Today's BIY is not an article, but rather a thought. I would love this to be the start of a discussion.
Over the last 2-3 years, I have been working on a couple different start-up companies. As a result, I have taken a lot of enjoyment from studying the markets for products--particularly consumer goods and internet services. When I started this blog, the idea was to eventually become a non-profit run in a for-profit business model. This week, I came across a Design 21 Competition called Power to the Pedal.
"The DESIGN 21 series challenges designers of all disciplines to find solutions to social and global issues. It’s guided by UNESCO’s premise that education, science, technology, culture and communication are tools to spread knowledge and information, build awareness and foster dialogue."
Inspired by the plot, I think this can be taken to the next level to create a phenomenal project in social entrepreneurship. Read on...
THE IDEA
Providing innovative solutions to everyday problems in poverty stricken regions.
SUMMARY
When people believe in ideas, they do not need to be monetarily compensated for their effort. Think Wikipedia. Think the translation of Facebook. With this in mind, I want to create a worldwide network to design and develop products that will solve everyday problems in poverty stricken regions.
People in poverty stricken regions face countless problems that those in developed nations take for granted--access to food and water, transportation, medical supplies, power supplies, shelter, and many more categories come to mind. Creative minds around the world have a plethora of ideas to help solve these problems economically. This business will connect the two.
HOW TO DO IT
1. Use an open social platform to create a network of product designers who will create solutions to everyday problems in poverty stricken regions.
2. Take investment to develop the best solutions--as decided by the network.
3. Create an e-commerce solution to sell the products before manufacturing, and mass manufacture based on demand. Products will be purchased by people around the world for those in poverty stricken regions. All revenues over manufacturing costs will be put back into the company for product development.
4. When enough units of a product are ordered to create economies of scale, manufacture using an approved facility in a developing nation and distribute in the specified regions.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL IT TAKE?
1. To begin, one full time person to coordinate all elements. This person must be able to build and maintain both the networking platform and the e-commerce solution. He/she must also be able to oversee the production and distribution of products. As we start to manufacture more products at the same time, more people may be necessary.
2. Marketing Department: Members of entrepreneurship clubs worldwide
3. Designers: Worldwide volunteers interested in seeing their designs developed and manufactured
4. Manufacturing: Approved facility in developing nation
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL IT TAKE?
I believe this project can begin under $100,000 and become self-sustainable thereafter.
WHY WOULD THIS BE A GOOD NON-PROFIT?
There are tons of charities out there--too many to count. For a person who wants to give to a charity, it is very difficult to decide. Moreover, when giving to a charity, it is even more difficult to know where your money is actually going. This project would be completely transparent--every cost would be broken out and made readily accessible to the public. For every purchase someone made, they would see exactly how much money goes to the manufacturing and distribution of a product, where the product is going and how it is helping, and how much money is going to future product development.
So, this is a fairly brief synopsis of the idea. But, what do you all think? Ridiculous or realistic?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
NAACP Detroit Deputy Director
Who: Donnell White
Age: 31
What: NAACP Detroit Deputy Director
After a week-long hiatus, BIY is back with a great story about the NAACP Detroit Deputy Director. This story is from The Detroit News.
Be sure to check out the blog as well, where we just installed a great google gadget pulling stories about people making a difference.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Desire to make a difference runs in the family
Detroit NAACP deputy director represents next generation of leaders.
Candice Williams / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- During the mid-1980s, young Donnell White watched as the city's elite arrived for meetings at his great-grandparents' home in the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood.
Shelton Tappes, a former United Auto Workers executive board member, and his wife, Louise, also active in the community, opened their home to the likes of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and former Mayor Coleman A. Young.
Even with a family heavily involved in community activism, it wasn't always apparent to White, who today is deputy executive director of the Detroit NAACP, that he would follow the same path. But, at 31, he's quickly building a reputation as an emerging leader in Metro Detroit.
"I used to want to be a pediatrician, on the SWAT team, and my real passion was to work for an accounting firm," said White, who had a change of heart when he began volunteering at the NAACP. "I found everything I wanted to accomplish careerwise I could do here. The work we do really makes a difference."
Since becoming deputy director last year -- the youngest in branch history to hold the position -- White has led event panels and helped organize the Detroit NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, which draws 10,000 people to Cobo Center each year.
Friends, co-workers and community leaders describe him as informed, kindhearted and a voice to be heard.
"He is a perfect representation of the next generation of leaders," said Tonette Bryant-Carter, senior development officer for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. "He's very involved in the community."
Making his own job
White's career path began as a volunteer in 2001 at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's Detroit branch, the country's largest.
"He was pretty impressive because he created a job for himself," said Heaster Wheeler, branch executive director. "I was wondering why he kept showing up. I said, 'Since you're sitting there, you may as well answer the phone.' And all of a sudden, we learned that he had very good skills with people."
White worked as an office assistant for a couple of years. Then he became director of youth and education programs and coordinated a youth competition, ACT-SO, which stands for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics.
He was promoted to deputy executive director shortly after working on a campaign against Proposal 2, a state constitutional amendment that banned affirmative action in Michigan's university admissions and in government hiring. The position had been vacant for a couple of years.
In this role, White oversees the branch's day-to-day operations, meets with community members and is branch spokesman.
"If I decided to move on, I would feel very comfortable that a power succession would be in place," Wheeler said, adding that White brings balance to the organization.
The 21-year age difference between them is an asset, she said.
"We view our lives and community through different eyes," Wheeler said. "His way of viewing the world helps bridge what would have been a generational divide."
Encouraging others' activity
Recently, White visited Westside Academy, where he talked to a group of high school students at about racial profiling, prison population growth and expansion and the importance of being active in the community.
"I told them, 'If you don't join the NAACP, join your block club. If you don't join your block club, join one of the auxiliaries at church,'" he said. "And if it isn't one of those, just try something that you're fed up dealing with and make a commitment that you're going to make a difference about that."
Albert Jones, a member of the parent group at Westside, said it's inspiring for the young people to see White in a high position at the NAACP. Jones has known him for about 10 years.
They attend Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, where White is a worship leader.
"We have some boys that haven't been so good," Jones said. "They're beginning to see some men they want to look to as role models. (White) is one of those persons."
Born during a family trip to Chicago, White lived briefly in Detroit, grew up in Taylor and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School before earning a finance degree from Michigan State University in 2001.
Last year, White led a group of about 100 Metro Detroiters to Jena, La., to protest the treatment of six black high school students accused of beating a white classmate. Months before, in August 2006, nooses were hung from a tree at the school. In January, when the master of ceremonies couldn't make it to a Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Charles H. Wright Museum, officials turned to White to bail them out.
"He stepped right in and didn't miss a beat," Bryant-Carter said. "He stayed on task. He asked the right questions of the panelists. He was there as ... a guest, but then he put on another hat and did his thing."
When asked if people are dismissive because of his age, White notes that King became involved in the civil rights movement in his 20s.
As for the future, White would consider running for a public office. City clerk, county clerk or secretary of state would be a good fit for him, he said.
"I come from a family that wanted to make a difference," he said. "That makes the work I do worthwhile."
You can reach Candice Williams at (517) 552-5504 or cwilliams@detnews.com.
Age: 31
What: NAACP Detroit Deputy Director
After a week-long hiatus, BIY is back with a great story about the NAACP Detroit Deputy Director. This story is from The Detroit News.
Be sure to check out the blog as well, where we just installed a great google gadget pulling stories about people making a difference.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Desire to make a difference runs in the family
Detroit NAACP deputy director represents next generation of leaders.
Candice Williams / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- During the mid-1980s, young Donnell White watched as the city's elite arrived for meetings at his great-grandparents' home in the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood.
Shelton Tappes, a former United Auto Workers executive board member, and his wife, Louise, also active in the community, opened their home to the likes of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and former Mayor Coleman A. Young.
Even with a family heavily involved in community activism, it wasn't always apparent to White, who today is deputy executive director of the Detroit NAACP, that he would follow the same path. But, at 31, he's quickly building a reputation as an emerging leader in Metro Detroit.
"I used to want to be a pediatrician, on the SWAT team, and my real passion was to work for an accounting firm," said White, who had a change of heart when he began volunteering at the NAACP. "I found everything I wanted to accomplish careerwise I could do here. The work we do really makes a difference."
Since becoming deputy director last year -- the youngest in branch history to hold the position -- White has led event panels and helped organize the Detroit NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, which draws 10,000 people to Cobo Center each year.
Friends, co-workers and community leaders describe him as informed, kindhearted and a voice to be heard.
"He is a perfect representation of the next generation of leaders," said Tonette Bryant-Carter, senior development officer for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. "He's very involved in the community."
Making his own job
White's career path began as a volunteer in 2001 at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's Detroit branch, the country's largest.
"He was pretty impressive because he created a job for himself," said Heaster Wheeler, branch executive director. "I was wondering why he kept showing up. I said, 'Since you're sitting there, you may as well answer the phone.' And all of a sudden, we learned that he had very good skills with people."
White worked as an office assistant for a couple of years. Then he became director of youth and education programs and coordinated a youth competition, ACT-SO, which stands for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics.
He was promoted to deputy executive director shortly after working on a campaign against Proposal 2, a state constitutional amendment that banned affirmative action in Michigan's university admissions and in government hiring. The position had been vacant for a couple of years.
In this role, White oversees the branch's day-to-day operations, meets with community members and is branch spokesman.
"If I decided to move on, I would feel very comfortable that a power succession would be in place," Wheeler said, adding that White brings balance to the organization.
The 21-year age difference between them is an asset, she said.
"We view our lives and community through different eyes," Wheeler said. "His way of viewing the world helps bridge what would have been a generational divide."
Encouraging others' activity
Recently, White visited Westside Academy, where he talked to a group of high school students at about racial profiling, prison population growth and expansion and the importance of being active in the community.
"I told them, 'If you don't join the NAACP, join your block club. If you don't join your block club, join one of the auxiliaries at church,'" he said. "And if it isn't one of those, just try something that you're fed up dealing with and make a commitment that you're going to make a difference about that."
Albert Jones, a member of the parent group at Westside, said it's inspiring for the young people to see White in a high position at the NAACP. Jones has known him for about 10 years.
They attend Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, where White is a worship leader.
"We have some boys that haven't been so good," Jones said. "They're beginning to see some men they want to look to as role models. (White) is one of those persons."
Born during a family trip to Chicago, White lived briefly in Detroit, grew up in Taylor and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School before earning a finance degree from Michigan State University in 2001.
Last year, White led a group of about 100 Metro Detroiters to Jena, La., to protest the treatment of six black high school students accused of beating a white classmate. Months before, in August 2006, nooses were hung from a tree at the school. In January, when the master of ceremonies couldn't make it to a Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Charles H. Wright Museum, officials turned to White to bail them out.
"He stepped right in and didn't miss a beat," Bryant-Carter said. "He stayed on task. He asked the right questions of the panelists. He was there as ... a guest, but then he put on another hat and did his thing."
When asked if people are dismissive because of his age, White notes that King became involved in the civil rights movement in his 20s.
As for the future, White would consider running for a public office. City clerk, county clerk or secretary of state would be a good fit for him, he said.
"I come from a family that wanted to make a difference," he said. "That makes the work I do worthwhile."
You can reach Candice Williams at (517) 552-5504 or cwilliams@detnews.com.
Monday, May 26, 2008
WWF Volunteers
Who: Martina Lippuner
Age: early 20's
What: WWF Volunteer
This week's story is about a WWF Volunteer in Madagascar. Martina took part in the Simpona Project, Andapa, Antsiranana, Oct-Dec 2007. There is also a great video in the link. Enjoy.
ABOUT ME
I am in my last year of Environmental Engineering with focus on Environmental Education. As part of my studies we are allowed to go abroad to get some practical work experience. The WWF Explore Programme offered me exactly what I had hoped for. Having traveled a lot in southern Africa, I was very keen on getting to know more of that corner of the world. And also did the “Projet Simpona” give me the amazing opportunity to see first hand how environmental education works in a developing country. I couldn’t believe it when I got accepted. An amazing experience was about to start…
My advice
Volunteering with the WWF is a once in a lifetime chance. You get to see places a normal tourist hardly ever sees. You meet people you would not, if it was not for WWF. You really get to know how conservation works in a country very different from yours. And last but not least, you gain unforgettable memories and – if you are lucky – friends for a lifetime.
To share is a basic principle of Malagasy life and you will learn that even a poor person may invite you for dinner. Expect to have a funny tummy most of the times – but learn not to concentrate too much on it. Be sure to be fed up with rice at some point – but look forward to how much you can enjoy a plate of pasta after a while.
Do not be scared that you will face a mountain of work – rather plan what you will come up with when you have to wait. Do not expect people to tell you what you should do, you will have a lot of freedom to participate and be creative.
You are not guaranteed to see wildlife at its best – the WWF works where there is need, so you will see a lot of threatened landscapes and maybe no lemurs.
You can be sure to learn a lot of Malagasy – if you want to. But do not think you can have a philosophical debate with a wise old person in this language. Expect to see shocking things but do not let people see that you are shocked. Be prepared to meet people that might change your life, and be aware of the possibility that you change a person’s life, too.
Do not expect to change the whole world though, especially not in three months. Be prepared to slow down big time and focus on only a few goals, those that mean most to you. Expect to deal with misunderstandings – not only with the local people where the language barrier might be big – also within your explorer team everyone comes from a different country.
Be prepared for an incredible experience and so much inspiration for your future!
Age: early 20's
What: WWF Volunteer
This week's story is about a WWF Volunteer in Madagascar. Martina took part in the Simpona Project, Andapa, Antsiranana, Oct-Dec 2007. There is also a great video in the link. Enjoy.
ABOUT ME
I am in my last year of Environmental Engineering with focus on Environmental Education. As part of my studies we are allowed to go abroad to get some practical work experience. The WWF Explore Programme offered me exactly what I had hoped for. Having traveled a lot in southern Africa, I was very keen on getting to know more of that corner of the world. And also did the “Projet Simpona” give me the amazing opportunity to see first hand how environmental education works in a developing country. I couldn’t believe it when I got accepted. An amazing experience was about to start…
My advice
Volunteering with the WWF is a once in a lifetime chance. You get to see places a normal tourist hardly ever sees. You meet people you would not, if it was not for WWF. You really get to know how conservation works in a country very different from yours. And last but not least, you gain unforgettable memories and – if you are lucky – friends for a lifetime.
To share is a basic principle of Malagasy life and you will learn that even a poor person may invite you for dinner. Expect to have a funny tummy most of the times – but learn not to concentrate too much on it. Be sure to be fed up with rice at some point – but look forward to how much you can enjoy a plate of pasta after a while.
Do not be scared that you will face a mountain of work – rather plan what you will come up with when you have to wait. Do not expect people to tell you what you should do, you will have a lot of freedom to participate and be creative.
You are not guaranteed to see wildlife at its best – the WWF works where there is need, so you will see a lot of threatened landscapes and maybe no lemurs.
You can be sure to learn a lot of Malagasy – if you want to. But do not think you can have a philosophical debate with a wise old person in this language. Expect to see shocking things but do not let people see that you are shocked. Be prepared to meet people that might change your life, and be aware of the possibility that you change a person’s life, too.
Do not expect to change the whole world though, especially not in three months. Be prepared to slow down big time and focus on only a few goals, those that mean most to you. Expect to deal with misunderstandings – not only with the local people where the language barrier might be big – also within your explorer team everyone comes from a different country.
Be prepared for an incredible experience and so much inspiration for your future!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Video Friday: Youth All Stars
This week we bring you a quick video about youth volunteers in Minnesota.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Seminar focuses on youth sports
Who: Coaches
Age: Various
What: Making the Youth Sports Experience Better
This article isn't about the youth and what their doing, but it is about what Coaches are doing to make Youth Sports experience even better. Coaches gathered for this seminar getting to learn how to better enrich the Student-Athlete experience--which I think is vital for our youths of today and thought that it would be a little different change of pace BIY article. This article can be found at The Times Tribune.
Seminar focuses on youth sports
BY ASHLEY TEATUM / SPECIAL TO THE TIMES-TRIBUNE
05/21/2008
With the motto " Helping Coaches, Helping Kids," the Joe Bocchicchio Foundation, formed at The University of Scranton, hopes to better educate coaches to serve their student athletes.
"The foundation is our initiative to promote coaching education to all levels, particularly the youth sports level," explained Dr. Jack O'Malley, professor of sports psychology at the university.
With this in mind, O'Malley organized Tuesday's seminar in Brennan Hall at the University of Scranton.
There, several faculty members and representatives discussed the benefits of the involvement of the American Sport Education Program ( ASEP) for high school sports and youth sports in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Simultaneously, on another level of Brennan Hall, coaches trained for eight hours to receive coaching certification.
ASEP provides classroom workshops and training for those who wish to coach throughout the United States. O'Malley and the university are helping to "get the ball rolling" in Pennsylvania's District 2.
"Our dream is to ask people to be trained to be ASEP instructors and be volunteer teachers," O'Malley said. " We're not addressing a problem. The goal is to do this to enrich the student-athlete experience as much as possible, to make the most positive student- athlete experience possible. It's not like we have all these problems we have to solve. That's not the perspective."
O'Malley invited superintendents and other administrators from area high schools, including Pam Murray, principal of Abington Heights High School, to discuss ways to implement the program within the region. " We're looking to better serve our student- athletes," Murray said. " The program would be a tool in which we could educate our coaches with the philosophy, again, to put student athletes first, wining second, and to better serve our student-athletes."
An administrator and the athletic director from Abington Heights received the training Tuesday as well. Murray said they would "go back and discuss the information" once training and the seminar had ended.
ASEP focuses not just on the " x's and o's" of coaching, explained Robert Buckanavage, the executive director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.
"We all believe that if you better prepare your coaches, you're going to have a better opportunity that the student will have a positive sports experience," Buckanavage said. " It's about training, educating and learning."
The five aspects of the program, he continued, include coaching principles, psychology, pedagogy, training principles, and risk management, like first aid and AED operation.
"If ( coaches) learn those things, they're building a good foundation," Buckanavage added.
Several superintendents expressed concern about the amount of time or the cost that such a program would require. According to Buckanavage and Jerry Reeder, a national program consultant for ASEP, the cost for the program would be $ 60 a coach. As compared to some clinics that require upward of $ 300, O'Malley added, this inconvenience is minimal.
ASEP also offers an online course for training to be completed at a coach's own leisure. That option eradicates the face- to- face instruction that Reeder felt was necessary for training. In workshops, veteran coaches, new coaches and other staff members interact with one another.
"That's the one thing you cannot duplicate in an online course," Reeder said.
Other University staff members started to build that strong foundation on the first floor of Brennan Hall. University of Scranton women's basketball coach Mike Strong, for example, aided in the discussion and led training for the coaches receiving certification.
"The more we get together, the more we share," Strong said. " It's not like one person knows more than someone else. It's all about giving back to your sport. It's this Jesuit school: It not only personifies, but it promotes this."
ASEP, founded by Rainer Martens in 1981, believes that coaches hold the key to making the sports experience a positive one for student athletes. The Joe Bocchicchio Foundation and District 2 schools are looking into how to continue this mission through its sports programs in the coming school year.
"This region has a real distinct opportunity to make a difference," Buckanavage said. " It's going to be different, but it'll be very special. Every region has traditions. This northeast region has deep traditions in sport, and the community identifies with that."
Age: Various
What: Making the Youth Sports Experience Better
This article isn't about the youth and what their doing, but it is about what Coaches are doing to make Youth Sports experience even better. Coaches gathered for this seminar getting to learn how to better enrich the Student-Athlete experience--which I think is vital for our youths of today and thought that it would be a little different change of pace BIY article. This article can be found at The Times Tribune.
Seminar focuses on youth sports
BY ASHLEY TEATUM / SPECIAL TO THE TIMES-TRIBUNE
05/21/2008
With the motto " Helping Coaches, Helping Kids," the Joe Bocchicchio Foundation, formed at The University of Scranton, hopes to better educate coaches to serve their student athletes.
"The foundation is our initiative to promote coaching education to all levels, particularly the youth sports level," explained Dr. Jack O'Malley, professor of sports psychology at the university.
With this in mind, O'Malley organized Tuesday's seminar in Brennan Hall at the University of Scranton.
There, several faculty members and representatives discussed the benefits of the involvement of the American Sport Education Program ( ASEP) for high school sports and youth sports in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Simultaneously, on another level of Brennan Hall, coaches trained for eight hours to receive coaching certification.
ASEP provides classroom workshops and training for those who wish to coach throughout the United States. O'Malley and the university are helping to "get the ball rolling" in Pennsylvania's District 2.
"Our dream is to ask people to be trained to be ASEP instructors and be volunteer teachers," O'Malley said. " We're not addressing a problem. The goal is to do this to enrich the student-athlete experience as much as possible, to make the most positive student- athlete experience possible. It's not like we have all these problems we have to solve. That's not the perspective."
O'Malley invited superintendents and other administrators from area high schools, including Pam Murray, principal of Abington Heights High School, to discuss ways to implement the program within the region. " We're looking to better serve our student- athletes," Murray said. " The program would be a tool in which we could educate our coaches with the philosophy, again, to put student athletes first, wining second, and to better serve our student-athletes."
An administrator and the athletic director from Abington Heights received the training Tuesday as well. Murray said they would "go back and discuss the information" once training and the seminar had ended.
ASEP focuses not just on the " x's and o's" of coaching, explained Robert Buckanavage, the executive director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.
"We all believe that if you better prepare your coaches, you're going to have a better opportunity that the student will have a positive sports experience," Buckanavage said. " It's about training, educating and learning."
The five aspects of the program, he continued, include coaching principles, psychology, pedagogy, training principles, and risk management, like first aid and AED operation.
"If ( coaches) learn those things, they're building a good foundation," Buckanavage added.
Several superintendents expressed concern about the amount of time or the cost that such a program would require. According to Buckanavage and Jerry Reeder, a national program consultant for ASEP, the cost for the program would be $ 60 a coach. As compared to some clinics that require upward of $ 300, O'Malley added, this inconvenience is minimal.
ASEP also offers an online course for training to be completed at a coach's own leisure. That option eradicates the face- to- face instruction that Reeder felt was necessary for training. In workshops, veteran coaches, new coaches and other staff members interact with one another.
"That's the one thing you cannot duplicate in an online course," Reeder said.
Other University staff members started to build that strong foundation on the first floor of Brennan Hall. University of Scranton women's basketball coach Mike Strong, for example, aided in the discussion and led training for the coaches receiving certification.
"The more we get together, the more we share," Strong said. " It's not like one person knows more than someone else. It's all about giving back to your sport. It's this Jesuit school: It not only personifies, but it promotes this."
ASEP, founded by Rainer Martens in 1981, believes that coaches hold the key to making the sports experience a positive one for student athletes. The Joe Bocchicchio Foundation and District 2 schools are looking into how to continue this mission through its sports programs in the coming school year.
"This region has a real distinct opportunity to make a difference," Buckanavage said. " It's going to be different, but it'll be very special. Every region has traditions. This northeast region has deep traditions in sport, and the community identifies with that."
Monday, May 19, 2008
Young Leaders in New Zealand
Who: Young Leaders in New Zealand
Age: Under 35
What: Leading the Way in NZ
This week's Sunday article is about young leaders in New Zealand who are changing the face of business and doing good while they are at it. From Find Articles.
COVER STORY : 35 BELOW - Young leaders to watch
Ruth Le Pla
These 17 young leaders are just the tip of an iceberg of talent. They, and others like them, will shape our country's future. They front up. Dig in. Speak out. Give back. They see the future and go make it happen. They challenge assumptions and galvanise change. Their vision ripples out into their communities.
They represent a cultural smorgasbord running the full gamut of leadership styles: From unassuming, consultative, introspection to dynamic, full-frontal assault. Some lead through quiet action. Others dream audacious dreams and magnetise those around them to their cause.
To select these young leaders we went out to organisations that have robust mechanisms in place to spot, assess, nurture or reward our nation's emerging leaders: The Sir Peter Blake Trust, Leadership New Zealand, the New Zealand Institute of Management, the Aspiring Leaders Forum, Creative New Zealand and Excelerator. It's our part in the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Week www.nzleadershipweek.org which kicks off later this month.
The final selection of these leaders remains ours. While there is a strong tilt towards business, their involvement spans every niche: from working with at-risk youth, to the environment, politics, education, cross-cultural communications, design, sport, law, art and even aeronautics.
Most remain refreshingly open and receptive. They are keenly aware they've still got lots to learn. Some are being nurtured, stretched and challenged on formal leadership programmes. Others are going it alone, shoulder tapping people they admire to mentor and guide them.
They are all aged below 35. We present them here in a gloriously random order.
KIM ACLAND
As its general manager, Kim Acland heads up the "fervently New Zealand and artistically adventurous" Auckland Theatre Company.
Admirers say she is not afraid to confront challenges, address them and move on. In a testing environment she focuses on the long- term good of the organisation and has the courage to make important and difficult decisions. All this on an ego the size of a pinhead.
In her few years in the role she's already placed the company on a much firmer financial footing. She has managed the company's recovery and ensured its survival. Importantly for the company's long-term prospects, observers say that she works in a genuine partnership with the Auckland Theatre Company's artistic director Colin McColl.
EMELINE AFEAKI-MAFILEO
Described by one observer as compassionate and a woman of stature, Emeline Afeaki-Mafileo sees a need and gears up for action. People who know her say her humble and unassuming approach belies her strong convictions and ability to get things done. Afeaki-Mafileo's forte is her ability to gather people around her, encourage, train and then mobilise them for action.
She's making a significant contribution to the economic transformation and development of young people in South Auckland through her company Affirming Works, a Pacific youth mentoring and training organisation.
Afeaki-Mafileo, who now has a Master of Philosophy majoring in social science from Massey University, first hit the streets as a youth worker when she was 19.
Her work has also led to the establishment of the Fofola Consultancy which contributes to policy development and played a vital part towards the Pacific Youth Development Strategy for Auckland which Prime Minister Helen Clark launched last year. Afeaki- Mafileo is now being asked to help write policy internationally for Pacific Island nations and is said to be highly esteemed by our current Government.
Afeaki-Mafileo also takes a leadership role in the Pacific community by serving as an advisor to a number of community organisations: Community advisor to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Phil Goff; member of the National Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Community Services; Youth Court and Youth Court Pacific Community Liaison Service; and Pacific representative on the Youth Mentoring Association.
Most recently she's been working as a "youth collaborator" as part of a government-funded response to growing gang problems in South Auckland's Mangere, Otara and Flat Bush, where a man was killed last November.
MARCUS AKUHATA-BROWN
Renowned for his compelling speeches and great motivational skills, Marcus Akuhata-Brown has spent much of his working life addressing the needs of young people.
He has travelled extensively internationally as both a national and international representative and delegate on youth-related concerns. He was a director on the international board of the World Alliance for Citizen Partnership (Civicus), an international organisation which focuses on strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.
From 1998 to 2001 he headed the Commonwealth Youth Caucus whose programmes help young people play a greater part in economic and social development. And he has led a number of other innovative alternative education programmes addressing the learning needs of youth at risk and young offenders.
People who know him praise his uncanny ability to connect with, and motivate, people from varied backgrounds. A qualified teacher, he is seen by some as a strong role model with a highly developed social conscience. He has the ability to think strategically and is a creative problem solver.
Akuhata-Brown grew up on the East Coast. His father is Ngati Porou (Tuwhakairiora) from Te Araroa on the East Cape and his mother has English and Welsh ancestry.
Now back in New Zealand, Akuhata-Brown founded Tukaha Global Consultancy in 2000 and is currently involved in speaking and consultancy work, land development in Te Araroa and personal studies through Te Wananga-o-Raukawa.
ANUSHIYA AYINGARAN
Openly and refreshingly ambitious, Anushiya Ayingaran's leadership style is empathetic and inclusive. She's already made a big impact at the not-for-profit Nurse Maude Association where she's general manager corporate services. Ayingaran has cut through a cocktail of conservative attitudes and funding and political pressures to re- energise staff and win respect.
Notable achievements include a process improvement project within the association's Homecare Service and the development of the association's strategic plan.
People who know her say she's got outstanding training, staff mentoring and communication skills. Her positive and action-oriented approach won Ayingaran the NZIM Young Executive of the Year Award two years ago. Since then, in a move that will ensure her a place in Nurse Maude's annals, she's broken free of 110 years of history and launched the association's first ever branch outside its home territory of Canterbury.
After three years in her current job she's now making no secret of her desire to take on a more senior role. Ayingaran has just been elected to the board of NZIM Canterbury.
She's on the record as stating that she wants to become a CEO or GM of an innovative organisation and in 20 years' time is aiming for directorships in organisations where she can serve the community.
PRIVAHINI BRADOO
Privahini Bradoo has packed a lot into her eight years in New Zealand. She quickly notched up a biomedical science degree from Auckland University and topped it with a PhD in neuroscience. She also cottoned on to the yawning gap between the worlds of business and science and has spearheaded two initiatives to help bridge the divide.
In 2003, despite her lack of business knowledge at that stage, she was chosen to become the inaugural CEO of spark*, a University of Auckland venture aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship. Bradoo also co-founded and led the establishment of biotech innovation network Chiasma.
Her reputation as a hard worker means that Bradoo leads by example. She is said to engage people with her enthusiasm and modesty, and her leadership is genuine, natural and authentic. Her enthusiasm helps her build momentum for ideas in an atmosphere of possibility and success.
She won the inaugural Dean's Excellence Award in 2004 for outstanding leadership and innovation in the development of an entrepreneurial culture amongst staff and students.
That same year North & South magazine profiled her as one of eight promising young New Zealand entrepreneurs.
Bradoo heads off next month on a US$100,000 Fulbright Scholarship to crack into a Harvard MBA. She has signalled that she intends to come back to New Zealand. Her stated dream is to set up a New Zealand biotech enterprise that will take Kiwi ingenuity to the world.
STEVEN CARDEN
Steven Carden's potential was publicly bookmarked last year when the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards judges named him as one of their six emerging leaders.
For one so young, Carden has been quietly plugging away at making stuff happen for a significant proportion of his adult life. Back in 1998 he set up the First Foundation to help talented but financially disadvantaged youth. It has since blossomed into a substantial non- profit organisation with operations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Since then he's been working in the United States for McKinsey and Co and has set up two other organisations: KEA Boston - a chapter of the Kiwi Expatriates Association; and Friends of CCE - a US-based non- profit group that raises funds to help rehabilitate inmates in Ecuadorian prisons (where Carden worked as a volunteer in 2003).
From a very young age, Carden has had a reputation for big picture thinking and for convincing those around him that his vision for a better future will work. One contact describes him as "one of those quiet determined leaders".
Carden is due to return to New Zealand later this year and has made it clear that he intends to settle. Current projects include a book on New Zealand's ability to cope in a changing world. It is due for release in June next year.
BEN GREEN
Enthusiastic and motivated, Ben Green has been described as a servant leader; giving his time for others and wanting the best for those around him. His reputation is for seeing beyond career and money to the pursuit of a better society.
Based in Auckland, he is passionate about his home city. Through his work he wants to see New Zealand businesses grow and compete successfully on the international stage. Through his personal life he aims to help create a city where people love to live and bring up their children. He is known to be keen to use his position of influence in business to also be influential in the community.
Green has a Masters in Commerce (first class honours) from Auckland University. After working for IBM in Auckland and London, he came home in 1999 to co-found Grey Lynn-based multimedia and film production company Zoomslide Media. He is now the marketing manager for business solutions at Microsoft.
The company has nominated Green to take part in the Committee for Auckland's two-year Future Auckland Leadership Programme which fosters leadership and a knowledge of the region within a group of young Aucklanders.
Green is also a mentor with the First Foundation whose vision is to assist academically talented and financially disadvantaged New Zealand students achieve their potential through tertiary education and to prepare them to positively influence and benefit their communities. It is another conduit for him to connect with other future leaders and pass on his knowledge, skill and encouragement.
BEN IRVING
While still at high school Ben Irving set up the On the Edge Charitable Trust: a youth-run volunteer organisation encouraging and developing leadership in high schools. It now operates throughout Wellington, Kapiti and Wairarapa schools and there is talk of it rolling out into Auckland and some Pacific Island nations.
An observer describes Irving's leadership style as participative. He encourages volunteers to take ownership of the conferences and forums they run. This approach is said to have won the approval of the Ministry of Youth Affairs which is believed to see Irving's work as a model of youth participation.
Irving uses mentors extensively and is known to shoulder tap people from whom he wants to learn. He also encourages the people he works with to tell him whether his approach is working for them or not.
Irving has represented New Zealand in sailing and is co-owner of the Ski & Camp retail store in Wellington.
GIA NGHI PHUNG
Born in Vietnam of Chinese descent, Gia Nghi Phung arrived in Australia as a refugee at the age of five and grew up with access to multiple cultural experiences. On the way she's gained a BCom and a Master in Art Administration and has worked in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Phung was director of Sydney's Asia-Australia Arts Centre (Gallery 4A) before shifting to New Zealand a few years ago where she is now an ethnic advisor at the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Department of Internal Affairs.
Phung sees her role as an ideal platform to influence change and make New Zealand a better place for diversity to flourish. She's committed to the development of empowered and self-determined ethnic communities that will contribute to a stronger New Zealand.
Phung is very alive to the concept that leadership is not just about being on top of the hierarchy. She believes that leadership is about finding the moral courage to address prickly situations and say things that not everyone is comfortable with. She's also a firm advocate of the need to listen and learn from others.
People who know her say she can engage with, excite and motivate a huge range of stakeholders in any given project. She is also known as a reflective, creative and forward thinker. Reputed to be very enthusiastic. A high energy get up and go person.
REWI SPRAGGON
Known as one of the younger Mr Fix-Its of Maoridom, Rewi Spraggon is the quintessential 'go-to' man. Described by one insider as possibly the most well-connected person they'd ever met. He's a Maori consultant, chef, master carver, curator, musician, event manager and radio broadcaster.
Spraggon was a national board member of the Museums and Art Galleries Association of New Zealand and a head researcher for the Waitangi Tribunal Land Claims in South Kaipara. A renowned Maori carver with commissions worldwide, he's currently Kaiwhakahaere Maori (Maori manager of libraries) for Waitakere City Council. Also a director of Auckland and Mt Maunganui-based company Te Aratoi which provides Maori experiences and event management. Plus he's a Maori consultant and advisor for Maori Television.
Reputed to be an inspirational person for many communities. Brought up by his grandparents independently of his immediate family, Spraggon speaks fluent Te Reo. Shaped by early experiences which include having been placed in a leadership role from a very young age. He speaks on behalf of his iwi.
Described as a gentle person with amazing mana.
SAMARA SUTHERLAND
By far the youngest of last year's Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards six emerging leaders, Samara Sutherland's initiatives have exposed thousands of young New Zealanders to the issues of marine conservation.
She graduated from Northland Polytechnic in 2001 with a diploma in conservation and environmental management. Since then, she has developed (in conjunction with former polytechnic tutor Vince Kerr) an educational programme called "Experiencing Marine Reserves", formed a charitable trust that enables her to deliver her programme to schools and the community, and is training coordinators around the country so the programme can be offered in other regions. She has also designed education resources including videos and CD Roms, and is developing a website for her programme.
Sutherland clearly wants to make a difference and is said to lead through her deeds rather than words. Others have slowly started to pay attention to her ideas. A bubbly effervescent personality. Sutherland was named the 2004 Whangarei Young Person of the Year.
CHE TAMAHORI
A director of web design company Shift, Che Tamahori is very attuned to the notion that good leadership is many-faceted. Believes that successful leaders often engage with society on many levels and that this, in turn, helps them to bring a breadth of vision to their roles.
A creative and broad thinker. His ideas are said to have been profoundly shaped by the last couple of years of his high school days which he spent at the United World College in Canada and where he studied with international students and read philosophy.
Tends to act as a facilitator when in groups. Tamahori is known to be very receptive to new ideas, insightful and a good listener. Those close to him say he is very respectful of other people's ideas and thoughts. Generous with his time, resources and expertise in helping other people.
A graduate of Wanganui Design School, Tamahori has worked in creative and strategic leadership roles with clients including Tourism New Zealand, the Sir Peter Blake Trust, The New Zealand Institute and the Alcohol Advisory Council.
NICKI TAYLOR
Overcoming personal challenges, such as the loss of her father (who was her mentor), and living with diabetes since the age of three, Nicki Taylor takes time to input into those coming up behind her and continues her work in the community along with a busy law career.
Taylor is reputed to have left a top job with prestigious law firm Russell McVeagh because she wanted to pursue her dream of a better New Zealand. Described as a courageous, strong and compassionate leader, Taylor is seen by some as a young lawyer making a difference to New Zealand law and society.
She leads the policy and legal team at the Auckland-based independent think-tank Maxim Institute. Taylor and her team aim to make a significant contribution to law and policy in New Zealand in areas such as education, democracy, family issues and freedom of expression.
She has won the prestigious Lowndes Jordon prize in corporate law and in 2004 was awarded a University of Auckland Scholarship to complete her LLM in public law.
Taylor is frequently approached by policy makers and politicians for advice, opinion, information or key contacts in critical areas of New Zealand policy. She also presents legal submissions on behalf of the Institute and is frequently asked to provide comment on law and policy to the media.
The Institute was recently the first New Zealand think-tank to be awarded the prestigious Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Award, ahead of 70 other nominations from think-tanks around the world. Taylor led the team that researched, wrote and produced the award-winning education policy reports.
She remains involved in her community and in 2004 was elected to serve as a representative on the Mt Roskill Community Board.
VICKY TAYLOR
Vicky Taylor has been carving out a name for herself as a marketer in the demanding and high-profile fast moving consumer goods arena for some time now. A regular contender on the awards circuit, last year she was one of two finalists for the nation's top award for an individual senior marketer: the prestigious FCB Marketer of the Year Award.
She's now country manager New Zealand for Coca-Cola, having moved on from Griffin's Foods where as marketing director she fronted work on iconic household brands such as Toffee Pops, Mallowpuffs, Cookie Bear and ETA.
Taylor's take on leadership is broad and balanced. Leaders who will make a difference must have an appreciation of the community as a whole.
Her own style is thoughtful and group focused. People who have seen her in action say she prefers to listen up front, suspending judgement until she has gathered in all relevant information. She's reputedly very accepting of new perspectives, people and new ways of thinking. And will courageously push her own boundaries and those of others around her.
Taylor has served on the council of the Association of New Zealand Advertisers (ANZA) and has been a director of MOTAT (The Museum of Transport and Technology) since 2000.
THERESE WALSH
As general manager corporate services for the NZ Rugby Union, Therese Walsh was a finalist for the 2005 NZIM/Eagle Technology Young Executive of the Year Awards (part of the Deloitte/Management magazine Top 200 Awards). At the time, the judges praised her strong leadership skills and her ability to create effective teams - building on an excellent base of good management processes.
She holds her own in the blokey business of rugby and has spearheaded a serious amount of change in a tough hard-nosed environment. Key initiatives include revamping, modernising and consolidating key parts of the Union's corporate services: everything from finance and HR to legal compliance and international relations.
Earlier this year she joined the board of Save the Children.
GRANT WATSON
Best known in business circles as a driving force behind some of the most noteworthy changes to the worldwide McDonald's brand in New Zealand. The fast and timely reimaging of the company's 140 restaurants, McCafe brand development, and links with sporting legends Sarah Ulmer and Hamish Carter are all his work.
By the age of 30 Grant Watson was already on the McDonald's New Zealand senior management team where he's currently vice president, operations.
Insiders admire his inspiration and vision. His strengths include an ability to build strong teams. Good at managing the fine line between building strong working relationships with his team members and expecting outstanding results from each of them.
Winner of last year's NZIM/Eagle Technology Young Executive of the Year Award. He told guests at a recent NZIM Auckland networking event that in planning his career he tries to always look not one but two steps ahead. Since winning the award he's decided to switch tack. At the end of this month Watson and his young family head overseas for an extended look-see. He'll also be scouting for business ideas. Expect him back and in another business in New Zealand.
KAREN WILLCOX
Watching Star Wars in a darkened Auckland cinema is reputed to have set the then five-year-old Karen Willcox on a trail-blazing journey for women in the engineering and science sectors. A former Dux Scholar at St Cuthbert's College, she went on to complete her BEng at the University of Auckland followed in rapid succession by a masters and PhD at the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Willcox was still only in her late 20s when she was appointed associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT. Her thesis and current research is in collaboration with Boeing and NASA: Boeing's futuristic blended wing-body project - testing the viability of one giant wing replacing the traditional model of wings and fuselage - and a quiet aircraft technology project with NASA. This Kiwi is flying high.
Willcox heads her own research team and is noted primarily for her quiet, understated and consultative style of leadership. This is matched by an ability to be decisive, determined and forthright when required.
Her clear vision of what she wants to do helps her achieve in what is still a very male-dominated and hierarchical environment. Observers say she has the ability to create momentum towards a shared goal.
Although now based in the United States, she continues to maintain strong ties with Auckland University. New Zealand may have to work hard to hold on to Willcox. Logically, the big opportunities for her are likely to be offshore. Nevertheless, she's made it clear that she'd like to come home one day. The most obvious drawcard would be a top notch job at a New Zealand university.
Age: Under 35
What: Leading the Way in NZ
This week's Sunday article is about young leaders in New Zealand who are changing the face of business and doing good while they are at it. From Find Articles.
COVER STORY : 35 BELOW - Young leaders to watch
Ruth Le Pla
These 17 young leaders are just the tip of an iceberg of talent. They, and others like them, will shape our country's future. They front up. Dig in. Speak out. Give back. They see the future and go make it happen. They challenge assumptions and galvanise change. Their vision ripples out into their communities.
They represent a cultural smorgasbord running the full gamut of leadership styles: From unassuming, consultative, introspection to dynamic, full-frontal assault. Some lead through quiet action. Others dream audacious dreams and magnetise those around them to their cause.
To select these young leaders we went out to organisations that have robust mechanisms in place to spot, assess, nurture or reward our nation's emerging leaders: The Sir Peter Blake Trust, Leadership New Zealand, the New Zealand Institute of Management, the Aspiring Leaders Forum, Creative New Zealand and Excelerator. It's our part in the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Week www.nzleadershipweek.org which kicks off later this month.
The final selection of these leaders remains ours. While there is a strong tilt towards business, their involvement spans every niche: from working with at-risk youth, to the environment, politics, education, cross-cultural communications, design, sport, law, art and even aeronautics.
Most remain refreshingly open and receptive. They are keenly aware they've still got lots to learn. Some are being nurtured, stretched and challenged on formal leadership programmes. Others are going it alone, shoulder tapping people they admire to mentor and guide them.
They are all aged below 35. We present them here in a gloriously random order.
KIM ACLAND
As its general manager, Kim Acland heads up the "fervently New Zealand and artistically adventurous" Auckland Theatre Company.
Admirers say she is not afraid to confront challenges, address them and move on. In a testing environment she focuses on the long- term good of the organisation and has the courage to make important and difficult decisions. All this on an ego the size of a pinhead.
In her few years in the role she's already placed the company on a much firmer financial footing. She has managed the company's recovery and ensured its survival. Importantly for the company's long-term prospects, observers say that she works in a genuine partnership with the Auckland Theatre Company's artistic director Colin McColl.
EMELINE AFEAKI-MAFILEO
Described by one observer as compassionate and a woman of stature, Emeline Afeaki-Mafileo sees a need and gears up for action. People who know her say her humble and unassuming approach belies her strong convictions and ability to get things done. Afeaki-Mafileo's forte is her ability to gather people around her, encourage, train and then mobilise them for action.
She's making a significant contribution to the economic transformation and development of young people in South Auckland through her company Affirming Works, a Pacific youth mentoring and training organisation.
Afeaki-Mafileo, who now has a Master of Philosophy majoring in social science from Massey University, first hit the streets as a youth worker when she was 19.
Her work has also led to the establishment of the Fofola Consultancy which contributes to policy development and played a vital part towards the Pacific Youth Development Strategy for Auckland which Prime Minister Helen Clark launched last year. Afeaki- Mafileo is now being asked to help write policy internationally for Pacific Island nations and is said to be highly esteemed by our current Government.
Afeaki-Mafileo also takes a leadership role in the Pacific community by serving as an advisor to a number of community organisations: Community advisor to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Phil Goff; member of the National Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Community Services; Youth Court and Youth Court Pacific Community Liaison Service; and Pacific representative on the Youth Mentoring Association.
Most recently she's been working as a "youth collaborator" as part of a government-funded response to growing gang problems in South Auckland's Mangere, Otara and Flat Bush, where a man was killed last November.
MARCUS AKUHATA-BROWN
Renowned for his compelling speeches and great motivational skills, Marcus Akuhata-Brown has spent much of his working life addressing the needs of young people.
He has travelled extensively internationally as both a national and international representative and delegate on youth-related concerns. He was a director on the international board of the World Alliance for Citizen Partnership (Civicus), an international organisation which focuses on strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.
From 1998 to 2001 he headed the Commonwealth Youth Caucus whose programmes help young people play a greater part in economic and social development. And he has led a number of other innovative alternative education programmes addressing the learning needs of youth at risk and young offenders.
People who know him praise his uncanny ability to connect with, and motivate, people from varied backgrounds. A qualified teacher, he is seen by some as a strong role model with a highly developed social conscience. He has the ability to think strategically and is a creative problem solver.
Akuhata-Brown grew up on the East Coast. His father is Ngati Porou (Tuwhakairiora) from Te Araroa on the East Cape and his mother has English and Welsh ancestry.
Now back in New Zealand, Akuhata-Brown founded Tukaha Global Consultancy in 2000 and is currently involved in speaking and consultancy work, land development in Te Araroa and personal studies through Te Wananga-o-Raukawa.
ANUSHIYA AYINGARAN
Openly and refreshingly ambitious, Anushiya Ayingaran's leadership style is empathetic and inclusive. She's already made a big impact at the not-for-profit Nurse Maude Association where she's general manager corporate services. Ayingaran has cut through a cocktail of conservative attitudes and funding and political pressures to re- energise staff and win respect.
Notable achievements include a process improvement project within the association's Homecare Service and the development of the association's strategic plan.
People who know her say she's got outstanding training, staff mentoring and communication skills. Her positive and action-oriented approach won Ayingaran the NZIM Young Executive of the Year Award two years ago. Since then, in a move that will ensure her a place in Nurse Maude's annals, she's broken free of 110 years of history and launched the association's first ever branch outside its home territory of Canterbury.
After three years in her current job she's now making no secret of her desire to take on a more senior role. Ayingaran has just been elected to the board of NZIM Canterbury.
She's on the record as stating that she wants to become a CEO or GM of an innovative organisation and in 20 years' time is aiming for directorships in organisations where she can serve the community.
PRIVAHINI BRADOO
Privahini Bradoo has packed a lot into her eight years in New Zealand. She quickly notched up a biomedical science degree from Auckland University and topped it with a PhD in neuroscience. She also cottoned on to the yawning gap between the worlds of business and science and has spearheaded two initiatives to help bridge the divide.
In 2003, despite her lack of business knowledge at that stage, she was chosen to become the inaugural CEO of spark*, a University of Auckland venture aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship. Bradoo also co-founded and led the establishment of biotech innovation network Chiasma.
Her reputation as a hard worker means that Bradoo leads by example. She is said to engage people with her enthusiasm and modesty, and her leadership is genuine, natural and authentic. Her enthusiasm helps her build momentum for ideas in an atmosphere of possibility and success.
She won the inaugural Dean's Excellence Award in 2004 for outstanding leadership and innovation in the development of an entrepreneurial culture amongst staff and students.
That same year North & South magazine profiled her as one of eight promising young New Zealand entrepreneurs.
Bradoo heads off next month on a US$100,000 Fulbright Scholarship to crack into a Harvard MBA. She has signalled that she intends to come back to New Zealand. Her stated dream is to set up a New Zealand biotech enterprise that will take Kiwi ingenuity to the world.
STEVEN CARDEN
Steven Carden's potential was publicly bookmarked last year when the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards judges named him as one of their six emerging leaders.
For one so young, Carden has been quietly plugging away at making stuff happen for a significant proportion of his adult life. Back in 1998 he set up the First Foundation to help talented but financially disadvantaged youth. It has since blossomed into a substantial non- profit organisation with operations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Since then he's been working in the United States for McKinsey and Co and has set up two other organisations: KEA Boston - a chapter of the Kiwi Expatriates Association; and Friends of CCE - a US-based non- profit group that raises funds to help rehabilitate inmates in Ecuadorian prisons (where Carden worked as a volunteer in 2003).
From a very young age, Carden has had a reputation for big picture thinking and for convincing those around him that his vision for a better future will work. One contact describes him as "one of those quiet determined leaders".
Carden is due to return to New Zealand later this year and has made it clear that he intends to settle. Current projects include a book on New Zealand's ability to cope in a changing world. It is due for release in June next year.
BEN GREEN
Enthusiastic and motivated, Ben Green has been described as a servant leader; giving his time for others and wanting the best for those around him. His reputation is for seeing beyond career and money to the pursuit of a better society.
Based in Auckland, he is passionate about his home city. Through his work he wants to see New Zealand businesses grow and compete successfully on the international stage. Through his personal life he aims to help create a city where people love to live and bring up their children. He is known to be keen to use his position of influence in business to also be influential in the community.
Green has a Masters in Commerce (first class honours) from Auckland University. After working for IBM in Auckland and London, he came home in 1999 to co-found Grey Lynn-based multimedia and film production company Zoomslide Media. He is now the marketing manager for business solutions at Microsoft.
The company has nominated Green to take part in the Committee for Auckland's two-year Future Auckland Leadership Programme which fosters leadership and a knowledge of the region within a group of young Aucklanders.
Green is also a mentor with the First Foundation whose vision is to assist academically talented and financially disadvantaged New Zealand students achieve their potential through tertiary education and to prepare them to positively influence and benefit their communities. It is another conduit for him to connect with other future leaders and pass on his knowledge, skill and encouragement.
BEN IRVING
While still at high school Ben Irving set up the On the Edge Charitable Trust: a youth-run volunteer organisation encouraging and developing leadership in high schools. It now operates throughout Wellington, Kapiti and Wairarapa schools and there is talk of it rolling out into Auckland and some Pacific Island nations.
An observer describes Irving's leadership style as participative. He encourages volunteers to take ownership of the conferences and forums they run. This approach is said to have won the approval of the Ministry of Youth Affairs which is believed to see Irving's work as a model of youth participation.
Irving uses mentors extensively and is known to shoulder tap people from whom he wants to learn. He also encourages the people he works with to tell him whether his approach is working for them or not.
Irving has represented New Zealand in sailing and is co-owner of the Ski & Camp retail store in Wellington.
GIA NGHI PHUNG
Born in Vietnam of Chinese descent, Gia Nghi Phung arrived in Australia as a refugee at the age of five and grew up with access to multiple cultural experiences. On the way she's gained a BCom and a Master in Art Administration and has worked in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Phung was director of Sydney's Asia-Australia Arts Centre (Gallery 4A) before shifting to New Zealand a few years ago where she is now an ethnic advisor at the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Department of Internal Affairs.
Phung sees her role as an ideal platform to influence change and make New Zealand a better place for diversity to flourish. She's committed to the development of empowered and self-determined ethnic communities that will contribute to a stronger New Zealand.
Phung is very alive to the concept that leadership is not just about being on top of the hierarchy. She believes that leadership is about finding the moral courage to address prickly situations and say things that not everyone is comfortable with. She's also a firm advocate of the need to listen and learn from others.
People who know her say she can engage with, excite and motivate a huge range of stakeholders in any given project. She is also known as a reflective, creative and forward thinker. Reputed to be very enthusiastic. A high energy get up and go person.
REWI SPRAGGON
Known as one of the younger Mr Fix-Its of Maoridom, Rewi Spraggon is the quintessential 'go-to' man. Described by one insider as possibly the most well-connected person they'd ever met. He's a Maori consultant, chef, master carver, curator, musician, event manager and radio broadcaster.
Spraggon was a national board member of the Museums and Art Galleries Association of New Zealand and a head researcher for the Waitangi Tribunal Land Claims in South Kaipara. A renowned Maori carver with commissions worldwide, he's currently Kaiwhakahaere Maori (Maori manager of libraries) for Waitakere City Council. Also a director of Auckland and Mt Maunganui-based company Te Aratoi which provides Maori experiences and event management. Plus he's a Maori consultant and advisor for Maori Television.
Reputed to be an inspirational person for many communities. Brought up by his grandparents independently of his immediate family, Spraggon speaks fluent Te Reo. Shaped by early experiences which include having been placed in a leadership role from a very young age. He speaks on behalf of his iwi.
Described as a gentle person with amazing mana.
SAMARA SUTHERLAND
By far the youngest of last year's Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards six emerging leaders, Samara Sutherland's initiatives have exposed thousands of young New Zealanders to the issues of marine conservation.
She graduated from Northland Polytechnic in 2001 with a diploma in conservation and environmental management. Since then, she has developed (in conjunction with former polytechnic tutor Vince Kerr) an educational programme called "Experiencing Marine Reserves", formed a charitable trust that enables her to deliver her programme to schools and the community, and is training coordinators around the country so the programme can be offered in other regions. She has also designed education resources including videos and CD Roms, and is developing a website for her programme.
Sutherland clearly wants to make a difference and is said to lead through her deeds rather than words. Others have slowly started to pay attention to her ideas. A bubbly effervescent personality. Sutherland was named the 2004 Whangarei Young Person of the Year.
CHE TAMAHORI
A director of web design company Shift, Che Tamahori is very attuned to the notion that good leadership is many-faceted. Believes that successful leaders often engage with society on many levels and that this, in turn, helps them to bring a breadth of vision to their roles.
A creative and broad thinker. His ideas are said to have been profoundly shaped by the last couple of years of his high school days which he spent at the United World College in Canada and where he studied with international students and read philosophy.
Tends to act as a facilitator when in groups. Tamahori is known to be very receptive to new ideas, insightful and a good listener. Those close to him say he is very respectful of other people's ideas and thoughts. Generous with his time, resources and expertise in helping other people.
A graduate of Wanganui Design School, Tamahori has worked in creative and strategic leadership roles with clients including Tourism New Zealand, the Sir Peter Blake Trust, The New Zealand Institute and the Alcohol Advisory Council.
NICKI TAYLOR
Overcoming personal challenges, such as the loss of her father (who was her mentor), and living with diabetes since the age of three, Nicki Taylor takes time to input into those coming up behind her and continues her work in the community along with a busy law career.
Taylor is reputed to have left a top job with prestigious law firm Russell McVeagh because she wanted to pursue her dream of a better New Zealand. Described as a courageous, strong and compassionate leader, Taylor is seen by some as a young lawyer making a difference to New Zealand law and society.
She leads the policy and legal team at the Auckland-based independent think-tank Maxim Institute. Taylor and her team aim to make a significant contribution to law and policy in New Zealand in areas such as education, democracy, family issues and freedom of expression.
She has won the prestigious Lowndes Jordon prize in corporate law and in 2004 was awarded a University of Auckland Scholarship to complete her LLM in public law.
Taylor is frequently approached by policy makers and politicians for advice, opinion, information or key contacts in critical areas of New Zealand policy. She also presents legal submissions on behalf of the Institute and is frequently asked to provide comment on law and policy to the media.
The Institute was recently the first New Zealand think-tank to be awarded the prestigious Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Award, ahead of 70 other nominations from think-tanks around the world. Taylor led the team that researched, wrote and produced the award-winning education policy reports.
She remains involved in her community and in 2004 was elected to serve as a representative on the Mt Roskill Community Board.
VICKY TAYLOR
Vicky Taylor has been carving out a name for herself as a marketer in the demanding and high-profile fast moving consumer goods arena for some time now. A regular contender on the awards circuit, last year she was one of two finalists for the nation's top award for an individual senior marketer: the prestigious FCB Marketer of the Year Award.
She's now country manager New Zealand for Coca-Cola, having moved on from Griffin's Foods where as marketing director she fronted work on iconic household brands such as Toffee Pops, Mallowpuffs, Cookie Bear and ETA.
Taylor's take on leadership is broad and balanced. Leaders who will make a difference must have an appreciation of the community as a whole.
Her own style is thoughtful and group focused. People who have seen her in action say she prefers to listen up front, suspending judgement until she has gathered in all relevant information. She's reputedly very accepting of new perspectives, people and new ways of thinking. And will courageously push her own boundaries and those of others around her.
Taylor has served on the council of the Association of New Zealand Advertisers (ANZA) and has been a director of MOTAT (The Museum of Transport and Technology) since 2000.
THERESE WALSH
As general manager corporate services for the NZ Rugby Union, Therese Walsh was a finalist for the 2005 NZIM/Eagle Technology Young Executive of the Year Awards (part of the Deloitte/Management magazine Top 200 Awards). At the time, the judges praised her strong leadership skills and her ability to create effective teams - building on an excellent base of good management processes.
She holds her own in the blokey business of rugby and has spearheaded a serious amount of change in a tough hard-nosed environment. Key initiatives include revamping, modernising and consolidating key parts of the Union's corporate services: everything from finance and HR to legal compliance and international relations.
Earlier this year she joined the board of Save the Children.
GRANT WATSON
Best known in business circles as a driving force behind some of the most noteworthy changes to the worldwide McDonald's brand in New Zealand. The fast and timely reimaging of the company's 140 restaurants, McCafe brand development, and links with sporting legends Sarah Ulmer and Hamish Carter are all his work.
By the age of 30 Grant Watson was already on the McDonald's New Zealand senior management team where he's currently vice president, operations.
Insiders admire his inspiration and vision. His strengths include an ability to build strong teams. Good at managing the fine line between building strong working relationships with his team members and expecting outstanding results from each of them.
Winner of last year's NZIM/Eagle Technology Young Executive of the Year Award. He told guests at a recent NZIM Auckland networking event that in planning his career he tries to always look not one but two steps ahead. Since winning the award he's decided to switch tack. At the end of this month Watson and his young family head overseas for an extended look-see. He'll also be scouting for business ideas. Expect him back and in another business in New Zealand.
KAREN WILLCOX
Watching Star Wars in a darkened Auckland cinema is reputed to have set the then five-year-old Karen Willcox on a trail-blazing journey for women in the engineering and science sectors. A former Dux Scholar at St Cuthbert's College, she went on to complete her BEng at the University of Auckland followed in rapid succession by a masters and PhD at the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Willcox was still only in her late 20s when she was appointed associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT. Her thesis and current research is in collaboration with Boeing and NASA: Boeing's futuristic blended wing-body project - testing the viability of one giant wing replacing the traditional model of wings and fuselage - and a quiet aircraft technology project with NASA. This Kiwi is flying high.
Willcox heads her own research team and is noted primarily for her quiet, understated and consultative style of leadership. This is matched by an ability to be decisive, determined and forthright when required.
Her clear vision of what she wants to do helps her achieve in what is still a very male-dominated and hierarchical environment. Observers say she has the ability to create momentum towards a shared goal.
Although now based in the United States, she continues to maintain strong ties with Auckland University. New Zealand may have to work hard to hold on to Willcox. Logically, the big opportunities for her are likely to be offshore. Nevertheless, she's made it clear that she'd like to come home one day. The most obvious drawcard would be a top notch job at a New Zealand university.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Video Friday: Art of Living Youth Initiative
One of the success stories of Art of Living's youth initiatives in Ivory Coast.
This video has some wise words--reminding me of the old saying that many hands make light work.
This video has some wise words--reminding me of the old saying that many hands make light work.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Markham Mayo'r Youth Task Force
Who: Vino Jeyapalan
Age: 17
What: Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force Co-chair
Vino Jeyapalan has been involved in Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force since 8th grade. Now 17, he is the co-chair and is striving to make a difference in his community every day. Vino has made a decision that for the rest of his life he will be involved in a non profit that gives back to his community. This article can be found in the National Post.
It's a teen's life in Markham, student says
Task force gives youth a voice in their town
Shelly Sanders Greer, National Post Published: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Peter Redman, National PostStudent Vino Jeyapalan finds Markham inspiring.
When he was in Grade 8, Vino Jeyapalan decided to get a head start on his high school volunteer requirements. Mr. Jeyapalan joined the Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force, and quickly saw he could really make a difference in his community.
Now 17, Mr. Jeyapalan is co-chair of the task force and has made a commitment: For the rest of his life, he "will be working in a non-profit group that gives back to the community."
The Mayor's Youth Task Force was set up to give teens the chance to interact with town council, organize activities, and have some say about future plans for young people in Markham. Some of the events organized in the past include a youth anti-violence conference, publication of a newsletter, development of a Web site and social events.
This year's agenda involves a coffee house, battle of the bands, a poker tournament, skateboard skills and competition and the Amazing Mark-ham Race.
"We have 21 dedicated and diverse teens [on the Task Force]," says Mr. Jeyapalan. "We learn about the town, raise money for charity and think about what youth want.
"Council has a representative who works with us and is a huge support. Members of council come to our events and are a strong force driving youth toward change and making a difference."
One of the things Mr. Jeyapalan has learned is that "Markham is always innovative and ready to change. Council always wants to hear what citizens want. This year, they did a survey for residents and I found this very compelling. I love the fact that Mark-ham is like this."
In June, Mr. Jeyapalan will finish Grade 11 and he plans to go into sciences after high school. But no matter what he ends up doing, he says, "I will think about how I can give back to my community."
Age: 17
What: Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force Co-chair
Vino Jeyapalan has been involved in Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force since 8th grade. Now 17, he is the co-chair and is striving to make a difference in his community every day. Vino has made a decision that for the rest of his life he will be involved in a non profit that gives back to his community. This article can be found in the National Post.
It's a teen's life in Markham, student says
Task force gives youth a voice in their town
Shelly Sanders Greer, National Post Published: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Peter Redman, National PostStudent Vino Jeyapalan finds Markham inspiring.
When he was in Grade 8, Vino Jeyapalan decided to get a head start on his high school volunteer requirements. Mr. Jeyapalan joined the Markham Mayor's Youth Task Force, and quickly saw he could really make a difference in his community.
Now 17, Mr. Jeyapalan is co-chair of the task force and has made a commitment: For the rest of his life, he "will be working in a non-profit group that gives back to the community."
The Mayor's Youth Task Force was set up to give teens the chance to interact with town council, organize activities, and have some say about future plans for young people in Markham. Some of the events organized in the past include a youth anti-violence conference, publication of a newsletter, development of a Web site and social events.
This year's agenda involves a coffee house, battle of the bands, a poker tournament, skateboard skills and competition and the Amazing Mark-ham Race.
"We have 21 dedicated and diverse teens [on the Task Force]," says Mr. Jeyapalan. "We learn about the town, raise money for charity and think about what youth want.
"Council has a representative who works with us and is a huge support. Members of council come to our events and are a strong force driving youth toward change and making a difference."
One of the things Mr. Jeyapalan has learned is that "Markham is always innovative and ready to change. Council always wants to hear what citizens want. This year, they did a survey for residents and I found this very compelling. I love the fact that Mark-ham is like this."
In June, Mr. Jeyapalan will finish Grade 11 and he plans to go into sciences after high school. But no matter what he ends up doing, he says, "I will think about how I can give back to my community."
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
Who: 10,000 youth at Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
Age: Youth
What: Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
This week's installment is the first ever article specifically written for BIY. Our friends at the Global Youth Leadership Institute (www.gyli.org) attended the Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle and came back with this overview of the conference. GYLI's mission is "to nurture collaborative leadership for global communities and to assist schools in their missions to inspire socially responsible young people." If you get a chance, check it out.
----------------------
Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
Seattle, WA —
What do you get when put 10,000 youth and teachers in the same room with His Holiness the Dalai Lama? Answer: The Seeds of Compassion. This unique event has brought together educators, health care professionals, artists, and activists to address a wide range of issues that in cities and in countries have become urgent. Why would a teacher take a day off of school to bring students to this event? Answer: “I think that this is a chance for students to hear from someone from a very different cultural background, who has a very political agenda, but a very peaceful agenda,” said Ethan Delevan, a technology teacher at Seattle Country Day School. I asked his students why they were there and got a range of answers. Sixth grader Richard Trey said, “Because my school set it up.” But his friend Phillip Grube said, “I would have come anyway, because I know that the Dalai Lama is all about peace. I think that is a very powerful message.” Seattle Country Day, a K-8 independent school in suburban Seattle, has many chances for students to get off campus, such as their “Winterim” program in which students go skiing and participate in a number of other experiential activities.
It is not only independent schools that see the need for students to connect beyond the classroom. Michelle Gangi and David Melby, both 12th graders at Bellevue Public High School, are part of a 2nd level leadership class that is focused on community service and action in the community. They attended the Seeds of Compassion event with a professional journalist and were student bloggers for the event. Melby said the class offers “a chance for me to be involved, but also to get others involved, because we have to recruit other students to take part in the community service, so we affect our school and the community in both directions.” Gangi agreed, “The level one class was great to learn about leadership and discuss it, but this level two class is great because we get to put it into action.” Learn more about the seeds of compassion event and its new models for education, business and government at www.seedsofcompassion.org
Age: Youth
What: Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
This week's installment is the first ever article specifically written for BIY. Our friends at the Global Youth Leadership Institute (www.gyli.org) attended the Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle and came back with this overview of the conference. GYLI's mission is "to nurture collaborative leadership for global communities and to assist schools in their missions to inspire socially responsible young people." If you get a chance, check it out.
----------------------
Seeds of Compassion Event in Seattle
Seattle, WA —
What do you get when put 10,000 youth and teachers in the same room with His Holiness the Dalai Lama? Answer: The Seeds of Compassion. This unique event has brought together educators, health care professionals, artists, and activists to address a wide range of issues that in cities and in countries have become urgent. Why would a teacher take a day off of school to bring students to this event? Answer: “I think that this is a chance for students to hear from someone from a very different cultural background, who has a very political agenda, but a very peaceful agenda,” said Ethan Delevan, a technology teacher at Seattle Country Day School. I asked his students why they were there and got a range of answers. Sixth grader Richard Trey said, “Because my school set it up.” But his friend Phillip Grube said, “I would have come anyway, because I know that the Dalai Lama is all about peace. I think that is a very powerful message.” Seattle Country Day, a K-8 independent school in suburban Seattle, has many chances for students to get off campus, such as their “Winterim” program in which students go skiing and participate in a number of other experiential activities.
It is not only independent schools that see the need for students to connect beyond the classroom. Michelle Gangi and David Melby, both 12th graders at Bellevue Public High School, are part of a 2nd level leadership class that is focused on community service and action in the community. They attended the Seeds of Compassion event with a professional journalist and were student bloggers for the event. Melby said the class offers “a chance for me to be involved, but also to get others involved, because we have to recruit other students to take part in the community service, so we affect our school and the community in both directions.” Gangi agreed, “The level one class was great to learn about leadership and discuss it, but this level two class is great because we get to put it into action.” Learn more about the seeds of compassion event and its new models for education, business and government at www.seedsofcompassion.org
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ultimate Sportsmanship
Here is a video forwarded to me from Melanie Horn, Athletic Director at Westridge School for Girls:
"I encourage you to view this ESPN video clip at the bottom of the article below- http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/girls-sports-and-sportsmanship/
Or, go directly to YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jocw-oD2pgo
It's good to know that the "greater good" can still be found in sports.A special thank you to Sally Miller for forwarding the link :-)"
"I encourage you to view this ESPN video clip at the bottom of the article below- http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/girls-sports-and-sportsmanship/
Or, go directly to YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jocw-oD2pgo
It's good to know that the "greater good" can still be found in sports.A special thank you to Sally Miller for forwarding the link :-)"
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sisters Taking on Global Issues
Who: Clara Halpine & Anna Halpine
Age: 20 & 30
What: Clara won scholarship for an essay she wrote on poverty & Anna started World Youth Alliance
These two sisters interest for global issues when they were young has continued to grow and keeps growing stronger every day. This article can be found at Times Transcript.
Sisters make a difference
A young Salisbury woman was one of five students in North America to be awarded a $10,000 scholarship recently for an essay she wrote on poverty.
In the spring of 1999 Anna Halpine became the founder and president of World Youth Alliance.
Clare Halpine of Salisbury is the only Canadian to receive an international scholarship from S.E. VEN fund.
Mount Allison University third-year fine arts student Clare Halpine, 20, was the only Canadian amongst the winners.
But, perhaps Clare's winning shouldn't come as a surprise.
As it turns out, Halpine is surrounded by family members who have more than just a passing interest in world issues, whether it's poverty, AIDS or hunger.
Clare's older sister Anna, 30, herself a Mount A graduate, founded the World Youth Alliance (WYA) shortly after she graduated from university.
The organization, described on its website as a "global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and developing nations" now has offices in five regions in the world.
The organization trains young people to work at the regional and international levels to impact policy and culture relating to hunger, education, human cloning, AIDS and other global issues.
The Halpines' sister Mary is now the president of WYA in New York. Two of their brothers, John and David, helped build the first office of WYA in New York.
Youngest child Peter is a high school student still living with parents Stuart and Judy in Salisbury, and the whole family has visited Anna in her home base of New York a few times providing support for her work.
The girls' interest in global issues began when they were young and has continued to grow.
Clare, who has spent several summers working for her sister's organization, was recently encouraged to submit an essay to the Boston-based Social Equity Venture Fund (S.E.VEN), a virtual non-profit entity.
The entity is run by two entrepreneurs and its strategy is to "increase the rate of diffusion of enterprise-based solutions to poverty."
Clare's scholarship-winning essay addressed the statement, "Poverty can be regarded as a matter of exclusion from networks of productivity, and not simply as having an unequal portion of what is imagined to be a fixed number of economic goods. In that sense, ending worldwide poverty is serious business. Describe enterprise-based solutions to poverty in this context."
Clare took that idea and turned it into an essay that she never expected would be considered "valid" by those behind the S.E.VEN Fund.
"I really never imagined that I would ever win it based on my very little experience and knowledge of economic structures," she says. "I'm not an international relations student, I'm not an economics student, so I didn't think that my solution to end global poverty would be valid or one what would be taken seriously."
She says the scholarship, which was given directly to Mount Allison University to support her studies, has further encouraged her to study global issues.
She plans on working with WYA in New York again this year, and she is considering working at the group's African office at some point to learn more about AIDS in suffering countries.
Older sister Anna was only 21 when she founded the World Youth Alliance in 1999.
She had finished up her Bachelor of Music degree at Mount A and was living in New York continuing to study music.
She was invited to attend a United Nations conference addressing population and development that featured a small group of youth presenting ideas, but what Anna was hearing at the conference did not address issues she felt were key.
Instead of touching upon issues such as clean water, housing and sanitation that plagues many in developing countries, the issues being presented were abortion as a human right and sexual rights for children.
"So I went into that conference, and said these young people do not represent all of the world's youth they were claiming to speak on behalf of, and I offered some other proposals rooted in this idea of the dignity of the person."
Anna's proposals stalled the hearings for two hours and the impact of what she had to say was immediate.
Representatives from developing countries thanked her for speaking on their behalf and she was encouraged to have a greater presence at similar conferences.
Thus, the World Youth Alliance was born.
Anna says she has always been encouraged by her family to have strength in her convictions and to follow them.
This allowed her to make a stand in front of the UN conference.
"I think it's important for young people to be encouraged within their families and within their formative years to know what they believe and to have the courage to stand up for that," she says.
Having said that, she had no idea at the time what she was getting into.
"I always say thank goodness I didn't know what would be involved," she says with a laugh.
"Because nobody in their right mind would have taken this on. But looking back and looking at the growth and success and the liveliness that we have today in the Alliance, it's just kind of a miracle."
Age: 20 & 30
What: Clara won scholarship for an essay she wrote on poverty & Anna started World Youth Alliance
These two sisters interest for global issues when they were young has continued to grow and keeps growing stronger every day. This article can be found at Times Transcript.
Sisters make a difference
A young Salisbury woman was one of five students in North America to be awarded a $10,000 scholarship recently for an essay she wrote on poverty.
In the spring of 1999 Anna Halpine became the founder and president of World Youth Alliance.
Clare Halpine of Salisbury is the only Canadian to receive an international scholarship from S.E. VEN fund.
Mount Allison University third-year fine arts student Clare Halpine, 20, was the only Canadian amongst the winners.
But, perhaps Clare's winning shouldn't come as a surprise.
As it turns out, Halpine is surrounded by family members who have more than just a passing interest in world issues, whether it's poverty, AIDS or hunger.
Clare's older sister Anna, 30, herself a Mount A graduate, founded the World Youth Alliance (WYA) shortly after she graduated from university.
The organization, described on its website as a "global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and developing nations" now has offices in five regions in the world.
The organization trains young people to work at the regional and international levels to impact policy and culture relating to hunger, education, human cloning, AIDS and other global issues.
The Halpines' sister Mary is now the president of WYA in New York. Two of their brothers, John and David, helped build the first office of WYA in New York.
Youngest child Peter is a high school student still living with parents Stuart and Judy in Salisbury, and the whole family has visited Anna in her home base of New York a few times providing support for her work.
The girls' interest in global issues began when they were young and has continued to grow.
Clare, who has spent several summers working for her sister's organization, was recently encouraged to submit an essay to the Boston-based Social Equity Venture Fund (S.E.VEN), a virtual non-profit entity.
The entity is run by two entrepreneurs and its strategy is to "increase the rate of diffusion of enterprise-based solutions to poverty."
Clare's scholarship-winning essay addressed the statement, "Poverty can be regarded as a matter of exclusion from networks of productivity, and not simply as having an unequal portion of what is imagined to be a fixed number of economic goods. In that sense, ending worldwide poverty is serious business. Describe enterprise-based solutions to poverty in this context."
Clare took that idea and turned it into an essay that she never expected would be considered "valid" by those behind the S.E.VEN Fund.
"I really never imagined that I would ever win it based on my very little experience and knowledge of economic structures," she says. "I'm not an international relations student, I'm not an economics student, so I didn't think that my solution to end global poverty would be valid or one what would be taken seriously."
She says the scholarship, which was given directly to Mount Allison University to support her studies, has further encouraged her to study global issues.
She plans on working with WYA in New York again this year, and she is considering working at the group's African office at some point to learn more about AIDS in suffering countries.
Older sister Anna was only 21 when she founded the World Youth Alliance in 1999.
She had finished up her Bachelor of Music degree at Mount A and was living in New York continuing to study music.
She was invited to attend a United Nations conference addressing population and development that featured a small group of youth presenting ideas, but what Anna was hearing at the conference did not address issues she felt were key.
Instead of touching upon issues such as clean water, housing and sanitation that plagues many in developing countries, the issues being presented were abortion as a human right and sexual rights for children.
"So I went into that conference, and said these young people do not represent all of the world's youth they were claiming to speak on behalf of, and I offered some other proposals rooted in this idea of the dignity of the person."
Anna's proposals stalled the hearings for two hours and the impact of what she had to say was immediate.
Representatives from developing countries thanked her for speaking on their behalf and she was encouraged to have a greater presence at similar conferences.
Thus, the World Youth Alliance was born.
Anna says she has always been encouraged by her family to have strength in her convictions and to follow them.
This allowed her to make a stand in front of the UN conference.
"I think it's important for young people to be encouraged within their families and within their formative years to know what they believe and to have the courage to stand up for that," she says.
Having said that, she had no idea at the time what she was getting into.
"I always say thank goodness I didn't know what would be involved," she says with a laugh.
"Because nobody in their right mind would have taken this on. But looking back and looking at the growth and success and the liveliness that we have today in the Alliance, it's just kind of a miracle."
Monday, May 5, 2008
Social Entrepreneurship
I have been thinking a lot about entrepreneurship lately. Today, I thought it would be interesting to read someone's take on social entrepreneurship. Here is a brief article from PBS describing just what social entrepreneurship is. I hope to be an entrepreneur who transitions into a social entrepreneur down the line.
What is Social Entrepreneurship?
"Social entrepreneurs identify resources where people only see problems. They view the villagers as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of competence and unleash resources in the communities they're serving."
David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
"Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry."
Bill Drayton, CEO, chair and founder of Ashoka
A social entrepreneur identifies and solves social problems on a large scale. Just as business entrepreneurs create and transform whole industries, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss in order to improve systems, invent and disseminate new approaches and advance sustainable solutions that create social value.
Unlike traditional business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs primarily seek to generate "social value" rather than profits. And unlike the majority of non-profit organizations, their work is targeted not only towards immediate, small-scale effects, but sweeping, long-term change.
The job of a social entrepreneur is to recognize when a part of society is stuck and to provide new ways to get it unstuck. He or she finds what is not working and solves the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.
Identifying and solving large-scale social problems requires a committed person with a vision and determination to persist in the face of daunting odds. Ultimately, social entrepreneurs are driven to produce measurable impact by opening up new pathways for the marginalized and disadvantaged, and unlocking society's full potential to effect social change.
The past two decades have seen an explosion of entrepreneurship and a healthy competition in the social sector, which has discovered what the business sector learned from the railroad, the stock market and the digital revolution: Nothing is as powerful as a big new idea if it is in the hands of a first class entrepreneur.
This revolution is fundamentally changing the way society organizes itself and the way we approach social problems.
The stories featured in The New Heroes showcase the work of social entrepreneurs whose innovations are bringing electricity, water, medicine and other life-changing tools and resources to people in the developing world. Each story illustrates the results possible when an innovative idea is coupled with a strategy for action and an entrepreneur's indomitable will.
What is Social Entrepreneurship?
"Social entrepreneurs identify resources where people only see problems. They view the villagers as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of competence and unleash resources in the communities they're serving."
David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
"Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry."
Bill Drayton, CEO, chair and founder of Ashoka
A social entrepreneur identifies and solves social problems on a large scale. Just as business entrepreneurs create and transform whole industries, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss in order to improve systems, invent and disseminate new approaches and advance sustainable solutions that create social value.
Unlike traditional business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs primarily seek to generate "social value" rather than profits. And unlike the majority of non-profit organizations, their work is targeted not only towards immediate, small-scale effects, but sweeping, long-term change.
The job of a social entrepreneur is to recognize when a part of society is stuck and to provide new ways to get it unstuck. He or she finds what is not working and solves the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.
Identifying and solving large-scale social problems requires a committed person with a vision and determination to persist in the face of daunting odds. Ultimately, social entrepreneurs are driven to produce measurable impact by opening up new pathways for the marginalized and disadvantaged, and unlocking society's full potential to effect social change.
The past two decades have seen an explosion of entrepreneurship and a healthy competition in the social sector, which has discovered what the business sector learned from the railroad, the stock market and the digital revolution: Nothing is as powerful as a big new idea if it is in the hands of a first class entrepreneur.
This revolution is fundamentally changing the way society organizes itself and the way we approach social problems.
The stories featured in The New Heroes showcase the work of social entrepreneurs whose innovations are bringing electricity, water, medicine and other life-changing tools and resources to people in the developing world. Each story illustrates the results possible when an innovative idea is coupled with a strategy for action and an entrepreneur's indomitable will.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Video Friday: Food from the Hood
Here is another gem from Nicole Lapin interviewing Young People Who Rock.
Nicole Lapin, of CNN, interviews two members of the Food from the Hood organization in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
Nicole Lapin, of CNN, interviews two members of the Food from the Hood organization in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
Who: Teenagers across New Zealand
Age: Teens
What: 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
44 Teenagers across New Zealand gather together to discuss environment and sustainability issues. It's truly a wonderful thing to see that there are young people dedicated to making a difference. You can find this article at Scoop.
Young people paving the way to sustainability
Thursday, 1 May 2008, 5:47 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
1 May 2008
Young people paving the way to sustainability
"It's inspiring to see young people dedicated and committed to making a contribution to protecting the environment," said Associate Environment Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Nanaia Mahuta praised the effort of the 44 teenagers from across New Zealand who were part of the 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum.
The forum, aimed at inspiring youth to take action against climate change in their communities, today ends with the presentation ceremony.
"These young people have had a chance to take part in community projects, discuss environment and sustainability issues and a chance to learn more about environmental management," said Nanaia Mahuta.
"It's important to recognise that youth have concerns and responsibilities in dealing with the environment, because they are living with the risks and hazards around them.
"By ensuring that young people are encouraged to learn more, and gain a stronger awareness of environmental issues, we will go a long way towards generating effective responses to the sustainability challenges.
The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum is hosted by the Minister for the Environment in partnership with the Sir Peter Black Trust, with delegates being nominated by regional councils for their outstanding interest in the environment.
Nanaia Mahuta said the Labour-led government believes young people can make a difference to the sustainable development of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
"Today's young people are tomorrow's leaders, and investing in them now is critical because young people today play a crucial role in changing how Kiwis think and feel about the environment, and how they will look after it in future," said Nanaia Mahuta.
Age: Teens
What: 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
44 Teenagers across New Zealand gather together to discuss environment and sustainability issues. It's truly a wonderful thing to see that there are young people dedicated to making a difference. You can find this article at Scoop.
Young people paving the way to sustainability
Thursday, 1 May 2008, 5:47 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
1 May 2008
Young people paving the way to sustainability
"It's inspiring to see young people dedicated and committed to making a contribution to protecting the environment," said Associate Environment Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Nanaia Mahuta praised the effort of the 44 teenagers from across New Zealand who were part of the 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum.
The forum, aimed at inspiring youth to take action against climate change in their communities, today ends with the presentation ceremony.
"These young people have had a chance to take part in community projects, discuss environment and sustainability issues and a chance to learn more about environmental management," said Nanaia Mahuta.
"It's important to recognise that youth have concerns and responsibilities in dealing with the environment, because they are living with the risks and hazards around them.
"By ensuring that young people are encouraged to learn more, and gain a stronger awareness of environmental issues, we will go a long way towards generating effective responses to the sustainability challenges.
The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum is hosted by the Minister for the Environment in partnership with the Sir Peter Black Trust, with delegates being nominated by regional councils for their outstanding interest in the environment.
Nanaia Mahuta said the Labour-led government believes young people can make a difference to the sustainable development of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
"Today's young people are tomorrow's leaders, and investing in them now is critical because young people today play a crucial role in changing how Kiwis think and feel about the environment, and how they will look after it in future," said Nanaia Mahuta.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Youth Rising Summits
Who: Youth in San Diego, CA
Age: Elementary School-College
What: Youth Rising Summits
Dialogue is the key to change and the start of action. This is a pretty cool story about youth creating dialogue around California from Right To Learn.
Inspiring Youth Leaders at Successful San Diego Summit for Right To Learn and YouthNoise
March 29th, 2008: San Diego, CA. We had another successful and exciting summit in our series of Youth Rising events across the U.S. this year. Our California summits in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fresno, L.A., and San Diego were important in order to bring students together to discuss real issues in each of the regions’ education systems. In the end, we planned, plotted and discussed how we wanted to take action. San Diego was no exception to this energy, excitement and commitment.
Great HIGHLIGHTS from the day included:
1. Mr. Random Abiladeze performed and facilitated a great discussion about his poetry and put on a great performance during lunch. Random does classroom visits all over the state and is always so interestingly intrigued by meaningful conversations…which leads him to discussions about education and Right to Learn. He also performed in Fresno and we’ll keep him in our sights for future things we do. Tons of talent and a truly warm and generous person who I deeply respect for his art.
2. TracenDANCE- a youth arts and dance non-profit also performed and wow-ed us with their artistic portrayals of movement as a means to discuss social issues- one about technology taking over our lives, one about loving who we are, and one about making your voice be heard. It was GREAT stuff.
3. Participants!!! We had 35 participants from 2 colleges and 12 different high schools. If I could have put together a group of leaders, I could not have done it better. These people that showed up just go to prove how advanced and full of passion young people are. For some reason, we just got the most excited and perfect individuals to attend this summit. They were all amazing, but here are some of my most memorable participants.
a. Miranda, one of our CitiJos and YouthNoise users attended! It was awesome to have that connection, and she was so gosh darn pumped and has started a Day of Action at Scripps Ranch High.
b. Rodrigo, another participant, picked up a RTL flyer the few days before the event, organized classroom visits that Thursday before, and on Friday had 300 young people at his school signed up to do a DAY OF ACTION at his school. This guy was filled with so much knowledge and excitement I could have sworn he’s been organizing for years. He just got it- media advocacy, partnering with parents and teachers, personalizing student stories, educating all his peers on the issue, organizing an event at the school board meeting next week, and extending the movement to be “A MOVEMENT OF ALL OF US, not just one persons idea.” I’m not even kidding, we’ll see him running something big in the future. Keep an eye out.
c. Katrina and Paul - both attend Preuss Charter School in S.D., a charter school in San Diego that buses students from across the region. The budget cuts are affecting their transportation services and may cut some of the bus routes out (not good). They are excited about starting a day of action and doing a “School tour” with their classes..visiting the bigger S.D. public schools to connect with students and learn more about what’s happening in other places. They both are outreach organizers for their school, and are articulate and smart as hell. Seriously. Amazing.
4. Volunteer San Diego volunteers and the SAVY Leaders. They are super amped about all this education stuff. They are dedicating their April Newsletter to the idea of advocating for education. Their staff offered to be adult allies for the students and were amazing positive forces. The leader that showed up from their group were motivated and ready to present this education advocacy at the Global Youth Service day as well!
5. Third Monday in October film screening. We had about 35 folks show up for the screening and talk with Vanessa Roth, the filmmaker. Vanessa is really excited to be working with us, and she just recently won an Oscar for her film “Freeheld” in the documentary short category. She is very dedicated and passionate about education and is working on a future project with Dave Eggers and the McSweenys publishing and 826 Valencia folks on a piece called “The Teachers Project.” They are going to be getting teachers to submit videos and stories about their experiences- trials, tribulations, ups/downs, what sucks what doesn’t, why they love to teach. Then they are going to select stories and create another film from it. She likes us!
Overall this was an amazing summit. We had 5 different groups working on a variety of types of actions for the Right To Learn Statewide Day of Action on APRIL 18, 2008. Sign up your school today and speak out against the budget cuts!
If you want to learn more or get involved in any more of these events Youth Noise hosts, check out www.youthnoise.com/summit or email Lauren at lauren@youthnoise.org .
Age: Elementary School-College
What: Youth Rising Summits
Dialogue is the key to change and the start of action. This is a pretty cool story about youth creating dialogue around California from Right To Learn.
Inspiring Youth Leaders at Successful San Diego Summit for Right To Learn and YouthNoise
March 29th, 2008: San Diego, CA. We had another successful and exciting summit in our series of Youth Rising events across the U.S. this year. Our California summits in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fresno, L.A., and San Diego were important in order to bring students together to discuss real issues in each of the regions’ education systems. In the end, we planned, plotted and discussed how we wanted to take action. San Diego was no exception to this energy, excitement and commitment.
Great HIGHLIGHTS from the day included:
1. Mr. Random Abiladeze performed and facilitated a great discussion about his poetry and put on a great performance during lunch. Random does classroom visits all over the state and is always so interestingly intrigued by meaningful conversations…which leads him to discussions about education and Right to Learn. He also performed in Fresno and we’ll keep him in our sights for future things we do. Tons of talent and a truly warm and generous person who I deeply respect for his art.
2. TracenDANCE- a youth arts and dance non-profit also performed and wow-ed us with their artistic portrayals of movement as a means to discuss social issues- one about technology taking over our lives, one about loving who we are, and one about making your voice be heard. It was GREAT stuff.
3. Participants!!! We had 35 participants from 2 colleges and 12 different high schools. If I could have put together a group of leaders, I could not have done it better. These people that showed up just go to prove how advanced and full of passion young people are. For some reason, we just got the most excited and perfect individuals to attend this summit. They were all amazing, but here are some of my most memorable participants.
a. Miranda, one of our CitiJos and YouthNoise users attended! It was awesome to have that connection, and she was so gosh darn pumped and has started a Day of Action at Scripps Ranch High.
b. Rodrigo, another participant, picked up a RTL flyer the few days before the event, organized classroom visits that Thursday before, and on Friday had 300 young people at his school signed up to do a DAY OF ACTION at his school. This guy was filled with so much knowledge and excitement I could have sworn he’s been organizing for years. He just got it- media advocacy, partnering with parents and teachers, personalizing student stories, educating all his peers on the issue, organizing an event at the school board meeting next week, and extending the movement to be “A MOVEMENT OF ALL OF US, not just one persons idea.” I’m not even kidding, we’ll see him running something big in the future. Keep an eye out.
c. Katrina and Paul - both attend Preuss Charter School in S.D., a charter school in San Diego that buses students from across the region. The budget cuts are affecting their transportation services and may cut some of the bus routes out (not good). They are excited about starting a day of action and doing a “School tour” with their classes..visiting the bigger S.D. public schools to connect with students and learn more about what’s happening in other places. They both are outreach organizers for their school, and are articulate and smart as hell. Seriously. Amazing.
4. Volunteer San Diego volunteers and the SAVY Leaders. They are super amped about all this education stuff. They are dedicating their April Newsletter to the idea of advocating for education. Their staff offered to be adult allies for the students and were amazing positive forces. The leader that showed up from their group were motivated and ready to present this education advocacy at the Global Youth Service day as well!
5. Third Monday in October film screening. We had about 35 folks show up for the screening and talk with Vanessa Roth, the filmmaker. Vanessa is really excited to be working with us, and she just recently won an Oscar for her film “Freeheld” in the documentary short category. She is very dedicated and passionate about education and is working on a future project with Dave Eggers and the McSweenys publishing and 826 Valencia folks on a piece called “The Teachers Project.” They are going to be getting teachers to submit videos and stories about their experiences- trials, tribulations, ups/downs, what sucks what doesn’t, why they love to teach. Then they are going to select stories and create another film from it. She likes us!
Overall this was an amazing summit. We had 5 different groups working on a variety of types of actions for the Right To Learn Statewide Day of Action on APRIL 18, 2008. Sign up your school today and speak out against the budget cuts!
If you want to learn more or get involved in any more of these events Youth Noise hosts, check out www.youthnoise.com/summit or email Lauren at lauren@youthnoise.org .
Friday, April 25, 2008
Muslim American Youth Speak Out
It's Video Friday, and today we have youth speaking out. Riz Khan talks to a panel of young American Muslims about the issues that most concern them. It is a longer video than usual, but well worth it in getting a feel for the perspective of American Muslim youth.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Creativity for the World of Youth
Who: 36 Youth's from Slovenia, Turkey, China and Vietnam
Age: Teens
What: "Creativity for the World of Youth".
This event gave the opportunity for these youth's to get creative and learn from each other. Reading this got me to thinking: in the near future, I hope more Intercultural Dialogue can include American Youths.
Youths join int'l project "Creativity for the World of Youth"
18:17' 22/04/2008 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge - Thirty six youths from Slovenia, Turkey, China and Vietnam had a chance to show their talent and solidarity in world youth spirit in a project called "Creativity for the World of Youth".
The project is a youth activity of youth of the European Union. The EU has designated 2008 as the year of Intercultural Dialogue. The project gave participants a chance to share experience and learn from each other. Creative and coordinated methods were applied for youths to learn skills and promote their activeness and ability.
Mr. Robert Krizanic from Slovenia, head of the project, said that he was very surprised at Vietnamese and Chinese youths' pleasure and enthusiasm toward the project. "They joined the project very quickly," he added. "I hope to see many other programs like this project for Asian and European youths to exchange and learn from each other."
A preparatory seminar was held in Shanghai, China in late February. The second phase of the project was held in Vietnam. Each country sent 9 youths to participate in the project.
Thirty six participants were divided into four small groups working in different activities such as painting, music, circus, puppetry and community games.
The groups visited and took part in youth activities in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. They contributed ideas on developing street art, worked out activities for the project in Slovenia in August, and prepared for a project review in Izmit, Turkey which is expected to be held in late December.
Volken Muderrisoglu from Turkey and Wei Chao Bin from China said that members did not meet any obstacles even in such an international activity as all used English as a common language and they joined the project with a fervent spirit and enthusiasm and saw no big difference between Asia and Europe. "This is a great opportunity for us to know more about the cultures of other countries," they added.
This was also a good environment for youth and youth leaders to exchange knowledge in youth work. The project has introduced some new and effective tools to apply in youth work, including street arts and community painting.
Tran Anh Duc, 23 from Vietnam said: "I think programs like this are very practical. I have myself learned a lot from the project, and hope that Vietnamese youth will have more chances to integrate and learn more from international youths in the next steps of the project."
Although "Creativity for the World of Youth" is only in the second phase, it has greatly contributed to establishing long-term relationships and cooperation among international youth. It has created a foundation for regular and harmonious coordination in youth activities in each country.
Age: Teens
What: "Creativity for the World of Youth".
This event gave the opportunity for these youth's to get creative and learn from each other. Reading this got me to thinking: in the near future, I hope more Intercultural Dialogue can include American Youths.
Youths join int'l project "Creativity for the World of Youth"
18:17' 22/04/2008 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge - Thirty six youths from Slovenia, Turkey, China and Vietnam had a chance to show their talent and solidarity in world youth spirit in a project called "Creativity for the World of Youth".
The project is a youth activity of youth of the European Union. The EU has designated 2008 as the year of Intercultural Dialogue. The project gave participants a chance to share experience and learn from each other. Creative and coordinated methods were applied for youths to learn skills and promote their activeness and ability.
Mr. Robert Krizanic from Slovenia, head of the project, said that he was very surprised at Vietnamese and Chinese youths' pleasure and enthusiasm toward the project. "They joined the project very quickly," he added. "I hope to see many other programs like this project for Asian and European youths to exchange and learn from each other."
A preparatory seminar was held in Shanghai, China in late February. The second phase of the project was held in Vietnam. Each country sent 9 youths to participate in the project.
Thirty six participants were divided into four small groups working in different activities such as painting, music, circus, puppetry and community games.
The groups visited and took part in youth activities in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. They contributed ideas on developing street art, worked out activities for the project in Slovenia in August, and prepared for a project review in Izmit, Turkey which is expected to be held in late December.
Volken Muderrisoglu from Turkey and Wei Chao Bin from China said that members did not meet any obstacles even in such an international activity as all used English as a common language and they joined the project with a fervent spirit and enthusiasm and saw no big difference between Asia and Europe. "This is a great opportunity for us to know more about the cultures of other countries," they added.
This was also a good environment for youth and youth leaders to exchange knowledge in youth work. The project has introduced some new and effective tools to apply in youth work, including street arts and community painting.
Tran Anh Duc, 23 from Vietnam said: "I think programs like this are very practical. I have myself learned a lot from the project, and hope that Vietnamese youth will have more chances to integrate and learn more from international youths in the next steps of the project."
Although "Creativity for the World of Youth" is only in the second phase, it has greatly contributed to establishing long-term relationships and cooperation among international youth. It has created a foundation for regular and harmonious coordination in youth activities in each country.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Salem Youth of the Year
Who: Ryan Frias
Age: 15
What: Salem Youth of the Year
Today's BIY story is a short article about Ryan Frias, who was recently named the Salem Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Salem club's top youth already focused on giving back
By Amanda McGregor
Staff writer
—
SALEM — When Ryan Frias attended the Boys & Girls Club spring gala and auction last week, he didn't expect to be named Youth of the Year.
He was among four finalists who prepared acceptance speeches in advance, but, still, he didn't anticipate the win.
"I couldn't believe it," he said, recalling the moment his name was called. "My heart was pumping, and I had an adrenaline rush. I had good competition. I really didn't think I was going to win.
"It's indescribable."
Next, Ryan will compete in the regional Youth of the Year contest in May, which is followed by the nationals. The national winner is featured in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America magazine and serves as a representative for the national organization for a year. The state and national winners also receive college scholarships.
"It's an amazing opportunity for them," said AnnMarie Tanzella, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. "We're always hearing about the tough challenges of kids, but we also want to share the successes."
Ryan, a freshman at Salem High School, started going to the Salem club when he was in sixth grade.
"I think that the Boys & Girls Club is the best thing in the world — it's done a lot for me," said Ryan, a lifelong Salem resident of the Point neighborhood. He attended elementary school at Nathaniel Bowditch School.
Ryan is captain of the club's traveling basketball team and works there as a junior staff member five afternoons a week, running tournaments and games in the gym and overseeing homework time, among other duties.
"(The club) made me more mature," said Ryan, 15. "They show me right from wrong, (and) I make better decisions. We do some great programs."
For the award, the staff targeted a group of about 10 children who are good role models and wrote essays about them and required the children to write essays about themselves.
Four finalists were selected and interviewed and wrote two essays, one about themselves and another about the club, according to Tanzella.
"We interview them each on their moral character, their life goals, education," Tanzella said, "and they needed to get a number of references."
The other finalists were Bonnibel Gonzalez, 15, Emiluis Perez, 16, and Lindsay Moreta, 15, who are all students at Salem High School, according to program director Jodi Sperling.
As for Ryan's goals?
"I want to be a child psychologist and open my own day care — and go to school for contracting so I can build the school," he said. "I want to combine (my interests). ... I want to open a place that's as good at the Boys & Girls Club."
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Age: 15
What: Salem Youth of the Year
Today's BIY story is a short article about Ryan Frias, who was recently named the Salem Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Salem club's top youth already focused on giving back
By Amanda McGregor
Staff writer
—
SALEM — When Ryan Frias attended the Boys & Girls Club spring gala and auction last week, he didn't expect to be named Youth of the Year.
He was among four finalists who prepared acceptance speeches in advance, but, still, he didn't anticipate the win.
"I couldn't believe it," he said, recalling the moment his name was called. "My heart was pumping, and I had an adrenaline rush. I had good competition. I really didn't think I was going to win.
"It's indescribable."
Next, Ryan will compete in the regional Youth of the Year contest in May, which is followed by the nationals. The national winner is featured in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America magazine and serves as a representative for the national organization for a year. The state and national winners also receive college scholarships.
"It's an amazing opportunity for them," said AnnMarie Tanzella, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. "We're always hearing about the tough challenges of kids, but we also want to share the successes."
Ryan, a freshman at Salem High School, started going to the Salem club when he was in sixth grade.
"I think that the Boys & Girls Club is the best thing in the world — it's done a lot for me," said Ryan, a lifelong Salem resident of the Point neighborhood. He attended elementary school at Nathaniel Bowditch School.
Ryan is captain of the club's traveling basketball team and works there as a junior staff member five afternoons a week, running tournaments and games in the gym and overseeing homework time, among other duties.
"(The club) made me more mature," said Ryan, 15. "They show me right from wrong, (and) I make better decisions. We do some great programs."
For the award, the staff targeted a group of about 10 children who are good role models and wrote essays about them and required the children to write essays about themselves.
Four finalists were selected and interviewed and wrote two essays, one about themselves and another about the club, according to Tanzella.
"We interview them each on their moral character, their life goals, education," Tanzella said, "and they needed to get a number of references."
The other finalists were Bonnibel Gonzalez, 15, Emiluis Perez, 16, and Lindsay Moreta, 15, who are all students at Salem High School, according to program director Jodi Sperling.
As for Ryan's goals?
"I want to be a child psychologist and open my own day care — and go to school for contracting so I can build the school," he said. "I want to combine (my interests). ... I want to open a place that's as good at the Boys & Girls Club."
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Video Friday: Young People Who Rock
Who: Lindsay Avner
Age: 25
What: Young People Who Rock
CNN anchor, Nicole Lapin interviews Linsday Avner, founder of Bright Pink in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. The 23 year old volunteered to get a double mastectomy because virtually every woman in her life, her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunts and cousins, suffered from or died of breast cancer.
Avner took control of her own destiny after a blood test revealed she had a genetic predisposition to the disease. She didn't want to live in fear. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
Age: 25
What: Young People Who Rock
CNN anchor, Nicole Lapin interviews Linsday Avner, founder of Bright Pink in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. The 23 year old volunteered to get a double mastectomy because virtually every woman in her life, her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunts and cousins, suffered from or died of breast cancer.
Avner took control of her own destiny after a blood test revealed she had a genetic predisposition to the disease. She didn't want to live in fear. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Uniting to Shape the Future
Who: Local Students in Howard County
Age: Students
What: Uniting to shape the future
Local students in Howard County at a summit sponsored by Voices of Change gather together to make their voices heard. The summit was focused on encouraging youth to make a difference and teaching them how to build a good community around them. This story can be found at The Baltimore Sun.
Local students unite to shape the future
Voices for Change focuses on positive change
By Lisa Silverman
Sun reporter
April 16, 2008
"Students already have voices," said Andrew Gavelek, student member of the Howard County Board of Education. "It's just a matter of using them."
About 160 students from 29 middle and high schools had their voices heard last week at the second Youth Summit at The Gathering Place in Clarksville. The summit was sponsored by Voices for Change, an organization of young people and adults that empowers students to create positive change in Howard County, according to its mission statement.
Brianna Bradford, a junior at Reservoir High School, has served as the student co-chair of Voices for Change, formerly known as the Youth Summit Planning Committee, for the past two years.
"It has taken a lot of effort to build a good foundation for this group," she said. "I'm really excited about the progress we've made and hope more students want to be involved in helping us advocate change."
Elise Mellinger, youth program manager for the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and adult co-chair, was one of about 40 adults -- planning team members and school staff -- who attended the summit.
"It's great to have such a diverse representation today," Mellinger said. "I think it's very important that different types of students can learn how to advocate for change."
Last year's summit focused on brainstorming solutions to five issues that teens face. This year the summit centered on empowering youth to make a difference and to teach them about building a support system within the community.
Youth advocate Derek Peterson, the keynote speaker at the summit, urged the attendees to look within themselves and to strive for positive community change. He stressed that success means having multiple options. Peterson wanted the students to understand the importance of having at least five caring adults in their lives to serve as anchors.
"I wanted to teach the students to create their web of support that will lead to their innate resiliency," Peterson said after his address. "It's equally important that they help their peers build 'personal villages' as well."
"I learned that you need help taking care of yourself," said Sadie Rockefeller, an eighth-grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School. "You need support and can't do it on your own."
"Today was all about having your voice heard. I want to let people know that's a reality," said Marie Yuille, a sophomore at Oakland Mills High School.
The 60-person planning team spent about a year planning the summit, while working to make changes in the community that directly affect teens. As a result of their efforts, students in many high schools now have a regular study hall. Also, preliminary plans are being discussed for a youth commission in Howard County.
After attending last year's summit, Sami Hawkins realized her voice could finally be heard.
"I've always wanted to help improve the community, but I've never known how," said Hawkins, a sophomore at Centennial High School and a planning team member. "It's great that anyone can get involved and make a difference. Everyone's voice is needed."
Twelve community-based organizations sponsored the summit. Howard County Councilwomen Jen Terrasa and Mary Kay Sigaty attended as well.
"I hope kids learned how to use their voice today," Sigaty said.
For more information about Voices for Change, contact Elise Mellinger at emellinger@howardcountymd.gov or Meg Mekelburg at mmekelburg@thehorizonfoundation.org.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
Age: Students
What: Uniting to shape the future
Local students in Howard County at a summit sponsored by Voices of Change gather together to make their voices heard. The summit was focused on encouraging youth to make a difference and teaching them how to build a good community around them. This story can be found at The Baltimore Sun.
Local students unite to shape the future
Voices for Change focuses on positive change
By Lisa Silverman
Sun reporter
April 16, 2008
"Students already have voices," said Andrew Gavelek, student member of the Howard County Board of Education. "It's just a matter of using them."
About 160 students from 29 middle and high schools had their voices heard last week at the second Youth Summit at The Gathering Place in Clarksville. The summit was sponsored by Voices for Change, an organization of young people and adults that empowers students to create positive change in Howard County, according to its mission statement.
Brianna Bradford, a junior at Reservoir High School, has served as the student co-chair of Voices for Change, formerly known as the Youth Summit Planning Committee, for the past two years.
"It has taken a lot of effort to build a good foundation for this group," she said. "I'm really excited about the progress we've made and hope more students want to be involved in helping us advocate change."
Elise Mellinger, youth program manager for the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and adult co-chair, was one of about 40 adults -- planning team members and school staff -- who attended the summit.
"It's great to have such a diverse representation today," Mellinger said. "I think it's very important that different types of students can learn how to advocate for change."
Last year's summit focused on brainstorming solutions to five issues that teens face. This year the summit centered on empowering youth to make a difference and to teach them about building a support system within the community.
Youth advocate Derek Peterson, the keynote speaker at the summit, urged the attendees to look within themselves and to strive for positive community change. He stressed that success means having multiple options. Peterson wanted the students to understand the importance of having at least five caring adults in their lives to serve as anchors.
"I wanted to teach the students to create their web of support that will lead to their innate resiliency," Peterson said after his address. "It's equally important that they help their peers build 'personal villages' as well."
"I learned that you need help taking care of yourself," said Sadie Rockefeller, an eighth-grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School. "You need support and can't do it on your own."
"Today was all about having your voice heard. I want to let people know that's a reality," said Marie Yuille, a sophomore at Oakland Mills High School.
The 60-person planning team spent about a year planning the summit, while working to make changes in the community that directly affect teens. As a result of their efforts, students in many high schools now have a regular study hall. Also, preliminary plans are being discussed for a youth commission in Howard County.
After attending last year's summit, Sami Hawkins realized her voice could finally be heard.
"I've always wanted to help improve the community, but I've never known how," said Hawkins, a sophomore at Centennial High School and a planning team member. "It's great that anyone can get involved and make a difference. Everyone's voice is needed."
Twelve community-based organizations sponsored the summit. Howard County Councilwomen Jen Terrasa and Mary Kay Sigaty attended as well.
"I hope kids learned how to use their voice today," Sigaty said.
For more information about Voices for Change, contact Elise Mellinger at emellinger@howardcountymd.gov or Meg Mekelburg at mmekelburg@thehorizonfoundation.org.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Into Darfur: A Young American's Journey
Who: Nick Anderson
Age: 18
What: Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador
Who says we can't play videos on Sunday?
Returning with first hand accounts on what it's like to live in Darfur, 18-year old Nick Anderson, Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador, says more Americans -- particularly young Americans -- must learn about the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur and help support those who will be struggling to rebuild their lives and their homes.
To learn more, visit http://www.oxfamamerica.org/darfur
Age: 18
What: Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador
Who says we can't play videos on Sunday?
Returning with first hand accounts on what it's like to live in Darfur, 18-year old Nick Anderson, Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador, says more Americans -- particularly young Americans -- must learn about the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur and help support those who will be struggling to rebuild their lives and their homes.
To learn more, visit http://www.oxfamamerica.org/darfur
Friday, April 11, 2008
Young People Who Rock!
Nicole Lapin - Young People Who Rock - Haley Kilpatrick
CNN anchor, Nicole Lapin interviews the founder of Girl Talk, Haley Kilpatrick in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. Girl talk is an organization that encourages candid converstaion, independence, and self worth. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
CNN anchor, Nicole Lapin interviews the founder of Girl Talk, Haley Kilpatrick in her weekly interview series, Young People Who Rock. Girl talk is an organization that encourages candid converstaion, independence, and self worth. The series, Young People Who Rock, is focused on people under 30 -- from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders -- who are doing remarkable things.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Special People Helping Others
Who: Zachary Peskin
Age: 16
What: Started Special People Helping Others
Zachary Peskin's older brother suffers from Autism. Zachary got motivated to start SpPHO when he noticed the greatest joy his brother got was helping others. The article is a short read and you can find it at http://ypwr.blogs.cnn.com/. Also make sure to check out the live interview with Zachary on CNN.com at 3:30 pm!!
Zachary Peskin
Posted: 10:21 AM ET
Zachary Peskin, right, and his brother Adam discuss the Special Business Partners Program with a retailer.
It's Autism Awareness Month, but for people who have autism or live with someone who does, they are aware every day. Zachary Peskin, 16, decided not only to be aware but also to be active.
Zachary's older brother, Adam, is autistic. After years of watching others serve Adam, Zachary noticed that his brother's greatest joy came from helping others. It was the little things: from setting the table to setting up events at the local community center. Last year, it hit Zachary — if his brother could give back a little, then the opportunity for the developmentally disabled community to give back collectively was great.
Last year, Zachary started Special People Helping Others, or SpPHO. Group members attend SpPHO-sponsored activities and community events to sell 3-for-1 Bracelets. It's called the 3-for-1 because for every bracelet sold, three causes can be helped: SpPHO, Meals on Wheels and Doctors Without Borders, an international medical and humanitarian aid organization. SpPHO is a group that helps people such as Zachary's brother by letting them help others.
What would you ask Zachary? Submit your questions as comments below or send in a question on video to iReport.com. Then look for your questions during the CNN.com Live interview Friday, April 11, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Age: 16
What: Started Special People Helping Others
Zachary Peskin's older brother suffers from Autism. Zachary got motivated to start SpPHO when he noticed the greatest joy his brother got was helping others. The article is a short read and you can find it at http://ypwr.blogs.cnn.com/. Also make sure to check out the live interview with Zachary on CNN.com at 3:30 pm!!
Zachary Peskin
Posted: 10:21 AM ET
Zachary Peskin, right, and his brother Adam discuss the Special Business Partners Program with a retailer.
It's Autism Awareness Month, but for people who have autism or live with someone who does, they are aware every day. Zachary Peskin, 16, decided not only to be aware but also to be active.
Zachary's older brother, Adam, is autistic. After years of watching others serve Adam, Zachary noticed that his brother's greatest joy came from helping others. It was the little things: from setting the table to setting up events at the local community center. Last year, it hit Zachary — if his brother could give back a little, then the opportunity for the developmentally disabled community to give back collectively was great.
Last year, Zachary started Special People Helping Others, or SpPHO. Group members attend SpPHO-sponsored activities and community events to sell 3-for-1 Bracelets. It's called the 3-for-1 because for every bracelet sold, three causes can be helped: SpPHO, Meals on Wheels and Doctors Without Borders, an international medical and humanitarian aid organization. SpPHO is a group that helps people such as Zachary's brother by letting them help others.
What would you ask Zachary? Submit your questions as comments below or send in a question on video to iReport.com. Then look for your questions during the CNN.com Live interview Friday, April 11, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The World We Want
Who: Youth around the world
Age: 15-21
What: UNICEF Voices of Youth: The World We Want
UNICEF- In May 2002, the countries of the world met in New York to decide what should be done to improve the lives of children. At this landmark meeting – the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children (SSC) – the nations of the world committed themselves to a series of goals to improve the situation of children and young people. The new global agenda – a document called ‘A World Fit for Children’ - describes the promises made by governments to improve the lives of children from 2002-2012. In December 2007, world leaders will meet once again in New York to review progress made towards creating a better world for children. This month’s issue of “What Young People Are Saying” is dedicated to how young people view their world and how “fit” they think it really is (December 2007).
THE WORLD WE WANT
OVERVIEW
With the Special Session +5 Review taking place this month, young people are discussing the current state of the world as they see it, and the progress that has been achieved in the five years since the Special Session of 2002. Young people are aware that since the Special Session, millions of young lives have been saved: Global child deaths have reached a record low, falling to 9.7 million, down from almost 13 million in 1990; more children than ever are in school and more children are actively involved in decisions concerning their lives. However, they are also aware that too many children still die of preventable diseases, go hungry, are denied their right to an education or are forced into early marriage or hazardous work. Too many children are devastated by armed conflict, the sale and trafficking of children, or other forms of abuse and violence. Too many children have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. And too many of them will never experience a childhood.
Despite feeling that not enough has been done, VOY members are quick to point out that they have not lost hope. They believe progress for children and the achievement of the goals of the Special Session - a stepping stone towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals - are still possible. They stress that if the world is going to be truly fit for children, it is going to require action not just by governments and by organizations, but by families, communities and individuals, including young people themselves.
SOUTH AFRICA
“Personally, I feel that this world has let us down, but we can't sit around and complain all day. Children all over the world are dying… and the worst thing is that help is either always too late or it simply never arrives. My wish is that young people all over the world will pull together and achieve these goals.”
Female, 18
So, on the fifth anniversary of the SSC, how far have we come? What problems still exist? What can be done to build a world fit for children? Read on to find out what young people are saying.
THE MAIN PRIORITIES
Voices of Youth members recognize that all children have fundamental rights: the right to health and nutrition, to an education, to clean water and adequate sanitation, to gender equality and to freedom from exploitation and abuse. Moreover, children have a right to a name and a nationality - as well as to express themselves freely and to participate in decisions that affect them. They are also aware of the extent to which poverty, HIV/AIDS, conflict and discrimination negatively impact the lives of children and adolescents. In fact, young people single out poverty as the root cause of many problems. They point out that poverty prevents children from attaining basic rights such as the right to a healthy life and the right to an education.
OMAN
“I think there are many problems facing children and I think the three most important ones are poverty, getting a proper education, and living in a safe house with their families or people who truly care about them.” Female, 15
PHILIPPINES
“Poverty is one of the greatest problems that the world is facing today. Everywhere you look there's always a sign of it. Just look down the side streets and there you'll find many men, women, and children wearing tattered clothes, braving the scorching heat of the day and the freezing cold of the night. They have no where to go to, no one to run to.” Female, 17
Young people see education as a basic human right, vital to personal and societal development and well being. They believe that all children should be entitled to quality, free education, but sadly acknowledge that it is still a distant dream for millions of children all over the world, especially for girls, for those in rural areas, those of poorer families and those living in conflict zones.
NIGERIA
“Education is a major problem in my country...On the streets you see small children selling all kind of things … in order to provide a little income for their family; because of this, these children miss school. Sometimes I wonder where most of our future leaders will come from because most of the children are on the streets doing odd jobs instead of going to school.” Female, 15
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
“How can a young child concentrate on lessons when he is starving?” Female, 15
Many members point out that higher education is inaccessible to many young people around the world because of the high cost.
IRAQ
“Young people cannot continue their education for many reasons, one of the most important is war and conflict. But in addition, young people cannot continue their higher education because of the high cost. I know many friends who have had to drop out of university because they cannot afford it. There should be a group effort to enable young people to continue their education.”Male
VOY members consider lack of protection as one of the major obstacles that needs to be overcome if the world is to be made a better place. They wonder how the education goals of “A World Fit for Children” can be achieved, for example, if children still have to work to survive.
SIERRA LEONE
“I do believe education is a basic human right. If all the rich and poor can have quality education then we can say we would be able to meet the MDGs. But I have a very strong reservation about meeting the time frame. Poor people are more concerned with getting daily bread, so they prefer to send their kids to work than to school. If they send their kids to school they are sure to die of hunger.” Male, > 21
They believe that challenges persist in many areas, including the use of children in armed conflict, harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking and sexual exploitation.
JORDAN
“Personally, I think it's shameful that in the 21st century, with all the so-called advancement and promises made by the international community, children continue to suffer because of war. They are forced to fight; they are killed, tortured and maimed; they are imprisoned, uprooted and orphaned. And then we have the audacity to call ourselves "human" beings. Worst of all, the situation just seems to get worse and worse.” Female, 19
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
“Nothing is being done by anyone to stop human trafficking and sexual exploitation. …I've heard some really sad stories about it. VERY SAD, but big money is involved in this business, that's why no one is interested in stopping it.” Female, > 21
UNITED KINGDOM
“Child prostitution is a growing problem worldwide. …. And indications are that in every part of the world the number of children being harmed in this way is growing. Child prostitutes are found in virtually every country. There is an apparent increasing demand globally; part of it fed by the fear of AIDS and the naive belief that younger sex partners are free of disease.” Male, > 21
SAUDI ARABIA
“Don’t you think that subjecting a girl to female genital mutilation is one of the biggest human rights violations, a great crime? Girls as young as seven have bled to death as a result of this procedure. It is not an excuse that it is a tradition. Traditions as harmful as this should be abolished. We have to make people understand that it is okay to abandon such traditions.” Female
VOY members are acutely aware that HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that continues to devastate families, communities and even whole continents. They believe that the rate of infection with HIV is still very high, and point out that preventing new HIV infections is key to controlling the epidemic.
KENYA
“Today’s youth are the AIDS generation; they have never known a world without HIV. Millions have died, yet the epidemic remains largely invisible to adults and even to young people themselves.” Male, 20
They point out that many countries other than those in Africa have a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and are concerned that they these countries are being overlooked.
CANADA
“…Every time we talk about AIDS, the first thing to come up is Africa. Yes! It is a VERY huge problem in African and 3rd world nations…In reality AIDS is affecting ALL nations, even nations with advanced medical facilities like Canada and the United States…” Female, 21
While some VOY members indicate that there is a lack of information in their countries, others are worried that an overload of information has had a negative impact on efforts to combat the disease.
AUSTRALIA
“It is a tough situation when people become tired of hearing about such an important and fatal issue such as HIV/AIDS. From what I have gathered, they are sick of hearing about it, thus no longer caring.” Male, 17
PROGRESS MADE
Despite expressing their grave concern for the present state of the world’s children, most young people acknowledge that some progress has been achieved in realizing the commitments set out in “A World Fit for Children”.
They see that the first duty toward children is to ensure that they survive. Many young people believe that significant efforts have been made to promote healthy lives.
JORDAN
“I am proud of what my country has done to make life better for children. It has provided universal health insurance coverage for all children under six and it provides childhood vaccines free of charge.” Male, 17
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
“From the time a child is still in the mother's womb, until the person is old, there is free health care. The government is even willing to send patients overseas if no such treatment is available locally.” Male, 19
VOY members stress that all children should have access to and complete primary education that is free, compulsory and of good quality. They point out some interventions taken by their governments to help improve access and retention.
MALAYSIA
“In some schools in Malaysia there is a Milk Scheme and Pocket Money Programme giving money and milk to impoverished children.” Male
MEXICO
“The government of my country has begun giving more scholarships for children so that they can continue their studies instead of going to work.” Female, 17
BOTSWANA
”With regard to education our government fought for, and actually achieved, 100% access to education for BOTH females and males... It is worth noting that the Ministry of Education, in partnership with a UNICEF-initiated Female-Male Education Movement, is currently campaigning for rights-based and gender-sensitive schools. Male, 20
The right of all children to be protected against all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation and abuse is something young people feel very strongly about. They believe that protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is an integral component of protecting their rights to survival, growth and development. While the majority believes that gross violations are still being committed, some point out that some effort is being made to better protect children.
LESOTHO
“A world fit for children is a world fit for everyone! My country has endeavored to make this real by introducing free primary education. It has also invited children to have a say in the reformation of the Children's Protection Act of 1980.” Male 20
MEXICO
“I think that even if things are being done to ensure a safe environment for children, the Mexican government still has a lot to do to achieve this goal.” Female, 17
As for combating HIV/AIDS, young people acknowledge that progress has been made, but believe there is room for improvement. In addition, they seem baffled that despite all efforts aimed at reducing HIV infection, children and their families continue to suffer from the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS as it continues to ravage large parts of the world today.
MALAWI
“I come from Malawi, where HIV/AIDS is a major problem….We have a lot of foreign aid and the government is pouring money into the country to fight this pandemic and there are scores of campaigns targeted at just everyone imaginable, particularly at grassroots level so that people get the message. But this is proving fruitless, with the numbers of people catching the virus still increasing.” Male
They also mention some strategies implemented by their governments to reduce the spread of the disease.
MALAYSIA
“The government has started a programme where most medical centers will offer free unused/new syringes for drug addicts to prevent the sharing of syringes, which could lead to AIDS.” Male
WAYS FORWARD
There is a palpable sense of urgency when young people debate what needs to be done to make up for lost time, and march towards the goals intended to make the world a better place for ALL children. Though undoubtedly aware of the serious plight of children in poorer parts of the world, young people also point out that it is not only children in third world countries that are being denied their rights.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“I live in a developed country, so my country never does much. They figure they don't need to. It’s pretty sad.” Female
Despite young people’s confidence in themselves and their ability to make change, participants recognize the key role of parents, governments and other decision makers in fulfilling the promises made to children. They also call on adults to involve young people in matters that concern them.
GHANA
“Most of the times all our leaders do about children’s issues is to make promises and read us long speeches. It is high time they are called to act ... To achieve the Millennium Development Goals, all of us will have to work hand in hand irrespective of who is an adult and who is a child. The children have to be consulted and accepted as partners on issues concerning them. The child cannot wait.” Female, 18
MEXICO
“We, young people, are generally seen as a burden because the government has to invest in us without seeing immediate payback; however, with a little help from adults, that changes. When adults or the government … give us opportunity to do so, we do make a change and are actually able to help adults ensure a safe environment for children.” Female, 17
VOY members offer simple but practical suggestions to improve the situation for children and young people. For example, they point out that for poorer countries, debt repayment is a major obstacle to investment in basic services, especially those targeting children. They believe that debt relief should be more generous.
NEW ZEALAND
“One of the main sources of poverty in my opinion is debt. To pay back the money, many governments are making cuts on social spending like education. Developed countries need to forgive the debt before change can start being made.” Female, 18
They believe that richest countries should increase their assistance to the poorest countries.
SINGAPORE
“I strongly feel that less fortunate countries should be aided by developed countries and other international organizations such as the UN. Otherwise, the poor will become poorer and the rich will become richer.” Female, 17
NORWAY
“There are enough resources in this world to supply all, but the wealth is so unfairly distributed: some have nothing while others have way too much! If we all stand together we CAN make a difference, we just need to make the governments in the industrialized countries realize that they have to help make this world a better place.” Female, 19
Young people believe that corporate initiatives can play an important role in alleviating poverty and helping achieve a better world for children.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“Many businesses claim they are helping countries secure clean water for their people, or provide affordable electricity… businesses have the resources and power in various countries to make change possible.” Male, > 21
Young people believe that it is the government’s responsibility first and foremost to provide education to its citizens. They suggest that they need to invest more in education to ensure Access for All. They point out that it would be much wiser if money were spent on education instead of weapons of destruction
INDIA
“Education is the best way to eradicate the problems of poverty, unemployment, and ethnic conflicts. It shouldn’t be a dream for education to be free. If a country can spend huge amounts of money on missiles........why not divert that money for the betterment of the people?” Female, 20
Young people stress that no form of violence against children is justifiable. They point out effective ways to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and exploitation, such as including programmes to support parenting skills; programmes to improve school environment; increasing accountability for perpetrators, and for young people themselves to campaign against all forms of violence and abuse.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“For instance, we could start writing letters to government officials. Start showing advertisements on television. We could start handing out flyers. The more people that know about it, the more government officials will be alert about it.” Female, > 21
Although there has been significant progress in fighting HIV/AIDS, VOY members are aware that children and youth are still missing out. They share many ideas on combating HIV/AIDS and mitigating the effects of the disease on children, including improving awareness of this global pandemic, encouraging community participation, increasing access to treatment and reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
TUNISIA
“We would have less of a problem if we had sex education in class, if we had easy access to contraception and especially condoms, if the government gave free AIDS tests, if society did not shun those with HIV, if people were actually aware of what exactly AIDS is.” Female
Young people believe that they themselves are the greatest asset towards making the world a better place. Every little bit counts!
IRAQ
“We can be the change we want to see in the world ...and a thousand mile journey begins with one step.” Female, 20
CANADA
“It is totally up to us to make these things come true. Let’s make the Millennium Development Goals happen! Let’s build a school in a poor country; dig a well; sponsor a child; demonstrate peace, tolerance and love; be an example for others.” Female, 19
CONCLUSION
Five years after the Special Session on Children, Most VOY members believe there is still a chance that the promises made to children at the historic event of 2002 can still be fulfilled; however, they are adamant that the only way to move forward is for all stakeholders to join together, including young people themselves, in what they believe will surely be a struggle to reach the finish line. It is clear from the discussion boards that young people around the world are committed, now more than ever, to achieving the objectives that will make their world what they want it to be. To them, failure to achieve the goals of “A World Fit for Children” is simply not an option. They have a crystal clear image of the world that they want and they are out to get it!
GHANA
“A world fit for children is a world where every child has enough good food to eat every single day; a world where children are supported to achieve their ambitions no matter what they are; a world where children have never heard the sound of a gun or have ever seen one; a world where every single child is filled with joy and plenty of happiness; and most important of it all, a world where children can go to school every single day.” Male
For more information contact:
Maria Cristina Gallegos
Voices of Youth Coordinator Adolescent Development & Participation Unit (ADAP), Programme Division
voy@unicef.org
Age: 15-21
What: UNICEF Voices of Youth: The World We Want
UNICEF- In May 2002, the countries of the world met in New York to decide what should be done to improve the lives of children. At this landmark meeting – the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children (SSC) – the nations of the world committed themselves to a series of goals to improve the situation of children and young people. The new global agenda – a document called ‘A World Fit for Children’ - describes the promises made by governments to improve the lives of children from 2002-2012. In December 2007, world leaders will meet once again in New York to review progress made towards creating a better world for children. This month’s issue of “What Young People Are Saying” is dedicated to how young people view their world and how “fit” they think it really is (December 2007).
THE WORLD WE WANT
OVERVIEW
With the Special Session +5 Review taking place this month, young people are discussing the current state of the world as they see it, and the progress that has been achieved in the five years since the Special Session of 2002. Young people are aware that since the Special Session, millions of young lives have been saved: Global child deaths have reached a record low, falling to 9.7 million, down from almost 13 million in 1990; more children than ever are in school and more children are actively involved in decisions concerning their lives. However, they are also aware that too many children still die of preventable diseases, go hungry, are denied their right to an education or are forced into early marriage or hazardous work. Too many children are devastated by armed conflict, the sale and trafficking of children, or other forms of abuse and violence. Too many children have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. And too many of them will never experience a childhood.
Despite feeling that not enough has been done, VOY members are quick to point out that they have not lost hope. They believe progress for children and the achievement of the goals of the Special Session - a stepping stone towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals - are still possible. They stress that if the world is going to be truly fit for children, it is going to require action not just by governments and by organizations, but by families, communities and individuals, including young people themselves.
SOUTH AFRICA
“Personally, I feel that this world has let us down, but we can't sit around and complain all day. Children all over the world are dying… and the worst thing is that help is either always too late or it simply never arrives. My wish is that young people all over the world will pull together and achieve these goals.”
Female, 18
So, on the fifth anniversary of the SSC, how far have we come? What problems still exist? What can be done to build a world fit for children? Read on to find out what young people are saying.
THE MAIN PRIORITIES
Voices of Youth members recognize that all children have fundamental rights: the right to health and nutrition, to an education, to clean water and adequate sanitation, to gender equality and to freedom from exploitation and abuse. Moreover, children have a right to a name and a nationality - as well as to express themselves freely and to participate in decisions that affect them. They are also aware of the extent to which poverty, HIV/AIDS, conflict and discrimination negatively impact the lives of children and adolescents. In fact, young people single out poverty as the root cause of many problems. They point out that poverty prevents children from attaining basic rights such as the right to a healthy life and the right to an education.
OMAN
“I think there are many problems facing children and I think the three most important ones are poverty, getting a proper education, and living in a safe house with their families or people who truly care about them.” Female, 15
PHILIPPINES
“Poverty is one of the greatest problems that the world is facing today. Everywhere you look there's always a sign of it. Just look down the side streets and there you'll find many men, women, and children wearing tattered clothes, braving the scorching heat of the day and the freezing cold of the night. They have no where to go to, no one to run to.” Female, 17
Young people see education as a basic human right, vital to personal and societal development and well being. They believe that all children should be entitled to quality, free education, but sadly acknowledge that it is still a distant dream for millions of children all over the world, especially for girls, for those in rural areas, those of poorer families and those living in conflict zones.
NIGERIA
“Education is a major problem in my country...On the streets you see small children selling all kind of things … in order to provide a little income for their family; because of this, these children miss school. Sometimes I wonder where most of our future leaders will come from because most of the children are on the streets doing odd jobs instead of going to school.” Female, 15
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
“How can a young child concentrate on lessons when he is starving?” Female, 15
Many members point out that higher education is inaccessible to many young people around the world because of the high cost.
IRAQ
“Young people cannot continue their education for many reasons, one of the most important is war and conflict. But in addition, young people cannot continue their higher education because of the high cost. I know many friends who have had to drop out of university because they cannot afford it. There should be a group effort to enable young people to continue their education.”Male
VOY members consider lack of protection as one of the major obstacles that needs to be overcome if the world is to be made a better place. They wonder how the education goals of “A World Fit for Children” can be achieved, for example, if children still have to work to survive.
SIERRA LEONE
“I do believe education is a basic human right. If all the rich and poor can have quality education then we can say we would be able to meet the MDGs. But I have a very strong reservation about meeting the time frame. Poor people are more concerned with getting daily bread, so they prefer to send their kids to work than to school. If they send their kids to school they are sure to die of hunger.” Male, > 21
They believe that challenges persist in many areas, including the use of children in armed conflict, harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking and sexual exploitation.
JORDAN
“Personally, I think it's shameful that in the 21st century, with all the so-called advancement and promises made by the international community, children continue to suffer because of war. They are forced to fight; they are killed, tortured and maimed; they are imprisoned, uprooted and orphaned. And then we have the audacity to call ourselves "human" beings. Worst of all, the situation just seems to get worse and worse.” Female, 19
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
“Nothing is being done by anyone to stop human trafficking and sexual exploitation. …I've heard some really sad stories about it. VERY SAD, but big money is involved in this business, that's why no one is interested in stopping it.” Female, > 21
UNITED KINGDOM
“Child prostitution is a growing problem worldwide. …. And indications are that in every part of the world the number of children being harmed in this way is growing. Child prostitutes are found in virtually every country. There is an apparent increasing demand globally; part of it fed by the fear of AIDS and the naive belief that younger sex partners are free of disease.” Male, > 21
SAUDI ARABIA
“Don’t you think that subjecting a girl to female genital mutilation is one of the biggest human rights violations, a great crime? Girls as young as seven have bled to death as a result of this procedure. It is not an excuse that it is a tradition. Traditions as harmful as this should be abolished. We have to make people understand that it is okay to abandon such traditions.” Female
VOY members are acutely aware that HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that continues to devastate families, communities and even whole continents. They believe that the rate of infection with HIV is still very high, and point out that preventing new HIV infections is key to controlling the epidemic.
KENYA
“Today’s youth are the AIDS generation; they have never known a world without HIV. Millions have died, yet the epidemic remains largely invisible to adults and even to young people themselves.” Male, 20
They point out that many countries other than those in Africa have a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and are concerned that they these countries are being overlooked.
CANADA
“…Every time we talk about AIDS, the first thing to come up is Africa. Yes! It is a VERY huge problem in African and 3rd world nations…In reality AIDS is affecting ALL nations, even nations with advanced medical facilities like Canada and the United States…” Female, 21
While some VOY members indicate that there is a lack of information in their countries, others are worried that an overload of information has had a negative impact on efforts to combat the disease.
AUSTRALIA
“It is a tough situation when people become tired of hearing about such an important and fatal issue such as HIV/AIDS. From what I have gathered, they are sick of hearing about it, thus no longer caring.” Male, 17
PROGRESS MADE
Despite expressing their grave concern for the present state of the world’s children, most young people acknowledge that some progress has been achieved in realizing the commitments set out in “A World Fit for Children”.
They see that the first duty toward children is to ensure that they survive. Many young people believe that significant efforts have been made to promote healthy lives.
JORDAN
“I am proud of what my country has done to make life better for children. It has provided universal health insurance coverage for all children under six and it provides childhood vaccines free of charge.” Male, 17
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
“From the time a child is still in the mother's womb, until the person is old, there is free health care. The government is even willing to send patients overseas if no such treatment is available locally.” Male, 19
VOY members stress that all children should have access to and complete primary education that is free, compulsory and of good quality. They point out some interventions taken by their governments to help improve access and retention.
MALAYSIA
“In some schools in Malaysia there is a Milk Scheme and Pocket Money Programme giving money and milk to impoverished children.” Male
MEXICO
“The government of my country has begun giving more scholarships for children so that they can continue their studies instead of going to work.” Female, 17
BOTSWANA
”With regard to education our government fought for, and actually achieved, 100% access to education for BOTH females and males... It is worth noting that the Ministry of Education, in partnership with a UNICEF-initiated Female-Male Education Movement, is currently campaigning for rights-based and gender-sensitive schools. Male, 20
The right of all children to be protected against all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation and abuse is something young people feel very strongly about. They believe that protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is an integral component of protecting their rights to survival, growth and development. While the majority believes that gross violations are still being committed, some point out that some effort is being made to better protect children.
LESOTHO
“A world fit for children is a world fit for everyone! My country has endeavored to make this real by introducing free primary education. It has also invited children to have a say in the reformation of the Children's Protection Act of 1980.” Male 20
MEXICO
“I think that even if things are being done to ensure a safe environment for children, the Mexican government still has a lot to do to achieve this goal.” Female, 17
As for combating HIV/AIDS, young people acknowledge that progress has been made, but believe there is room for improvement. In addition, they seem baffled that despite all efforts aimed at reducing HIV infection, children and their families continue to suffer from the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS as it continues to ravage large parts of the world today.
MALAWI
“I come from Malawi, where HIV/AIDS is a major problem….We have a lot of foreign aid and the government is pouring money into the country to fight this pandemic and there are scores of campaigns targeted at just everyone imaginable, particularly at grassroots level so that people get the message. But this is proving fruitless, with the numbers of people catching the virus still increasing.” Male
They also mention some strategies implemented by their governments to reduce the spread of the disease.
MALAYSIA
“The government has started a programme where most medical centers will offer free unused/new syringes for drug addicts to prevent the sharing of syringes, which could lead to AIDS.” Male
WAYS FORWARD
There is a palpable sense of urgency when young people debate what needs to be done to make up for lost time, and march towards the goals intended to make the world a better place for ALL children. Though undoubtedly aware of the serious plight of children in poorer parts of the world, young people also point out that it is not only children in third world countries that are being denied their rights.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“I live in a developed country, so my country never does much. They figure they don't need to. It’s pretty sad.” Female
Despite young people’s confidence in themselves and their ability to make change, participants recognize the key role of parents, governments and other decision makers in fulfilling the promises made to children. They also call on adults to involve young people in matters that concern them.
GHANA
“Most of the times all our leaders do about children’s issues is to make promises and read us long speeches. It is high time they are called to act ... To achieve the Millennium Development Goals, all of us will have to work hand in hand irrespective of who is an adult and who is a child. The children have to be consulted and accepted as partners on issues concerning them. The child cannot wait.” Female, 18
MEXICO
“We, young people, are generally seen as a burden because the government has to invest in us without seeing immediate payback; however, with a little help from adults, that changes. When adults or the government … give us opportunity to do so, we do make a change and are actually able to help adults ensure a safe environment for children.” Female, 17
VOY members offer simple but practical suggestions to improve the situation for children and young people. For example, they point out that for poorer countries, debt repayment is a major obstacle to investment in basic services, especially those targeting children. They believe that debt relief should be more generous.
NEW ZEALAND
“One of the main sources of poverty in my opinion is debt. To pay back the money, many governments are making cuts on social spending like education. Developed countries need to forgive the debt before change can start being made.” Female, 18
They believe that richest countries should increase their assistance to the poorest countries.
SINGAPORE
“I strongly feel that less fortunate countries should be aided by developed countries and other international organizations such as the UN. Otherwise, the poor will become poorer and the rich will become richer.” Female, 17
NORWAY
“There are enough resources in this world to supply all, but the wealth is so unfairly distributed: some have nothing while others have way too much! If we all stand together we CAN make a difference, we just need to make the governments in the industrialized countries realize that they have to help make this world a better place.” Female, 19
Young people believe that corporate initiatives can play an important role in alleviating poverty and helping achieve a better world for children.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“Many businesses claim they are helping countries secure clean water for their people, or provide affordable electricity… businesses have the resources and power in various countries to make change possible.” Male, > 21
Young people believe that it is the government’s responsibility first and foremost to provide education to its citizens. They suggest that they need to invest more in education to ensure Access for All. They point out that it would be much wiser if money were spent on education instead of weapons of destruction
INDIA
“Education is the best way to eradicate the problems of poverty, unemployment, and ethnic conflicts. It shouldn’t be a dream for education to be free. If a country can spend huge amounts of money on missiles........why not divert that money for the betterment of the people?” Female, 20
Young people stress that no form of violence against children is justifiable. They point out effective ways to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and exploitation, such as including programmes to support parenting skills; programmes to improve school environment; increasing accountability for perpetrators, and for young people themselves to campaign against all forms of violence and abuse.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“For instance, we could start writing letters to government officials. Start showing advertisements on television. We could start handing out flyers. The more people that know about it, the more government officials will be alert about it.” Female, > 21
Although there has been significant progress in fighting HIV/AIDS, VOY members are aware that children and youth are still missing out. They share many ideas on combating HIV/AIDS and mitigating the effects of the disease on children, including improving awareness of this global pandemic, encouraging community participation, increasing access to treatment and reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
TUNISIA
“We would have less of a problem if we had sex education in class, if we had easy access to contraception and especially condoms, if the government gave free AIDS tests, if society did not shun those with HIV, if people were actually aware of what exactly AIDS is.” Female
Young people believe that they themselves are the greatest asset towards making the world a better place. Every little bit counts!
IRAQ
“We can be the change we want to see in the world ...and a thousand mile journey begins with one step.” Female, 20
CANADA
“It is totally up to us to make these things come true. Let’s make the Millennium Development Goals happen! Let’s build a school in a poor country; dig a well; sponsor a child; demonstrate peace, tolerance and love; be an example for others.” Female, 19
CONCLUSION
Five years after the Special Session on Children, Most VOY members believe there is still a chance that the promises made to children at the historic event of 2002 can still be fulfilled; however, they are adamant that the only way to move forward is for all stakeholders to join together, including young people themselves, in what they believe will surely be a struggle to reach the finish line. It is clear from the discussion boards that young people around the world are committed, now more than ever, to achieving the objectives that will make their world what they want it to be. To them, failure to achieve the goals of “A World Fit for Children” is simply not an option. They have a crystal clear image of the world that they want and they are out to get it!
GHANA
“A world fit for children is a world where every child has enough good food to eat every single day; a world where children are supported to achieve their ambitions no matter what they are; a world where children have never heard the sound of a gun or have ever seen one; a world where every single child is filled with joy and plenty of happiness; and most important of it all, a world where children can go to school every single day.” Male
For more information contact:
Maria Cristina Gallegos
Voices of Youth Coordinator Adolescent Development & Participation Unit (ADAP), Programme Division
voy@unicef.org
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