Transforming Lives,
One Motorcycle at a Time

Shift Disturbers is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and young adults, aged 16-26, involved with the justice system.

About the program

Transforming Lives,
One Motorcycle at a Time

Shift Disturbers is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and young adults, aged 16-26, involved with the justice system. Starting with a non-running motorcycle, participants breathe new life into it, gaining technical expertise, soft skills, confidence, and a profound sense of achievement. With only 10 participants per session, each individual receives personalized attention in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Empower

youth to realize their potential

Skill-Building

to provide tools & confidence to thrive

Community

active participation in events

Bridging the Gap to Higher Education

More than a skills program, Shift Disturbers is a bridge to a brighter future. Our mission is to illuminate the path to higher education, helping participants envision themselves at Georgian College or other post-secondary institutions. 

Strengthening Community Bonds

Beyond skill-building, our program fortifies community ties. Shift Disturbers addresses the unique challenges faced by at-risk youth, providing a supportive route to educational and employment success. By covering transportation costs, offering refreshments, and providing a living wage, we ensure that participants can engage fully and without worry.

Pro-Social Activities & Community Engagement

Held at the Barrie Georgian College campus, Shift Disturbers helps participants become comfortable in an academic setting, laying the groundwork for future educational endeavors. The program promotes pro-social activities that enhance both technical and interpersonal skills within a positive, encouraging environment. Each motorcycle project is a metaphorical and literal journey toward personal growth and community contribution.

Changing Course Lab Project

Our curriculum, shaped by restorative justice principles, aims to make a lasting positive impact:

Confidence Building

Empowering youth through skill mastery and personal milestones.

Community and Socialization

Creating a sense of belonging and mutual support.

 

Skill Development

Providing a robust mix of technical and soft skills.

Education and Employment Readiness

Equipping participants for future academic and career success.

 

Risk Reduction

Tackling the root causes of criminalization and recidivism.

 

#ShiftDisterburs

Building Community

The Shift Disturbers program will be held in the motorcycle garage at the Barrie campus of Georgian College! This unique initiative offers a blend of technical and soft skills training, incorporating a motorcycle restoration project with a restorative justice group program. You’ll get to work on real bikes, picking up valuable trade skills, while also diving into important topics like leadership, communication, empathy, and ownership. These skills will not only help you get ready for job opportunities or further education but also connect you with your community in a positive way.

The program will run from November 2024 to February 2025, with weekly 3-hour sessions over 10 weeks. We are proud to offer participants a living wage to support their involvement, along with coverage for transportation expenses and refreshments. We can’t wait for you to join us and see how this experience can make a difference in your life.

APPLY HERE

Invest in the Future

Join us in supporting Shift Disturbers. Your contributions will directly impact the lives of youth, providing them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to forge a brighter future. Together, we can inspire change and build stronger communities, one motorcycle at a time.

Inclusive Development

Central to our approach is the inclusion of Youth Leaders who bring their lived experiences and leadership skills to the program. Compensated for their contributions, these leaders ensure the curriculum is relevant and impactful. By embodying the principle of “nothing about us without us,” we create a program that truly resonates with and supports its participants.

#RideTeamGeorgian

Working Together

The Georgian College Motorcycle Program is partnering with Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka on a unique program for youth. Shift Disturbers is about learning rebuild a motorcycle as way of supporting youth rebuild themselves to ‘change course’ and follow pathways into higher education or meaningful employment.

By joining #RideTeamGeorgian September 26th and 27th, you will be supporting youth in our community through a new program established on a shared love of motorcycles, belonging and belief that youth when supported can achieve a brighter future for themselves and our community.

Register

#RideTeamGeorgian

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