F-YOU is an inviting, tell-all event that aligns personal growth with self-improvement. Speakers, a mix of race, age and gender, speak about a time in their lives they had to for give either themselves or another. This event has the potential to impact our community and young adults by way of real- life portrayals of hardships, and over coming barriers that at one point seemed insurmountable. Hearing first-hand trials and tribulations from people just like us can open the door to motivate and inspire us to do better, to be better, and most importantly, feel better.

We at the F-You Project share a desire to see more unity and confidence among our generation.. In a world filled with anger and resentment, it becomes easy to harden our hearts to the idea of letting go. Forgiveness is not permission, or predisposed justification – it is the release of detrimental feelings, thoughts and emotions that can consume us. The panel is an impassioned and inspiring event, featuring speakers who have overstepped the line between being a victim and being a survivor in the face of their own internal adversities. A true showcase of strength and inner character, F-You will reveal how forgiveness is the power to heal yourself and others by resisting blame and granting pardon to those who have wronged us. With guest speakers from every walk of life, including the ever-testing entertainment industry, F-You will encourage and empower all of us to let go… for no one other than ourselves.

Problem

Our focal point has been Toronto, Ontario - our hometown - because of the increase in gun violence. However, after running the Project and seeing great success, we have made the decision to branch out to other themes. We feel this Project is limitless. We've touched our city and are ready to touch a nation. We require minimal finances and literally no other equipment other than a mic and a room. We know there is a need because in our 15 months of running the Project, we've had over 2000 attendees and a 76% return rate.

Solution

We believe in the power of the human story. We believe that our tragedies and scars do not define us, yet they showcase our strength and resilience - which needs to be told. Our Project is typically event based, with a panel of speakers who are known to the community for being either leaders or tastemakers, and everyone involved is able to have a chance to express their experiences. We've been able to tap into a community that is known for being least interested in discussing feelings and emotions, and have witnessed a change.