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July 30 August 02, 2009
Edmonton, Alberta
www.youthassembly.cawww.youthassembly.cawww.youthassembly.cawww.youthassembly.ca
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
09 Global Youth Assembly:
Building Community
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights 5
GYA2009 Event Overview and Highlights
Day One: Our Global Community 6
Day Two: Our Local Communities 8
Day Three: How YOUth can Build Community 11
Other Highlights
Ignite Change Now! Youth Leader Day 16
Day Four Program Highlights 17
Youth Educator Forum 18
More Visuals of the Assembly 19
Delegates 20
Media Coverage 23
Feedback 26
Lessons Learned 27
Outcomes 28
Appendix A: More feedback from GYA delegates and partners 29
Thank you! 33
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Executive Summary
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), building upon a hugely
successful inaugural youth assembly held in Edmonton in 2007, presented the second
biennial Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly 2009 (GYA 2009) from July 30th to
August 2nd, 2009. The event took place at the Northern Alberta Institute for Technology
(NAIT) in Edmonton, Canada. Around 650 delegates from 23 countries around the world
and from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds gathered to
explore the theme YOUth building community through art, music, skill development
workshops, inspirational keynote speakers, a Youth Educators Forum, and a host of
evening activities including a Hip Hop Event and Dialogue with Her Excellency the Right
Honorable Michalle Jean, Governor General of Canada.
Delegates came from Edmontons inner city, Rwanda, Ukraine, Bolivia, Nunavut, rural
Alberta, and many other places and walks of life to share in the GYA experience. While
most delegates were from Alberta, there was representation from every province and
territory of Canada. International delegates from every continent; some presentedworkshops on the work that they do in their own countries. The suggested age range for
the GYA was 16-28, but there were participants from every generation present starting
from age 13, which added to the diversity and richness of the event.
The program was divided into four dynamic days and evenings that looked at the global,
local, and individual levels of building community. Keynotes at the GYA 2009 included
Michalle Jean - Governor General of Canada, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Craig Kielburger,
Georgina Lightning, Gary Martin, Buddha, Don Iveson, Ilona Dougherty, Nazanin Afshim
Jam, Lewis Cardinal, 4REAL (Josh Thome) and special guests Liz Evans and Alyssa Macy,
Dev Aujla, Ocean Robbins, and Mariatu Kamara. Workshops delved into issues from
youth restorative justice and greening organizations to human trafficking and climate
change. There were 15-20 concurrent workshops per day that had been selected from
over 100 workshop proposals submitted by individuals and organizations from around
the world. Many were interactive and used art and other media to explore these issues.
The GYA core values are DIVERSITY, CREATIVITY, and ACTION. The GYA 2009 gave youth
a safe and fun space to express themselves openly and creatively. There were guiding
questions on the conference theme to help generate
thought and dialogue for each day. Delegates responded to
the guiding questions or expressed whatever they wanted
to express on the Idea Walls located throughout NAIT
hallways; through the Reel Youth Speakers Corner; during
workshops through dance, singing, movie-making, and
other means; during the plenary sessions through
questions; and during the hugely popular open micsessions.
The GYA was a unique and life-changing experience for
many. Rarely do Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, youth
with and without disabilities,Canadian and Internationalyouth, rural and urban youth, high risk and low risk youth,
and science and arts students have the chance to be in the
same room, let alone unite to explore ways to make positive
change.
Governor General Michalle Jean dances with
Buddha and Frost at GG Hip Hop Dialogue and
Concert on July 31st, 2009. The event was also
open to the public. There were 700 people in
attendance.
At the GYA, youth from
across the world andacross Canada come
together with one goal:
to learn from each
other about ways in
which they can better
change the world and
IGNITE change NOW.
Many times you are
told that you are
leaders of tomorrow
you can be leaders of
today.
Change takes time but
we also have to be
impatient. Its time to
be impatient its time
to be impatient to
bring about the change
that we need today.
Dr. W. Andy Knight
Chair
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The GYA went beyond informative sessions to offer
interactive workshops, skills development sessions, a hip
hop summit, and action planning so that delegates left the
GYA knowing that they possess the power, knowledge,
talent, and skills to make positive change.
Providing long-term support for projects and individual
action plans born from the GYA was built into the program
as an equally important aspect of strengthening youth
capacity following the conference.A conference follow-up site has also been developed to
continue the dialogue and momentum started at the GYA 2009. Visit http://
www.gyaaction.orgto find out what kind of commitments and projects GYA delegates are
taking back to their communities. At the GYA, it was recognized by all participants that the
event is more than a conference; it is a youth movement. The John Humphrey Centre has
created the Ignite Change Now! Program, which has the GYA at its core along with variouspre and post-GYA projects and activities. The larger program allows the Centre to present
the GYA every two years with its partners and ensure that the youth movement started in
2007 thrives.
The GYA 2009 and related Ignite Change Now! Program projects and activities would not
have been possible without the John Humphrey Centres partners. Major Partners in 2009
included the Government of Canada, the City of Edmonton, the Office of the Governor
General, the Canadian Commission to UNESCO, Rights and Democracy, 4REAL, and
Apathy is Boring. The City of Edmonton was the Founding Partner of Day Two (July 31st,
2009) of the GYA 2009. As such, the City branded the entire day and was involved in the
program in many ways. Mayor Mandel kicked off the day with a bang and also warmly
welcomed the Governor General at a VIP reception in the afternoon, the Next Gen Initiative
and Councillor Don Iveson were part of a panel on youth apathy and politics, and the
Governor General gave her speech in front of a podium with City of Edmonton signage. It is
no surprise that the City of Edmonton was cited in our post-event survey as the most
recognizable of the GYA 2009 sponsors.
The idea walls were very successfuland colourful!
MCs of open mic and a delegate.
For my visits to
neighbourhoods like
Vancouvers downtown
east side, Montreals
Little Burgundy, as well
as Winnipeg have
shown me that all across
the country, particularly
in spaces of vulnerability
and marginalization,
Canadian youth are
finding hope in urban
art it is giving them a
new voice.
It is giving them an
instrument to raise
awareness about serious
social ills. It is giving
them an opportunity to re
-imagine and re-invent
their lives, a chance to
reclaim the joys and
passion of learning and
pursuing an education, a
chance to work with
peers for a better world,
a space to redefine and
strengthen our
citizenship.
Governor General
Michalle Jean
Opening Ceremonies kick off big.
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John Humphrey Centre for Peace
and Human Rights
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights was established as a non-profit
organization in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in June 2000, evolving from the Human
Rights Education Foundation, founded in 1998. The Centre was established under the
guidance and inspiration of patrons John Hume, M.P., M.E.P., Nobel Laureate; Dr.
Margaret Kunstler-Humphrey, M.D., F.R.C.P.; The Right Honourable Antonio Lamer, P.C.,
Former Chief Justice of Canada; and the Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop
Emeritus and Nobel Laureate.
Named after the late John Peters Humphrey, the principal drafter of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Centres mission is to advance the universal
implementation of human rights. We believe that a strong commitment to human rights
will enable us to address many of the ills in our society.
Vision and MissionVision and MissionVision and MissionVision and Mission
The Centre envisions a world that manifests a culture of peace and human rights in
which the dignity of each person is respected, valued and celebrated. Through
educational programs and activities, community collaboration and relationship building
guided by the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we aim
to advance a culture of peace and human rights.
Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of Directors
Gerald L. Gall, O.C., President
Gurcharan Singh Bhatia, C.M., Past President
Joan Cowling, Vice President
Christine G. Rapp., TreasurerLewis Cardinal
Jennifer Fisk
David King
Dr. W. Andy Knight, Chair Global Youth Assembly
Randy Palivoda
Dr. Raffath Sayeed
Francis Trehearne
Organization StaffOrganization StaffOrganization StaffOrganization Staff
Renee Vaugeois, Executive Director
Lisa Baroldi, Ignite Change Now Project Coordinator
Mandy Siu, Marketing and Communications CoordinatorCarrie Malloy, Educational Programs Coordinator
Chelsea Rutkowski, Intercultural Programs Coordinator
Summer Project Staff: Savanna Regnier, Maigan van der Giessen, Rabia Sheikh, Ashton
Jorden Frayn
Also thanks to the support of OOMPH Events in making the event a success!
Human Rights is all
about humanrelationships. The
capacity of each one of
us to have the inner
wisdom and strength to
look at one another in
non-judgment and
learn from each other;
to see ourselves in one
another and at the very
core, this is what the
GYA inspires.
Renee Vaugeois
Executive Director
Andy Knight welcomes youth delegates
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GYA 2009 Event Overview and
Highlights
ProgramProgramProgramProgram
The GYA 2009 program was divided into four dynamic days and evenings. The day before
the GYA, on July 29th, 100 youth from across Canada gathered for a day of intensive
training on how to develop and their own projects and be GYA ambassadors. Day One of
the GYA, Building a Better World One Brick at a Time, looked at the global level of
building community. Day Two, which was the day sponsored by the City of Edmonton,
emphasized 100-mile Action: Making Change at the local level. Day Three, How can
YOUth Can Build Community, brought the discussion down to the individual level and
personal responsibility to transform ones passions into action. The message was that
youth can build community in their own way, and that every action, big or small, matters.
On Day Four, youth educators gathered at Grant MacEwan to talk about how to take what
they learned at the GYA and put it into practice in the classroom or another educational
setting, while youth had a free day to go to Heritage Days and participate in an optionalInterfaith Tour of Edmonton. Focus during the entire event was on exploring these levels
through the GYA core values Diversity, Creativity, and Action.
Day One: Our Global CommunityDay One: Our Global CommunityDay One: Our Global CommunityDay One: Our Global Community
The Opening Ceremonies for the GYA 2009
was an inspiring display of diversity. The room
went dark at 9am sharp and a powerful 15-
minute film made especially for the GYA with
powerful music that featured youth from
Lethbridge telling a story about the journey
from apathy to action. Modern dancersemerged from the crowd and made their way
to the stage to the surprise and delight of the
audience. Following this celebratory display, a
Chinese Canadian youth played the bagpipes,
a young Dene man sang OCanada, Cree Elders gave the First Nations Welcome flanked by
two RCMP, and an Inuit youth delegate did a traditional loon dance.
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy kicked off the GYA by sharing his experience on the world stage as
Canadas Foreign Minister. He touched on important themes such as global governance,
the United Nations, and our responsibility to
protect one another. Dr. Axworthy discussed
how he is taking the lessons he learned at the
global level and is applying them to his work
at the local level to make the University of
Winnipeg, as well as the broader City, more
accessible to the inner city, Aboriginals, and
New Canadians. He emphasized how youth
have various media and technology that they
can utilize to create change and voice their
opinions about issues.
Elders Jerry and Gisele Wood.
Dr. Aworthy answering questions.
There is going to be a
story written about you
and that story will be
that you are young.
What you really have
to do is not fight that,
just accept it and move
on. Work really hard
to establish what that
second adjective is.
Don Iveson
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The workshops on Day One were focused on global
issues and approaches. Many were interactive,
others were informative. Sample workshops
included Engineers Without Borders Root Causes
of Poverty, Human Trafficking Awareness and
Action, Reel Youths Stop Motion Animation: What
do you want to see changed in the world?. View
the claymation videos that youth did at http://
reelyouth.ca/gya.html/. A group of Bolivian youth
presented Age is Just a Number: The Connection
between Youth and Seniors around the World.
Excerpts from Lloyd AxworthyExcerpts from Lloyd AxworthyExcerpts from Lloyd AxworthyExcerpts from Lloyd Axworthy
We are dealing with a time when problems transcend borders. The
world is now shifting into a much broader shared sense of responsibility and that is going to be, I think, for you the
toughest issue that you are going to dig deep into your consciousness about is, how far do you care? Its easy to
say I care about my family, friends, peers, school maybe, maybe municipality, province, Canada how much do
you care about those young people on the streets of Tehran that were being murdered by death squads?
How many of you can honestly say that two months ago that you were so terribly moved and cared so deeply
about the pain of a small increasingly shrinking group of civilians in Sri Lanka as they were being murdered by
their governments day after day that you wanted to do something about it? Or is it just that Hey, thats the world
or Whats going on there in Asia? Can we just get back to American Idol or something? Can you honestly say this
is something you would have cared about the same way as if you would have seen your neighbors small girl dropinto a pond and you would have immediately, through your consciousness, jumped in to try and rescue her?
Part of the issue is that if we dont have that sense of regarding the pain of others, we cant make the world work.
That is the dilemma. We have a responsibility to respond. Its your decision.
There are 300,000 child soldiers fighting today; drugged, used, abused and while it may seem distant and unreal
and irrelevant, its about you. You could equally be in their place.
Government doesnt have sovereignty by entitlement. It has to earn it by protecting its people. If it doesnt protect
its people, its not a sovereign state.
Workshop using art and group work.
Be shamelessly
idealistic.
It is time to think
differently about how
we save the worldthe
daily choices we make,
how to break the
traditional mold.
Craig Kielburger
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Craig Kielburger, founder of
Free the Children and Me to
We, packed the gym at the end
of the day and really blew
delegates away. Craig
energetically talked about how
youth can be leaders of today,
not just tomorrow. He shared
practical strategies for
successful social involvement,
including his famous Seven
Steps to Social Involvement.
He stayed on for a book signing
and received Hollywood-star
treatment from everyone in the
crowd. Delegates returned to
NAIT in the evening to view and discuss one of two films Darfur Nowor Older than
America. Georgina Lightning, the Director of Older than America, was on hand to discuss the
film while Mading Ngor, a young refugee from Sudan, facilitated dialogue on genocide in
Darfur as a young journalist in Canada.
Day One featured the Canadian Commission for UNESCO as one of our key partners in
making the day a success.
Day Two: Our Local CommunitiesDay Two: Our Local CommunitiesDay Two: Our Local CommunitiesDay Two: Our Local Communities
Mayor Stephen Mandels grand entrance in the morning of Day Two was fun. He swungaround one of the City of Edmonton stress balls, which had been placed on every chair prior
to the plenary session. Mayor Mandel welcomed delegates to Edmonton, spoke about the
importance of youth, and introduced the first keynote speaker of the day Gary Martin.
Mandel hit it home by stressing that municipalities are the place where change begins.
Gary Martins talk called Take it Back, revealed how communities and youth can take their
neighborhoods and lives back from gangs. Martins experiences of growing up in Chicago
surrounded with gangs and experiencing
violence framed his efforts to, instead of
seeking revenge, aim at neighbourhood
change through the use of karate.
Martins talk flowed nicely into Buddhas
presentation about how he uses his social
work background to use hip hop and
breakdancing in Canadas Arctic to help
kids express themselves in a non-violent
manner as well as to try to break through
the void that exists between elders and
youth in the communities. Both speakers
emphasized the need to engage all
Craig answers a question from a young African woman.
Mayor Mandel swings a stress ball.
There is truth to the
statement that a
handful of people can
sound like an army.
Lewis Cardinal
Harmony is what we
create with actions
that benefit others as
much as ourselves.
Dont forget that
silence is consent and
suffering is optional.
Gary Martin
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ages, races, and disciplines to truly build community. Both were quite entertaining and
used their musical backgrounds in their presentations.
The afternoon was filled with workshops; a lively open mic that had everyone dancing and
singing together; and an Action is Hot, Apathy is Not Panel introduced by Edmontons Next
Gen Initiative. This panel discussion included Don Iveson, Edmontons youngest Councillor;
Lewis Cardinal a local Aboriginal leader; and, Nazanin Afshim-Jam, former Miss Canada
and current human rights activist and artist. Discussions centred on the value of engaging
in democracy and political processes and what youth need to consider in engagement as
well as what the implications are for unengaged populations. Hosted by Ilona Dougherty of
Apathy is Boring, the panel was a great addition that sparked a lot of youth dialogue and
discussion.
Gary Martin and Buddha, the vet
presenters, use music and humour
to engage youth in all the work that
they do.
Apathy is not only boring; its potentially quite
expensive for you and potentially deadly. If not
for you, then for people that dont have the re-
sources to look out for themselves in a changing
world or aspects of the biodiversity of our planet
that are in peril right now. Don IvesonDon IvesonDon IvesonDon Iveson
It is a fool who seeks to be a
leader, but it is a wise person
who seeks to make change
coming from a good place.
Lewis CardinalLewis CardinalLewis CardinalLewis Cardinal
Democracy is an idea
where everyone canexpress themselves but
yet at the same time
they can not go further
than the borders and
limits of freedom
which can impose on
someone else. I hate
when under the mask
of democracy, people
come and kill
innocents and come
and take whatever they
want when they
promote this idea but
do not follow the ideas
of democracy
Youth Delegate
If you work with any people of
any culture, if your starting point
is humbling your butt, like humble
yourself, truly humble yourself
before anothers culture and you
will be welcomed in and thats the
starting point we can all start to
work together.
Stephen Leafloor (Buddha)
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The Open Mic was a huge success at the Assembly. The gym was packed and over 25
youth signed up with performances ranging from singing, dancing, spoken word, guitar andflute playing, bangra/bollywood dance, short presentations on youth led initiatives and
projects, and videos. The number of participants demanded that the session be extended
and another one held on Day Three over the lunch hour. We had another 10 youth on this
day showcase their talents, ranging from a traditional Inuit loon dance, a healing song for
those who went through the residential schools, more hip hop and spoken word, and
testimonies about the amazing impact of the Global
Youth Assembly.
The day closed off with the Hip Hop Dialogue and
Concert featuring the Governor General of Canada, local
bands, and Nomadic Massive (a group of nine from
Montreal who performed socially conscious multilingualhip hop music). The evening was open to the public and
attracted around 800 people. The event followed a VIP
reception at which Mayor Mandel warmly addressed the
Governor General.
The Youth Dialogue with the Governor General was an
opportunity for youth to hear from the Governor General
herself about the positive impact of hip hop and other
forms of artistic expression on young people and
communities. She spoke of many of her own
experiences hearing from youth who felt that having this type of outlet had saved their
lives. The Youth Dialogue included many youth workers from around the country whoempower young people through different forms of expression, such as break dancing,
spoken word and rapping. They shared stories about how they are making a difference in
the lives of young people and offered a message of hope for the youth in the audience who
are struggling.
The Office of the Governor General organized a group picture with
the Governor General at the dialogue.
Every time you tell
your story of pain, you
take back the control
from those who
created the pain for
you.
Stephen Leafloor
(Buddha)
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Day Three: How YOUth Build CommunityDay Three: How YOUth Build CommunityDay Three: How YOUth Build CommunityDay Three: How YOUth Build Community
Day Three had everyone asking How can YOUth build community?. Beatboards Mike
Sheehan kicked off the day by giving youth an opportunity to freestyle with each other;
sharing ideas and lending support through
spoken word and free flow rhymes. The
atmosphere was electric and the youth drew
others in from the down the hall with the
music and their fantastic lyrics. Mike
encouraged youth to get outside of their
normal paradigm, or way of thinking, to
explore new ways of approaching issues and
people.
Following the kick off, Josh Thome of 4REAL,
a hit TV series, explained how the show
brings big name celebrities such as KNAAN,
MIA, Cameron Diaz, Casey Affleck and others
and together with young leaders who are
affecting change in their communities, presented to the audience. He emphasized that the
show is really about the youth, not the celebrities, saying how important it is to go into
these communities with humility and respect. Josh featured two powerful women at the
Global Youth Assembly on stage with him: Liz Evans of Vancouvers Portland Hotel
Society, and Alyssa Macy of Oklahomas NVision. These two women brought a unique
perspective and tangible approaches and experiences of working in marginalized
communities.
Mike Sheehan pushing delegates out of
their box.
This is 4REAL:
Real People, Real
Places, Real
Change:
Josh Thome,
Alyssa Macy and
Liz Evans
Excerpts from Josh ThomeExcerpts from Josh ThomeExcerpts from Josh ThomeExcerpts from Josh Thome
The world is too crowded, too dangerous and too connected
the change that needs to happen in our lifetime is massive.
The change we will see in our l ifetime will be exponential. We
need to be a creative force in guiding that change otherwise it
will barrel roll us. We have one opportunity, this generation
has one shot to make that work because the environmental
limits to what we are doing, the strains we have put on the
planet, the momentum of our history right now has to funda-
mentally and radically shift if we are going to have a bright
future. Its an exciting time and a scary time in some ways, but
its OUR TIME.
We think of the biosphere in terms of interconnection and
diversity of all the biology of the world. We understand how
that system works and that diversity is the strength of the
biosphere; its its resilience. The exact same is true of the
ethnosphere; its the collective human experience. Its our
understanding, our perspective and our scope about how to
live on this planet. Different environments create different
perspectives and understandings. That diversity is crucial to
our survival and our resiliency as a species.
Native youth are faced
with a whole number ofobstacles against us its
like swimming up river.
As a student in high
school, one of the things
that I was always
disturbed by was Id look
in history books and they
would talk about us as
Indians and as something
of the past. As somethingfrozen in time. As peoples
that didnt exist anymore.
Were not a picture in a
book, were not history,
were not something of the
past. We are very much
alive.
Alyssa Dawamana Macy
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The presentation of the camera to the
girls was an incredible example of youth
action.
Excerpts from Liz EvansExcerpts from Liz EvansExcerpts from Liz EvansExcerpts from Liz Evans
What I began to see [working in emergency in Vancouver] was a strong pattern. People coming into the emergency
with infections, hearing voices, having pneumonia, cuts, broken bones, loneliness, depression. Then going back to
the street; then back to emergency; then back to the street; then emergency. Then going to a crummy 100 squarefoot hotel room with maybe a shower and a shared toilet by 12, sometimes 20 people. And occasionally, going to a
shelter in between and oftentimes going to jail for a stolen toothbrush, a fight or drugs. As a nurse this cycle seemed
recognizable and predictable. In the hospital all I could ever do was focus on treating a disease but it was a disease
of the mind or of the body; it was never the social circumstances in which the diseases were taking place.
One of the first people I met was a woman named Tilly. Tilly was Aboriginal, in her 30s. She was an alcoholic and
primarily addicted to heroine. She worked in the sex trade. She was raised in foster care. When she was just little
she had been locked in her room by her foster family. Shed been force fed. She tried to kill herself when she was
just 15 by slitting her own throat with a kitchen knife. When I met her she was addicted to heroine, pills, alcohol
everything, but what I saw was a gentle and beautiful woman. She was very kind. She would equally fly into rages
when she was drunk usually through tears of self hate. One night, when she was out on a date, she was raped bru-
tally. When she came home, she crawled into my lap where I held her like a little child. She was sobbing intensely.
What she kept saying to me over and over was it was my fault I was raped. Im a bad person. I deserved it. I lookedat the pills, the heroine and alcohol that was on the table beside her and I longed to give her something that would
take away the intense pain she was experiencing. I felt completely powerless. There was nothing I could do to tell
Tilly because she would never believe she was worth being in a relationship free from abuse.
We live on a tiny planet where for generations people have been hurting each other and themselves. This legacy of
hurt is kind of an inheritance I think its our collective responsibility to shed light on the fact that it is in fact all of
our story. Likewise, when we see the Tillys of the world, I think we need to know that in fact they are no different
than us. If we just take off our glasses, well see ourselves.
I found East Vancouver to be full of passion and full of life but also 16000 people with a disproportionate degree of
challenges. Having no access to things like basic nursing care, no medical care, no psychiatric care, primarily be-
cause people were viewed as undeserving or junkies. They were the wolves, not the lambs. We as a society only
know how to blame for our inability to see them as people who deserve our love and care.
All my grandiose plans of coming into a community and doing things for people were completely crap, faulty and
instead I had to realize that all I could do was walk beside people.
The organization I work for (Portland Hotel Society), I would argue doesnt change anything. We fight to open space,
physical space and emotional space. Space in which people can exist with dignity and respect because this is where
healing can begin. I dont believe healing can occur for any of us in a society with an atmosphere of hatred.
The energy in the diverse
workshops on Day 2.
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Two aspiring
journalists from
Sierra Leone, who
the John
Humphrey Centre
worked very hard
to bring to the GYA,
then gave a
surprise address to
the roars of the crowd. The two young girls write for a national youth newspaper called
Pikin News that gives children in Sierra Leone a voice on human rights issues. A group of
delegates, inspired by the Pikin girls story, raised enough money to buy the newspaper a
camera.
The afternoon workshops were focused on skill development. From Marketing for Good,Not Evil to Beatboards DJ and Rap Workshop, delegates were walking away with tips
and new tools and skills. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwri7q69XrU for the
GYA Rap that a very diverse group of young people created at the GYA.
Dev Aujla from DreamNow gave an action planning session that ensured delegates left
with clear plan of what they want to do following the GYA to make a difference. He had a
how-to approach on asking questions and connecting with people to develop ideas and
projects. He provided tools and resources for the audience to draw upon in creating
change. Commitments made by the youth to affect change can be seen on the GYA Action
website at www.gyaaction.org.
Dev stressed the importance of questioning the world, writing these questions down and
using them as a basis for action. You dont have to even go to conferences to start askingquestions or go around to inspiring speakers. You can just look at the street. He stressed
that questioning should become a habit and something that is a continual evolutionary
process which takes you on a diverse range of life paths and lessons.
One of the more powerful
moments of Day Three was
when Dev asked the youth to
do a question exchange.
Delegates were asked to
write one question on a card
and to skip the ephemeral,
skip the surface, jump
straight to the heart. Ask the
question that goes beyond
the what have you been up
to?. These cards were
exchanged after his session
and some amazing
inspirational relationships
cropped out of this small
gesture.
When we hear stories
like that (of Iran andviolence) and the term
Islamist, it doesnt help
Islamic people like me
and I believe in peace.
It doesnt help me to
be able to wear my
hijab or to walk
around with my
religious clothing
when all over the
world, people see me
as a terrorist. There
are people in every
religion that are prone
to doing wrong.
Im a teenager and go
to high school and Im
the only one there who
wears this and
everyone looks at me
in the hallways andeven though they try
not to give me dirty
looks, at the same time,
I see the hate in their
eyes when they look at
me.
Youth Delegate
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Ocean Robbins closed the day with a powerful invitation to take a stand with our lives as
young leaders. His philosophical, yet practical approached, called on youth to consider
how their lives represent the values they each individually hold. He also challenged those
youth in a privileged position to choose to see the racist barriers that impact our society
and to stand up for change.
The evening event on Day Three was a Shop4Change Ethical Fashion Show featuring
Edmontons Keshotu youth leaders as models and performers, Rights and Democracys
Panties for Peace Campaign, and Mariatu Kamara, who spoke about her experience as a
child affected by war fuelled by conflict diamonds.
Shop4Change profiled different organizations around the province such as Keep
Edmonton Original, Eat Local First, Earth Water International, Bullfrog Power, Planet
Organic and Lucid Lifestyles. The intention was to give guests an idea of what kind of
companies there are for shopping more responsibly. Their products were featured in the
fashion show as well as on the projection screens. For example, Kerstins Chocolates, an
Edmonton-based store that produces ethical gourmet chocolate provided mini versions of
their Chocophilia line to throw into the crowd as well as being responsible for all of our
thank you gifts to speakers.
Excerpts from Ocean RobbinsExcerpts from Ocean RobbinsExcerpts from Ocean RobbinsExcerpts from Ocean Robbins
One of the diseases of our time is this belief that we are all
separate.
I believe we all have a dream of how the world could be a bet-
ter place. We can choose to live in such a way that we are in
alignment with our dreams, with our values, with our commit-ments.
White skin gave me a choice whether or not to see racism. I
have privilege that comes with my skin colour and I want to
use it.
Your liberation is bound up with mind we are interwoven
with each other.
The more we talk about what really matters to us, the more
alive our collective conversation will be. Because I think we
talk too little about the things that really matter and too much
about things that are kind of safe and maybe superficial andjust kind of out there. I think its the conversations about things that
really matter are what helps to bring us to life.
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Mariatu Kamara, UNICEF Special Representative for Children and
Armed Conflict, stole the show with her personal experiences of the war
in Sierra Leone fueled by blood diamonds. Her impassioned speech
brought the audience through her progression as an amputee in camps
and on the streets in Sierra Leone to an activist today.
Michelle Levesque from the Rights
and Democracy Network also
spoke about the Panties for Peace
campaign, a movement to support
women in Burma whose rights are
continually violated and ignored.
The Panties for Peace campaign
plays on the regime leaders fear
that contact with a womans
underpants will rob them of their
power. The campaign encourages
all women to send underwear to
authorities in Burma to try to strip
the regime of its power.
Stephani Carter, creator and
owner of Green Alberta andEcoAmmo, closed the
Assembly with the
singing of a poem about
the environment and how
we can make a positive
impact on the
environment if we just
choose to be more
responsible consumers.
Excerpts from Mariatu KamaraExcerpts from Mariatu KamaraExcerpts from Mariatu KamaraExcerpts from Mariatu Kamara
They forced my hands down and made a few attempts. After several at-
tempts finally succeeded in cutting off both my hands. They burned down the entire village and I was
passed out for several seconds. When I regained consciousness I found myself in the middle of dead
bodies. There was no one there to help me.
I was moved to an amputee camp in a suburb of Freetown where I lived for almost three years. Dur-
ing this time life was very tough and as Im talking to you I can still feel that pain right now. There
was no way for us to get support from anyone, no governments nor individuals. So we had to turn to
beggars on the streets of Freetown.
Perhaps God took away my hands so I can speak with my heart and touch the world with my voice.
Edmontons own Keshotu youth kicked off the
Shop4Change with a charged performance and
acted as the fashion models. A guest appear-
ance by Buddha and Frost livened the show!
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Other Highlights
Ignite Change Now! Youth Leader DayIgnite Change Now! Youth Leader DayIgnite Change Now! Youth Leader DayIgnite Change Now! Youth Leader DayJuly 29, 2009July 29, 2009July 29, 2009July 29, 2009
On this day, 100 youth leaders
came together from across
Canada to work on developing
projects that they would commit
to for the next two years. Dev
Aujla of DreamNow facilitated
the Ignite Change Now (ICN) Day
by leading various activities.
Special presentations were
brought in to facilitate the skills
and confidence of these youth infacilitating their projects. Ilona
Dougherty of Apathy is Boring talked about fundraising techniques and Rikia Saddy gave youth a
new perspective on branding and marketing their projects as a critical piece of success. Kori
Chillibeck, Earthwater Founder and President discussed how he started the organization and the
realities facing the work at a local and international level. Renee Vaugeois, Founder and
President of Ainembabazi Childrens Project, also provided an insight into the development of
projects. She spoke in terms of the motivation, creation and success of an organization and the
need to find out the root causes to issues and exploring the interconnectivity of human rights.
Youth finished up the day by dissecting the steps needed in executing their project ideas, the
importance of networking as well as building relationships of value. Their goal was to move into
the Global Youth Assembly with a clear project idea which they could share with other youth andhopefully find collaborative partners!
Every day at the Assembly, a journaling workshop was hosted by local writer Ted Kerr, for the ICN
Team youth to reflect on the days experiences or wherever their thoughts took them.
I actually had a really
unique experiencegoing to a workshop
based on gender
equality. They were
talking about positive
ways to influence
young sisters out there
to be confident. I was
thinking, what about
all the young brothers
who need to know
about these things as
well?
Thats the interesting
thing about growth
as humanity, as a
human being, we need
to allow ourselves to
evolve emotionally,
spiritually, mentally.
That way not just
young women couldfight for their rights
but man could come
along; stand right next
to their woman. I
became a man today.
ICN Youth Leader at
Global Youth
Assembly
Canadian
31%
First
Generation
Immigrant
33%
Second
Generation
Immigrant
15%
First Nations
9%
Metis
5%
Inuit
2%
Refugee
5%
Demographics of ICN Team
Delegates on the ICN Day listened to
speakers with practical experience
and ideas on making social change
as well as broke off in workshops to
develop their own projects for their
community. One sample project here
is creating a Survival Bible for
young newcomers to Canada.
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Other Highlights
Day Four Program HighlightsDay Four Program HighlightsDay Four Program HighlightsDay Four Program Highlights
On the final day of the Global Youth Assembly, a program of optional events were offered to
youth delegates as well as space for youth to continuing their networking and project planning.
A sample of programming included:
In partnership with the Interfaith Centre of Edmonton, a tour of different religious churches,
synagogues , mosques and temples allowed youth to explore the diversity of faith in Canada and
to learn hands on more about the different perspectives and practices of each.
Buses shuttled delegates throughout the day to participate in the Edmontons Heritage Festival
at Hawreluk Park. This allowed the youth to experience the diversity of Edmonton and explore
the tastes, sounds, and art of our world in our own small community.
Delegates had time to mingle, enjoy, col-
laborate and network. Social change can
and is FUN! Thanks to Telus for providing
the great bags and lanyards for the event!
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Youth Educator ForumYouth Educator ForumYouth Educator ForumYouth Educator ForumAugust 2, 2009August 2, 2009August 2, 2009August 2, 2009
On the fourth day of the Global Youth Assembly, approximately 80 teachers and youth
delegates participated in a full day of keynotes and workshops to explore how to promote
effective and active citizenship with youth. Dr. Andy Knight set off the day with a
discussion of the key principles and philosophy behind citizenship in a changing global
world. Eight workshops throughout the day fostered engagement and the sharing of
resources and tools. Some focused on the use of media such as photography to engage
youth in dialogue and change. A panel discussion at noon featured Jacqueline Fayant, a
Metis woman, and Joseph Luri, an immigrant from Sudan, who work with youth in
Edmonton and the unique challenges and needs of Aboriginal and immigrant youth in the
education system.
This day was made possible with the support of the Canadian Multicultural EducationFoundation.
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Page 19
More Visuals of the Assembly
iDance workshop for people with and without dis-
abilities.
Edmonton hip hop artist Mother Peace sits
on the panel at the Governor Generals
Dialogue.
Delegates get real during a workshop.
Impromptu drumming
and dancing at lunch.
Rwandan workshop presenter
talks about the organization
he created after the
Multicultural Bollywood dance at the open mic gets
everyone up dancing.
Aboriginal delegate drums at
the open mic.
Some of the media coverage at the
eventMC Marion Viau.
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Delegates
Approximately 650 delegates attended the Global Youth Assembly (including speakers and
special guests). While most delegates were from Alberta, every Canadian province and
territory was represented. Receiving last minute funding from Exchanges Canada helped
the John Humphrey Centre to fly in youth from across the country.
There was also a number of participants from other countries around the world. It was
more challenging to bring international delegates to the GYA in 2009 than in 2007
because visas were not being issued. Of over 2000 requests for letters to attend the GYA
for visa applications, less than one percent of those who requested these letters received
their visas to participate. We did not receive funding from CIDA this year for travel for
international delegates. There was quite a mix of countries, however. This reflects the
increased awareness of the GYA around the world.
I very grateful for GYA and its organizers. I am proud to say through GYA have known how to
embark fund raising for youth-led project, how to put up attracting proposal and networking,
etc. I believe my experience gain will go a long way to help other back at home, through my
presentation, seminars at a youth activist. It has also build up my self confidence and public
speaking. I must say I am inspired and it much encourages me moving on with this service for
HUMANITY! - Richard Amoah Kyereh. A citizen of Ghana and the Co-founder of Africa Change
International
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We also got a chance to visit the great West Edmonton Mall. It was the biggest building I have
ever seen in my whole life! Miss Charlene, our chaperone, Lisa from the John Humphrey Centre
and a few of our Canadian friends took us there for a day of adventure. This was my happiest
day in Edmonton. The greatest thing that has ever happened to me was my trip to Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada. Hajaratu Sama , 16-year-old from Sierra Leone
The majority of the delegates who attended the Global Youth Assembly fell into the 15-19
year old category. One woman in her 60s attended and said, I didnt even feel old! You
promised I wouldnt and I didnt. Everyone was very welcoming and open. What a
wonderful conference!.
4 %
33 %
28 %
22 %
13 %
Age Distribution of Delegates
Und er 1 5 1 5-1 9 2 0-2 4 2 5-2 9 o ve r 2 9
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One of the key priorities of the Global Youth Assembly is to ensure a diverse range of youth
are able to attend and that are representative of the Canadian multicultural mosaic. The
above chart gives an indication of the range of demographics at the Assembly
representing various segments of the Canadian population. Efforts were made with
immigrant, refugee and Aboriginal communities to raise sponsorships to allow their full
attendance without any cost barriers. This chart is based on the delegates reporting their
background. A number of those that put their background as Canadian and Other were
visible minorities, so the diversity of the conference was incredible and we are proud of
that fact. We hope in the future to continue to increase representation from marginalized
groups, particularly from Aboriginal communities.
The Centre also feels that rural representation is a critical piece for the Global Youth
Assembly. Rural youth are
often not as actively
engaged in youth
leadership opportunities
and extra efforts were
made to reach out to this
segment of the
population. The
representation of rural
youth increased from2007 to reach 24 percent
of the total delegate population.
At the Global Youth Assembly, in partnership with the Rural Secretariat and the Canadian
Multiculturalism Program within Citizenship and Immigration, a rural youth roundtable was
held to explore the unique range of issues facing rural youth as well as the potential for
working collaboratively to support rural youth in affecting change in their communities.
This was an extremely successful session with 24 participants. Following this roundtable,
the Centre is working on setting up a rural youth network in Alberta.
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Media Coverage
PrePrePrePre----Conference Activity (May 1Conference Activity (May 1Conference Activity (May 1Conference Activity (May 1----June 30, 2009)June 30, 2009)June 30, 2009)June 30, 2009)
May 6: media launchMay 6: media launchMay 6: media launchMay 6: media launchRugby for Rights game betweenRugby for Rights game betweenRugby for Rights game betweenRugby for Rights game between Wagner and McNally kicked off theGYA and to help raise awareness about the Pikin girls being invited to attend the Global
Youth Assembly. Article by the Edmonton Journalhttp://www.edmontonjournal.com/News/
Daring+teens+invited+youth+conference/1568246/story.html
May 8:May 8:May 8:May 8: article by Community Living Leaders, an online news service by Community Living
Ontario, about the Global Youth Assembly. http://www.communitylivingontario.ca/page/
community%20living%20leaders/ezlist_item_dc148ec3-d6a2-4900-a893-c05b94e548bf.aspx
May/JuneMay/JuneMay/JuneMay/June: coverage of the Spring Bling Soiree, the formal fundraiser hosted by the John
Humphrey Centre, by Avenue Magazine, both online and print editions. http://
www.avenueedmonton.com/articles/page/item/a-world-of-difference
June:June:June:June: editorial written by Lisa Baroldi for 4H magazine
JuneJuneJuneJune: submission and publishing to Alberta Think Website By Renee Vaugeois
Speak Up! BlogSpeak Up! BlogSpeak Up! BlogSpeak Up! Blog: blog semi-regularly updated by the GYA staff with a steady growth in
readership especially whenever change agents were featured (usually guest posts by
young leaders). http://globalyouthassembly.wordpress.com
July 1July 1July 1July 1----28, 200928, 200928, 200928, 2009
Press releases were drafted and sent out by the John Humphrey Centre and Rideau Hall to
promote the Global Youth Assembly (Craig Kielburger in particular) and the Governor
Generals presence at the Global Youth Assembly.
Radio Interview:Radio Interview:Radio Interview:Radio Interview:
91.7 the Bounce (sponsor) did a short interview on July 7, 2009 with Lisa Baroldi,
Program Coordinator
630Ched did a live interview with Lisa Baroldi on July 13
98.5 CFWE (The Native Perspective) did a live radio interview with Lisa Baroldi on July
24
CBC Weekender conducted a live interview with Renee Vaugeois on July 24
Public Service Announcements:Public Service Announcements:Public Service Announcements:Public Service Announcements:
Public service announcements for the Global Youth Assembly and Evening Events were
distributed to See Magazine, Vue Weekly, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, Edmonton
Examiner.
Radio Play (Public Service Announcements)Radio Play (Public Service Announcements)Radio Play (Public Service Announcements)Radio Play (Public Service Announcements)
91.7 the Bounce played PSA for Global Youth Assembly while running contest for free
registration from June 15-28 and again July 13-30, 2009.
CKUA ran a promo spot (10) for free registration giveaway
Sonic 102.9 ran 15 PSA spots (sponsored) for the Governor Generals Youth Dialogue
and Concert series the week of July 27-31st.
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TelevisionTelevisionTelevisionTelevision
TelusTV interviewed Lisa at the JHC office
Breakfast TV (CityTV) hosted Lisa Baroldi, Program Coordinator, on morning show on July
27th, 2009.
Social Media (online)Social Media (online)Social Media (online)Social Media (online)
Daily Twitter activity under hashtag #GYA09 with 4-5 RETWEETS of announcements.
MasterMaq (Mack D Male) tweeted about event (prominent Edmonton blogger with large
following)
Guest blog from Dave Cournoyer, local Edmonton blogger, which was Retweeted twice.
http://daveberta.blogspot.com/2009/07/global-youth-assembly-2009-ignites.html
Quick blog post from David Eaves, an expert in negotiations and public policy (see blog
for bio) http://eaves.ca/2009/07/31/if-you-are-under-25-edmonton-is-the-place-to-be-
this-weekend/
Guest post to Speak Up For Change blog. http://
speakupforchange.blogspot.com/2009/07/igniting-change-now.html
NextGen Newsletter promoting GYA and evening events. http://
www.industrymailout.com/Industry/View.aspx?id=144493&p=b639
Conference Media ActivityConference Media ActivityConference Media ActivityConference Media ActivityMedia advisory for the GYA was released on July 28, 2009, promoting the event overall.
The advisory was sent to Radio, Newspapers, Television throughout Edmonton/Alberta
region (comprehensive list available; media advisory available)
July 29, 2009July 29, 2009July 29, 2009July 29, 2009
CBC Radio: Larissa Kozun did a radio interview with Renee Vaugeois, Executive Director,
and 4 youth from across Canada (Yukon, Manitoba, PEI and rural Alberta). Aired: July 30,
with segment featured on website throughout July 30/31st
. CBC Radio: did a pre-interview with Ilona Dougherty, actual interviewJuly 30 at 8:15
A.M.
Edmonton Journal: article by Sneh Duggal regardingthe Governor Generals appearance
at the Global Youth Assembly, with mentions of the GYA taking place in Edmonton.
630Ched: live over the phone interview with Lisa Baroldi, Program Coordinator for the
GYA
July 30, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 30, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 30, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 30, 2009 (Conventional Media)
Global (Edmonton): conducted a live interview with Renee Vaugeois and arrival of
delegates, opening keynotes/plenary for morning show and showed the clip again on the
noon show and late-night show
Omni (Diversity Channel): onsite covering events, conducting interviews with South-east
Asian or East Asian youths (throughout the event) CTV: conducted an interview with Lisa Baroldi, Program Coordinator, for the GYA
Breakfast TV (CityTV): interview with Lloyd Axworthy (keynote)
CBC Edmonton: was onsite covering the event, interviewed Renee Vaugeois, Executive
Director of the John Humphrey Centre
CBC Radio-Canada: interviewed Lisa Baroldi and a few French-speaking delegates
CBC National: was onsite, conducting an informal interview with delegates regarding
social entrepreneurship during economic recession.
Canadian Press: was onsite to cover the Governor Generals Dialogue, Mariatu Kamara,
and Alyson Rowe for piece on children in conflict. This was picked up by Yahoo! News
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July 31, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 31, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 31, 2009 (Conventional Media)July 31, 2009 (Conventional Media)
Breakfast TV: hosted the Pikin girls, teenage (16
years old) journalists from Sierra Leone who report on events in their country via text
messaging, covering news that adult reporters sometimes cant get.
iNews880: online news media component of 630CHED, ran two articles on the GYA (one
general; one regarding the Governor Generals Dialogue)
Global Edmonton, CBC Edmonton, Edmonton Journal, Canadian Press, CTV, CityTV, Omni were
just some of the news outlets covering the Governor Generals dialogue on Friday night.
Post Conference ArticlesPost Conference ArticlesPost Conference ArticlesPost Conference Articles
Riverbendonline.ca printed a hard copy news article in September 2009 by Janine Hancock
Gateway News at the University of Alberta printed an article in August
Online MediaOnline MediaOnline MediaOnline Media
Twitter: live twittering by many delegates under the hashtag #GYA09 (alternative: #GYA). Mostly
recaps of keynote events, thoughts about workshop sessions and links to blog posts, etc. Sample
tweets include:
brittanykustra: The two workshops I attended today were the two best of the conference! Now
Ocean Robbins is speaking and he is WONDERFUL. #gya09
doniveson: "Every time we fail a child, society fails." Our Governor General is magnetic andinspiring at #gya09 reaching out to youth in #yegtonight.
doniveson: Young man from Surrey BC at #gya09 said to me that I inspired him to run in the
last election. He got 11,000 votes. Made my day.
GetInvolvedca: The Open Mic has been one of the best parts of#gya09! What a global party!
(via @brittanykustra)
Blogs:Blogs:Blogs:Blogs:
A few delegates also blogged about their GYA experiences (not an exhaustive list as this was
culled from Twitter and/or other sources)
Daveberta: Dave Cournoyer, local Edmonton blogger, wrote briefly about the GYA (reciprocated
guest blog). http://daveberta.blogspot.com/2009/07/global-youth-assembly-2009-
ignites.html#links
Alex on the Web: Alex Abboud, delegate, who posted a series of blog posts regarding histhoughts on the GYA. http://alexabboud.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/craig-kielburger-at-the-
global-youth-assembly/
The Edmontonian: an online news blog covering local headlines. Wrote a highly sardonic post
re: the GYA but invited the GYA team to follow-up with responses, etc. http://
theedmontonian.com/?p=3022
GetInvolved.ca: was covering a lot of the conference with footage to be posted on website;
conducted interviews with speakers including Dev Ajula (DreamNow), Craig Kielburger and
others. http://www.getinvolved.ca/
Speak up for Change: will be posting pictures and blog posts re: the GYA. http://
speakupforchange.blogspot.com/
ReelYouth.ca: was broadcasting and tweeting live from the GYA, conducting interviews with
delegates about taking action. http://speakupforchange.blogspot.com/
OtherOtherOtherOther
Flickr stream: posting of photos courtesy of ReelYouth and GYA photographers of delegates,
keynotes, etc from the event. GYA2009http://www.flickr.com/photos/40744904@N08/
YouTube: the delegates participating in one of the Beatboard workshops produced Its the
GYA rap, posted up on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Hwri7q69XrU&feature=related. There are other clips of the GYA posted by delegates, usually
just snippets of the event or their experiences.
CPAC: the Cable Public Affairs Channel covered the GYA in its entirety, which can be seen: video
on demandGlobal Youth Assembly. http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?
s=global+youth+assembly&dsp=template&act=view3&pagetype=vod&lang=e
TelusTV: TelusTV interviewed Lisa Baroldi before the GYA and put together this info/promo
piece GYA on TelusTV. http://www.mztvfiles.com/files/DAVIDPUFFEDITS/july2009/
ignitechange/index.htmlPage 25
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Feedback
In a post-conference survey, responses on key success indicators included:
When asked to rate the overall quality of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall quality of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall quality of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall quality of the Global Youth Assembly:
77.4 %77.4 %77.4 %77.4 % said that the Global Youth Assembly was Excellent or Very Good (top twoboxes in a five-point scale)
When asked to rate the overall value the Global Youth Assembly provided, relative to theWhen asked to rate the overall value the Global Youth Assembly provided, relative to theWhen asked to rate the overall value the Global Youth Assembly provided, relative to theWhen asked to rate the overall value the Global Youth Assembly provided, relative to theprice paid:price paid:price paid:price paid:
59.2 %59.2 %59.2 %59.2 % said that the value of the Global Youth Assembly was Excellent or VeryGood.
When asked to rate the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly:When asked to rate the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly:
67.6 %67.6 %67.6 %67.6 %said that the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly wasExcellent or Very Good.
When asked to indicate the likelihood of attending future Global Youth Assembly events:When asked to indicate the likelihood of attending future Global Youth Assembly events:When asked to indicate the likelihood of attending future Global Youth Assembly events:When asked to indicate the likelihood of attending future Global Youth Assembly events:
70.4 %70.4 %70.4 %70.4 %said that they were either Extremely Likely or Very Likely to attend.
When asked to indicate the likelihood of recommending future Global Youth AssemblyWhen asked to indicate the likelihood of recommending future Global Youth AssemblyWhen asked to indicate the likelihood of recommending future Global Youth AssemblyWhen asked to indicate the likelihood of recommending future Global Youth Assemblyevents to friends and colleagues:events to friends and colleagues:events to friends and colleagues:events to friends and colleagues:
82.9 %82.9 %82.9 %82.9 %said that they were either Extremely Likely or Very Likely to do so.
A small sample of the commentary feedback from the survey (see
Appendix 2 for email feedback following the GYA 2009)
I think it was an amazing opportunity for youth from all over the world to ignite changes in
their communities. I also believe that it is time to make African youth aware of their
continent problems, then work together to handle them themselves.
It was truly youth focused and brought together such an amazingly well-rounded group of
speakers and presenters. Where else can you watch Buddha break dance, hear the GG and
Lloyd Axworthy speak and dance to the great beats of Nomadic Massive? Bravo to the
organizers of the GYA 2009!
The assembly helped me not only to have a better understanding of issues communities
are facing around the world but also a variety of methods and actions that youths can take
to address problems in their communities. I feel now that I have a good number of options
to try and that I can be successful.
The GYA was a great event that inspired to make change in my life.
This conference was the highlight of my summer. I truly met so many wonderful people and
I also connected with youth and speakers I have met previously at other conferences. Will
cherish my memories.
GYA was an absolutely amazing experience that I will never forget. I was beyond inspired by
the keynote speakers and the many youth that I have met at the assembly. These memories
will last a lifetime. I will never forget that as youth, the future is in our hands, and we can
really make a difference.
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Lessons Learned
Recommendations from Surveys for improvement included:Recommendations from Surveys for improvement included:Recommendations from Surveys for improvement included:Recommendations from Surveys for improvement included:
Honestly, accommodations were a little bit expensive for students over 5/6 days.
Inform participants they are responsible for dinner meals in advance. Generally an
excellent conference.
A more large-scaled "fair" upon entrance
More environmentally friendly utensils, plates, cups, etc.
The open mic sessions were really off topic a lot and people were talking for way too
long. Make a strict time limit and adhere to it.
Nothing comes to mind. If I get really picky, I would suggest to indicate clearly to those
wanting to ask questions to speakers to keep their questions short and to the point. i
know this is hard to control, but there were some really long, drawn-out questions that
didn't seem to really get answered probably because they were so long and drawn out.
the speaker probably lost focus. i know i did at times.
I can't think of anything you guys could do better, for next time I would personally like
to come out of my shell a little bit more, to experience EVERYTHING you guys have to
offer.
I would suggest more interactive cultural workshops - like one on how to salsa or into
on how to cook a certain culture's foods.
Create more time for people to have free time.
Other verbal feedback during the Global Youth Assembly included:
More time given to open forums, such as the open mic. Many youth expressed that it
was in the moments between sessions, over lunch etc. that they had their most
valuable interactions.
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Outcomes
Delegates left the GYA 2009 motivated and with new partnerships and friendships, ideas,
tangible skills, tools and resources, and the confidence to ignite change NOW. The first
step for many towards taking action was making a commitment and setting a deadline for
that commitment. The conference follow-up partner, DreamNow, captured these
commitments in a closing video that was presented to motivated and challenge delegates
on the final day of the GYA. Click here to view the video http://vimeo.com/6086484/.
A conference follow-up site has also been created to continue the dialogue and
momentum started at the GYA 2009. Visit http://www.gyaaction.orgto find out what kind
of commitments and projects GYA delegates are taking back to their communities. At the
GYA, it was recognized by all participants that the event is more than a conference; it is a
youth movement.
The John Humphrey Centre has created the Ignite Change Now! (ICN!) Program, which
consists of pre and post-GYA activities and projects to feed into and out of each GYA, in
order to present the GYA every two years and continue to work with its partners across the
country and around the world. These projects include the Global Youth Assembly (GYA)and three additional components including the Youth Action Project, the Rural Outreach
and Engagement Strategy, and the Ignite Change Now! (ICN!) Team.
The Youth Action Project (YAP)Youth Action Project (YAP)Youth Action Project (YAP)Youth Action Project (YAP) gets youth thinking global and acting local. YAP participants
explore a wide range of local issues (poverty, environment, racism, and more) and
organizations in their community engaged in these issues. They then attend the GYA as an
opportunity to explore the linkages between local and global issues and return to those
organizations to do community service.
The Ignite Change Now! Rural Outreach and Engagement (ROE) StrategyIgnite Change Now! Rural Outreach and Engagement (ROE) StrategyIgnite Change Now! Rural Outreach and Engagement (ROE) StrategyIgnite Change Now! Rural Outreach and Engagement (ROE) Strategy engages rural
youth in dialogues and action within their community. Through the ROE, the John
Humphrey Centre can establish a rural YAP including a mini GYA and other creative
initiatives to support and empower youth to develop their own community projects, bridgethe rural-urban divide, and link the global and local levels of youth action.
Finally, the Ignite Change Now! TeamIgnite Change Now! TeamIgnite Change Now! TeamIgnite Change Now! Team consists of 100 youth, currently from across Canada,
who commit to being GYA ambassadors for two years. After the GYA, ICN!Team members
will keep the momentum going in the two years between each Global Youth Assembly by
working on their projects, participating in follow-up mini-conferences and workshops, and
getting into their communities to talk about the GYA experience. Ignite Change Now!
members, in addition to becoming part of a supportive youth network for change, will
develop important professional and personal skills, and receive a letter of reference and a
certificate for their active participation in the team.
The objectives of the ICN! Program and the GYA are:
PromotePromotePromotePromote diversity and inclusion
EncourageEncourageEncourageEncourage youth expression through various media
EducateEducateEducateEducate youth by building awareness and developing knowledge
EmpowerEmpowerEmpowerEmpower youth through skills training and creative workshops
SupportSupportSupportSupport dialogue and youth action through conference follow-up
CollaborateCollaborateCollaborateCollaborate with other youth groups and movements to promote and support
their work
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Appendix A: More Feedback from
GYA Delegates and Partners
Sample Email #1Sample Email #1Sample Email #1Sample Email #1
KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE JHC STAFF!!!!
I just wanted to let you all know what amazingamazingamazingamazing events the GYA and YEF were. I feel so
fortunate to have been able to participate in such an inspirationalinspirationalinspirationalinspirational and informativeinformativeinformativeinformative
conference. It was a pleasure to share information about my peace project at my
presentation as well as at our travelling booth. But most of all, it was fantastic to be
able to attend so many sessions as a delegate, teacher and life long learner.
I am still processing all the incredible inspiration, wisdom, peacemaking tools and
strategies that were shared over the 4 days. My family members and I all made
connections with people and organizations that will now become a part of the peace paths
that we are on.
Some of my personal highlights looking back:
- the kindnesskindnesskindnesskindness of all of the JHC staff in accommodating us and our booth despite the
misunderstandings on my part.
- the absolutely incredible keynote speakersincredible keynote speakersincredible keynote speakersincredible keynote speakers especially Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Craig
Keilburger, Gary Martin, Josh Thome, Ocean Robbins, Mariatu Kamara and Dr. Andy
Knight, as well as all the others I cant specifically remember at this moment.
- the incredibly interesting and stimulating workshopsinteresting and stimulating workshopsinteresting and stimulating workshopsinteresting and stimulating workshops
- the Friday night dialogue with the Governor GeneralGovernor GeneralGovernor GeneralGovernor General.Michaelle Jean is an amazingamazingamazingamazing
woman and I felt so tremendously proud to be a Canadian and to be inspired by this
extraordinary head of state.
- the connections with fellow presenters and other delegates. What a powerhouse ofa powerhouse ofa powerhouse ofa powerhouse of
innovation, inspiration and creativity assembled togetherinnovation, inspiration and creativity assembled togetherinnovation, inspiration and creativity assembled togetherinnovation, inspiration and creativity assembled together under one roof. The energy waselectrifying and contagiouselectrifying and contagiouselectrifying and contagiouselectrifying and contagious.
- the excellent foodexcellent foodexcellent foodexcellent food provided by the NAIT food services staff as well as that fantastic
Aboriginal luncheon on Sunday.
- the films, the music, the information packages, etc., etc., etc.,
Special thanks in particular to Carrie, Rene, Liza, Mandy, Chelsea, and the other key
conference organizers. I can only imagine the time, effort and energy that has gone into
planning an event of this magnitude. You also had to face many challenges during the
conference, Im sure, but did so with patience and grace. I hope that you are all taking
time to reflect with pride on all that you achieved with this conference and the many
peace and human rights ripples that have been initiated here and will continue to be felt
around the world for years to come.
Colleen Ring
Sample Email #2Sample Email #2Sample Email #2Sample Email #2
Renee, Lisa- Thank you once again for all your hard work. You guy's really made it happen
and I was happy to be involved. We are in the middle of adding people, and doing our f irst
round of outreach as I type Thanks again Renee--- I have been talking non stop about
how amazingamazingamazingamazing the conference was since I have gotten home,
Dev Aujla, DreamNOW (Project Partner)
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Sample Email #3Sample Email #3Sample Email #3Sample Email #3
Helllloooo RENEE!
Man oh man was that ever an inspirationalinspirationalinspirationalinspirational conference, you totally outdid the year before
conference - great job to you and your team for hosting such a great meeting. I made
numerous contacts and FB is just buzzing with GYA activity!
Also looking forward to ICN and how we move forward in Canada - let's keep the
momentum going!
Regards,
Ajay
Sample Email #4Sample Email #4Sample Email #4Sample Email #4
Congratulations on the fabulous event that you put on. Both OMNI and Citytv are very
proudproudproudproud to support you and I am glad we got into this partnership. Please feel free to contact
me for future events throughout the year!
Thanks for everything,
Sorin Mihailovici (OMNI Partnership)
Sample Email #5Sample Email #5Sample Email #5Sample Email #5
Thank you SO much for planning the conference, it was the single most life changinglife changinglife changinglife changing
experience I have ever had.ever had.ever had.ever had. I hope you experienced as much fun and growth as I did!
Thanks so much!!
Julia
Sample Email #6Sample Email #6Sample Email #6Sample Email #6
I just wanted to thank you for the amazingamazingamazingamazing weekend, it felt so good to break out of routine
and be around people from all over Canada and the world thinking about the world and
the issues going on in it. What a great experience and I hope I can make it back for 2011
in the Peg.
Thanks again!
Bohdan
Sample Email #7Sample Email #7Sample Email #7Sample Email #7
Hello Carrie,
My experience for being there for one day was amazingamazingamazingamazing. What you folks are doing for the
youths is super terrificsuper terrificsuper terrificsuper terrific and I wish the John Humphrey Centre and the Global Youth
Conference all the best in the future! Thank you Carrie.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Rittwage (Photographer)
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Sample Email #8Sample Email #8Sample Email #8Sample Email #8
Hi Renee!!You guys made an AMAAAAAAAAAZINGAMAAAAAAAAAZINGAMAAAAAAAAAZINGAMAAAAAAAAAZING conference Im SOOOOOOOO thankful that I got
a chance to attend!!! Thank you,
Naureen Haque
Sample Email #9Sample Email #9Sample Email #9Sample Email #9
Hi Renee,
Hope all is well. I wanted to thank you for having us to the assembly last week. I tried
looking for you, however, you seemed to be quite busy (totally understandable of course!).
The conference was definitely a success. I met lots of people and I look forward to carrying
on with them in the future.
All the Best. Sincerely,
Bobby Cameron.
Sample Email #10Sample Email #10Sample Email #10Sample Email #10
Hi Renee,
I just wanted to thank you and your entire team for putting together such a phenomenalphenomenalphenomenalphenomenal
conference. I am inspiredinspiredinspiredinspired and equippedequippedequippedequipped with new contactsnew contactsnew contactsnew contacts and knowledgeknowledgeknowledgeknowledge that will help
me move forward to change the world! I know how much hard work it is to put together a
conference and thought this may put a smile on your face :).
Susheela
Sample Email #11Sample Email #11Sample Email #11Sample Email #11
Hi Renee,
Renee,I would like to thank you and the Group at John Humphrey Center. The GlobalYouth Assembly was an amazingamazingamazingamazing oppurtunity to connectconnectconnectconnect with such an amazing group of
people. It has in fact inspiredinspiredinspiredinspired me to pursue a personal project.
Thank you for an amazing, enriching expereinceamazing, enriching expereinceamazing, enriching expereinceamazing, enriching expereince.
Best Regards
Ali Dossa
Sample Email #12Sample Email #12Sample Email #12Sample Email #12
Hi Renee,
Just want to give you and everyone at the John Humphrey Centre a big thanks for letting
me participate in this years GYA Conference. I learned a lot and met so many interesting
people! I'm feeling really inspiredinspiredinspiredinspired to get a project started now.
Thanks again, will keep in touch,
Samantha Cacnio
Sample Email #13Sample Email #13Sample Email #13Sample Email #13
Renee,
Thanks. This is just one of many compliments people have been passing on re. the GYA.
You and your gang are to be congratulated for pulling off this empoweringempoweringempoweringempowering event. I was so
grateful to be a part of it.
Cheers,
Andy Knight
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More Feedback
We received a lot of feedback directly at the Global Youth Assembly. The following are
quotes from delegates:
I love the energyenergyenergyenergy! Thanks for all the great inspirationinspirationinspirationinspiration! Remi Charron
CultureCultureCultureCulture, respectrespectrespectrespect, honestyhonestyhonestyhonesty we trust empowering our people with some knowledge first,
change were of the GYAwere of the GYAwere of the GYAwere of the GYA.
Overall I had a great experience at the GYA; it has given me a lot to think about and a lot
of ideas and experiences to draw on going forward. I got to know some interesting people,
I participated in some really engagingengagingengagingengaging workshops, and I listened to some inspiringinspiringinspiringinspiring
speakers. The speakers and presenters were awesome and the delegates were as well
as evidenced by the talenttalenttalenttalent they showed off at a couple of open mic sessionsAlex Abboud
Blog
It was unbelievably refreshingrefreshingrefreshingrefreshing and inspiringinspiringinspiringinspiring to see all those people from all over the world
in that gymnasium. In my community, youth involvementinvolvementinvolvementinvolvement and engagementengagementengagementengagement was never
really common and apathy was all too common. Yet, hundreds of youth from all over the
globe came and showed that the youth of today does care about tomorrow. The biggest
inspiration though had to be Craigs speech. He is a true youth activist all over the globe
and this world needs more people like him. Wow. Overall an amazingamazingamazingamazing experience. The best
part yet, STILL three days left! If this is the kind of learninglearninglearninglearning and eyeeyeeyeeye----opening experienceopening experienceopening experienceopening experience
that I have after one day, I wonder how I will feel after it is all over.Josh B
Overwhelming excitementexcitementexcitementexcitement about the conference and the desire to go home and share and
build within their own communities, as well as keep the connectionsconnectionsconnectionsconnections they had made over
the weekend. Volunteer
I saw a lot of older people who were there really impacted by the energyenergyenergyenergy of the youth.
Many adultsadultsadultsadults walked away with a new respectnew respectnew respectnew respect for hip hop culture, or a new hope for future
generations.
Beautiful mixture of cultural diversityBeautiful mixture of cultural diversityBeautiful mixture of cultural diversityBeautiful mixture of cultural diversity represented at the conference which was especially
important for many of the rural youth who were not
as exposed to different cultures in their own
communities.
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The John Humphrey Centre wants to THANK YOU!!!
Numerous partners and funders helped to make this project a success. Thanks to all of you!
Alberta Association for Multicultural Education
Project PloughsharesEdmonton Chapter