Youth Can Move the World

Yes, they can. And the annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium in Ontario's Peel Region is proof.

Last year, over 250 students gathered for an inspiring day where they learned how they can help create "a world that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable" through a program designed to empower, entertain and energize them.

Youth Can Move the World is a free symposium open to those aged 15 to 25, which again this year takes place in Mississauga, Ontario on Saturday, February 21, 2008.

The symposium is a character-building event at which a number of workshops and seminars are lined up to help build self-esteem in youth and motivate them to make a difference in the world.

Valerie Davis, Chair of Youth Can Move the World explains that this is a special opportunity for youth to explore ways of putting their passion and commitment for particular causes into practice, both immediately and locally. She says, "it’s also a wonderful opportunity for the region’s social agencies to introduce the next generation to their work and the benefits they bring to our communities."

This year, several organizations focused on youth, environment and other social causes wills showcase their youth volunteer opportunities to participants, including ACCESS Charity and Speak Up for Change.

First held in 2006, Youth Can Move the World was inspired by the United Nations declaration of the years 2005-2014 as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

Guests this year will participate in a full day of programming that will "encourage and enable youth to engage with community-based organizations to explore opportunities to transform their interests into action through local volunteerism".

Last year's seminars and workshops included Green Entrepreneurship, a discussion on living a greener life, and Media for Change, a critical analysis of the media's influence on society.

ACCESS featured a video on the 2008 symposium, which is available below:



You can register online right now, by clicking here!

For more information on this year's event, visit youthcanmovetheworld.ca.