For DEAL.org, the Royal Canadian Mounted Polices by-youth, for-youth crime prevention website, it’s out with the old and in with the new.
The award-winning resource, which was created in 1997, has unveiled a revamped and redesigned site.
“As a by-youth, for-youth initiative, we are uniquely qualified to act as a voice for young Canadians,” says Erin Mulvihill, acting manager of the RCMPs Youth Engagement Section, which publishes DEAL.org. “Improving the site to better serve our target audience will allow us to continue to do that.”
DEAL.org aims to help reduce youth involvement in crime as victims and/or offenders. The site profiles positive youth-led initiatives across Canada and raises awareness on topics such as bullying, impaired driving, dating violence, drugs and gangs. It also facilitates a national youth advisory committee, which provides young people a secure, online forum to discuss issues that matter to them.
“Canadian youth have great ideas and a unique point of view that we want to hear,” says Insp. Shelly DuPont, the officer in charge of RCMP National Crime Prevention Services. “By encouraging youth across Canada to connect with the site and the youth that run it, DEAL.org is able to tailor the site to reflect what youth want.”
In addition to a new look, the sites monthly webzine has been replaced by regular blog-style posts to keep up with the pace of online media.
“Young people are used to having new information at their fingertips and getting it fast,” says Mulvihill. “We wanted the new site to be as current as possible so that we can better meet the needs of young people across Canada.”
The site also continues to be a prime destination for adult audiences. Its toolbox of research-based presentations, videos and other resources offers advice on how parents, educators, police officers and youth workers can best support youth and the issues they face.
“Supporting youth is one of the RCMP’s five strategic priorities,” says Dupont. “By providing a forum for expression and promoting leadership, DEAL.org encourages youth to make positive decisions and to get involved in their schools and communities.”
To discover the new DEAL.org, visit deal.org.
