Introduction:
In reality the first step is always the hardest to take. Often people do not know what their first step is how to take the first step and they are not aware that such a step is necessary. People have great power and unlimited energy. People have the pulse and the impulse of change/freedom. Let us embrace and celebrate the stories of this energy, the narratives of change.
We all dream of a world that is just and fair. We wish to create a word that does not marginalize people based on their age, color, language, skills, culture and location – a world that celebrates and respect differences.
When making a dream into reality, we must take the first step for change, be it local, national or international.
Having these in mind, First Step idea was initiated by a group of young activists who took part in the CIVICUS Youth Assembly 2008 in Glasgow, Scotland, and developed the idea through their discussions during the assembly.
First Step Campaign has been initiated by a group of youth worldwide in order to:
• Inspire and activate those who have not participated yet in community affairs;
• Share the story of how youth take their first steps to make the world a better to live for all;
• Sustain those who are already involved in their community;
• Link communities, organizations and groups working on - specific issues and specific areas;
• Motivate youth to take part in Youth-Led development projects;
• Provide useful resources for youth to take actions;
World Have Your Say Program From CIVICUS Youth Assembly - Posted By: Adam MacIsaac
World Have Your Say: 18 June 08 Are we over-educated?
Today's agenda was set by youngsters from all over the world attending the Youth Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland. They wanted to ask the question: Are we over educated? Won by a good margin. One comment we heard was: "The more educated we are the more happy you are". Is there really a connection between literacy and happiness?
CIVICUS Youth Assembly, Day Two - Posted By: Adam MacIsaac
Day two started off strongly with registration and finally delegate name tags, this helps someone like me who always forgets a persons name when meeting so many new people in a large group. The opening plenary was underway by 9am and then we quickly moved into our color coordinated groups for five and a half hours of sessions of topics like Poverty, Health, Equalities and Climate Change. Each issue was presented with a different learning tool. This was an excellent way for delegates to see first hand new methods of education and be trained to take these back home when CIVICUS is over.
The tools were;
Open Spaces
Drama - Role Playing and Improvisation
Power Analysis
Margolis Wheel
I will inquire later for a digital copy to include since there also was a print out to take home at the end of the day.
The closing plenary introduced the following days BBC production and the topics that were being discussed as topics for the broadcast. Tomorrow morning there will be a discussion on what topic will be chosen and the broadcast will begin at 6pm.
After the plenary wrapped up the delegates joined into the commissions which we would like to partake in tomorrow morning.
Being involved in a United Nations Development Programme Youth Climate Change Project and a climate dork I chose the Climate Change Commission but I am sure that the Poverty Commission, Health Commission and Equalities Commission would have also been excellent choices.
Tonight there is a Ceilidh which will be an excellent way to wind up the day and get into some true Scottish culture.
Just Arrived At The CIVICUS Youth Assembly - Posted By: Adam MacIsaac
Just thought I would make a quick post that I have arrived at the World Youth Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland. It has been a long day so far with my 5am wake up to get things packed into the van and then all the Peace Child International inters piled in and we made it to Glasgow at around 2:30ish.
It was a quick registering and check in at the Euro Hostel then a bit of down time before we meet up in our groups which we will be a part of for the assembly.
Dinner was good but the best part was getting to interact and chat with the other youth who are attending. I will be pulling out the video camera tomorrow and hope to get some good footage to put together.
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