help inform the development of the Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab, including training, resources, community based supports, and approaches to diversion and out of court options. Please consider completing this survey.
Black Youth Justice Professional Training Lab Survey
They are also currently recruiting for:
a. Focus Groups:
ACPNet is looking for Black youth ages 12 to 17 and adults ages 18 and older, including justice professionals, service providers, community members, and people who have come into contact with the justice system. Focus groups will be held in person at 3999 Henning Drive, Burnaby, and participants will receive a $200 honorarium for their participation.
The focus group will take place on one of the following dates:
- September 19, 2026 – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST
- September 26, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM PST
Participants can choose the date that works best for them.
b. Key Informant Interviews:
They are looking to interview justice professionals and other professionals who work with youth involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the justice system.This includes police and law enforcement, Crown Counsel, defence lawyers, probation and youth justice workers, judges and court professionals, teachers and school professionals, youth mental health workers, case managers, and community agencies. The interview will be online and would take approximately 2 hours, and participants will receive a $200 honorarium.
Focus Group & Key Informant Interview invitation link
c. Youth Advisory Committee
We are looking for Black youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have lived experience and/or have come into contact with the justice system. Youth Advisory Committee members will have an opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help shape the project. Their input will help identify gaps in services and supports and inform the development and review of training materials and resources for professionals working with the Justice system. Meetings will be held online, and members will receive a $100 honorarium.
Youth Advisory Committee invitation link
d. Adult Advisory Committee
Finally, ACPNet is looking for individuals aged 18 and older who have lived experience, professional experience, and/or have come into contact with the justice system. Advisory Committee members will provide input on project activities and plans, identify gaps in services and supports, and help review training materials and resources. Meetings will be held virtually on weekends, and members will receive a $200 honorarium.
Adult Advisory Committee invitation link
2. Voices and Shields Project
The Voices and Shields Project: Building Digital and Community Resilience Against Hate focuses on strengthening digital and community resilience against hate. The project explores how online hate, misinformation, and discrimination affect African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities in British Columbia and how communities can be better supported to respond.
To inform the development of practical digital safety resources, training, and other supports for ACB communities, ACPNet is looking to hear from ACB community members about their experiences, perspectives, and priorities. Your responses will help us better understand:
- Experiences of hate and discrimination
- Digital safety challenges
- Access to community support and resources
- Gaps in current services and supports
- What resources and training would be most useful
- Ways to strengthen community connection and support
Please consider filling out this survey here: Voices and Shields Survey
This survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
ACPNet is also recruiting ACB youth ages 15 to 24 and women of all ages to participate in consultations, including focus groups, key informant interviews, and advisory opportunities.Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to help inform the development of practical resources for ACB communities. Focus groups will be held in-person, and participants will receive a $100 honorarium for their time and contribution.
The focus group will take place on one of the following dates:
- September 19, 2026 – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST
- September 26, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM PST
Participants can choose the date that works best for them.
Focus group + Key informant interview + Advisory Registration link