Yellowknife (Sep 29/06) - "You! You're wearing red, what are your ideas?" Lois Little asked as she pointed a microphone at a red-clad woman.

Breaking into colour teams might sound like a children's game, but this group was discussing youth and what can be done to make their lives healthier and happier.

The workshop is part of the Youth Action Plan, which was created by Lutra Associates Ltd., a socio-economic research firm.

After surveying youth on the streets, they created a plan for improving the lives of the younger set in Yellowknife, Ndilo, and Dettah.

Thirty-five youth and organizations catering to youth have gathered in Yellowknife to brainstorm how they can make the plan a reality.

Organizers tried to keep the mood light and the ideas flowing, hence dividing the youth into colour teams.

"We're drawing ideas out of people and deciding whether the ideas will work," said Clint Deakin, 27, a youth facilitator at the workshop.

Spencer Heslep, co-facilitator of the event, said they are making progress.

The plan, which is funded by Human Resources Skills Development Canada, includes enhancing youth's self-esteem, helping them find good jobs, and creating safe places for them to hang out, he said.

The priorities of the plan, said Heslep, are to create a youth council and begin planning for a youth centre. He said both are looking viable.

"We want it to be a one-stop shop," said Deakin, of the youth centre.

"All youth services in one building," he said. "A centrally located resource centre with everything from employment help to counselling."

The youth centre and council are still in the beginning stages, said Heslep.

However, one thing is certain. "It's going to be youth-driven," he said.

It wasn't always that way. Alanna Fitzgerald, 23, is on the steering committee for the action plan.

"At first the plan was made of all adults and then someone said 'hey, we're doing a youth action plan without any youth at the table. That's where we came in," said Fitzgerald.

While those involved are excited about getting started right away, the Youth Action Plan will be implemented over five years, said Heslep.