John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

July 30 August 02, 2009 Edmonton, Alberta

www.youthassembly.ca

09 Global Youth Assembly:

Building Community

Table of Contents

Executive Summary John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights GYA2009 Event Overview and Highlights Day One: Our Global Community Day Two: Our Local Communities Day Three: How YOUth can Build Community Other Highlights Ignite Change Now! Youth Leader Day Day Four Program Highlights Youth Educator Forum More Visuals of the Assembly Delegates Media Coverage Feedback Lessons Learned Outcomes Appendix A: More feedback from GYA delegates and partners Thank you!

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Executive Summary

At the GYA, youth from across the world and across 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

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 presented workshops 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 mic sessions.
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 International youth, 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.

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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 The idea walls were very successfuland colourful! as an equally important aspect of strengthening youth capacity following the conference. A conference follow-up site has also been developed to For my visits to continue the dialogue and momentum started at the GYA 2009. Visit http:// www.gyaaction.org to find out what kind of commitments and projects GYA delegates are neighbourhoods like taking back to their communities. At the GYA, it was recognized by all participants that the Vancouvers downtown event is more than a conference; it is a youth movement. The John Humphrey Centre has east side, Montreals created the Ignite Change Now! Program, which has the GYA at its core along with various Little Burgundy, as well pre and post-GYA projects and activities. The larger program allows the Centre to present as Winnipeg have the GYA every two years with its partners and ensure that the youth movement started in shown me that all across 2007 thrives.
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
MCs of open mic and a delegate. Opening Ceremonies kick off big.

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.

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John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

Human Rights is all about human relationships. 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

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 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 Directors Gerald L. Gall, O.C., President Gurcharan Singh Bhatia, C.M., Past President Joan Cowling, Vice President Christine G. Rapp., Treasurer Lewis Cardinal Jennifer Fisk David King Dr. W. Andy Knight, Chair Global Youth Assembly Randy Palivoda Dr. Raffath Sayeed Francis Trehearne
Andy Knight welcomes youth delegates

Organization Staff Renee Vaugeois, Executive Director Lisa Baroldi, Ignite Change Now Project Coordinator Mandy Siu, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Carrie 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!

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GYA 2009 Event Overview and Highlights

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

Program
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 optional Interfaith 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 Community

The Opening Ceremonies for the GYA 2009 was an inspiring display of diversity. The room went dark at 9am sharp and a powerful 15minute 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 dancers emerged from the crowd and made their way to the stage to the surprise and delight of the audience. Following this celebratory display, a Elders Jerry and Gisele Wood. 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 Dr. Aworthy answering questions. opinions about issues.

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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

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 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 drop into 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.

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There is truth to the statement that a handful of people can sound like an army. Lewis Cardinal

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 Craig answers a question from a young African woman. crowd. Delegates returned to NAIT in the evening to view and discuss one of two films Darfur Now or 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 Communities

Mayor Stephen Mandels grand entrance in the morning of Day Two was fun. He swung around 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.
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

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

Mayor Mandel swings a stress ball.

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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)

Gary Martin and Buddha, the vet presenters, use music and humour to engage youth in all the work that they do.

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.
Democracy is an idea where everyone can express 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

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 resources to look out for themselves in a changing world or aspects of the biodiversity of our planet that are in peril right now. Don 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 Cardinal

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Every time you tell your story of pain, you take back the control from those who created the pain for you. Stephen Leafloor (Buddha)

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 and flute 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 multilingual hip 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 who empower 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.

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Native youth are faced with a whole number of obstacles 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 something frozen 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

Day 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, Mike Sheehan pushing delegates out of MIA, Cameron Diaz, Casey Affleck and others their box. 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.
This is 4REAL: Real People, Real Places, Real Change: Josh Thome, Alyssa Macy and Liz Evans

Excerpts 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 lifetime 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 fundamentally 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.

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Excerpts 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 square foot 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 brutally. 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 looked at 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 because 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.

The presentation of the camera to the girls was an incredible example of youth action.

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When we hear stories like that (of Iran and violence) 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 and even 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

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 asking questions 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.

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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.

Excerpts 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 better place. We can choose to live in such a way that we are in alignment with our dreams, with our values, with our commitments. 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 and just kind of out there. I think its the conversations about things that really matter are what helps to bring us to life.

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.

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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.

Excerpts from Mariatu Kamara

They forced my hands down and made a few attempts. After several attempts 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. During 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 appearance by Buddha and Frost livened the show!

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 and EcoAmmo, 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.

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Other Highlights

I actually had a really unique experience going 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 could fight 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

Ignite Change Now! Youth Leader Day DayJuly 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.
Refugee 5%

Demographics of ICN Team

Metis Inuit 5% 2% Canadian 31% First Generation Immigrant 33%

First Nations 9% Second Generation Immigrant 15%

Special presentations were brought in to facilitate the skills and confidence of these youth in facilitating 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 and hopefully 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.

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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.

Other Highlights

Day 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, collaborate 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 Forum ForumAugust 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 Education Foundation.

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More Visuals of the Assembly

iDance workshop for people with and without disabilities.

Impromptu drumming and dancing at lunch.

Edmonton hip hop artist Mother Peace sits on the panel at the Governor Generals Dialogue.

Delegates get real during a workshop.

Rwandan workshop presenter talks about the organization he created after the

Multicultural Bollywood dance at the open mic gets everyone up dancing.

Some of the media coverage at the eventMC Marion Viau.

Aboriginal delegate drums at the open mic.

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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!.

Age Distribution of Delegates

Under 15 15-19 20-24 4% 13 % 22 % 33 % 25-29 over 29

28 %

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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 from 2007 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

PrePre-Conference Activity (May 11-June 30, 2009)

May 6: media launch launchRugby for Rights game between Wagner and McNally kicked off the GYA 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: 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/June: May/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: editorial written by Lisa Baroldi for 4H magazine June: June submission and publishing to Alberta Think Website By Renee Vaugeois Speak Up! Blog: 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 11-28, 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: 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 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) 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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Television 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) 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-bethis-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 Activity

Media 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, 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 regarding the 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) 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) 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 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 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 and inspiring at #gya09 reaching out to youth in #yeg tonight. 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: 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-2009ignites.html#links Alex on the Web: Alex Abboud, delegate, who posted a series of blog posts regarding his thoughts on the GYA. http://alexabboud.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/craig-kielburger-at-theglobal-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/ Other Flickr stream: posting of photos courtesy of ReelYouth and GYA photographers of delegates, keynotes, etc from the event. GYA2009 http://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.html

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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: 77.4 % said that the Global Youth Assembly was Excellent or Very Good (top two boxes in a five-point scale) When asked to rate the overall value the Global Youth Assembly provided, relative to the price paid: 59.2 % said that the value of the Global Youth Assembly was Excellent or Very Good. When asked to rate the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly: 67.6 % said that the overall organization of the Global Youth Assembly was Excellent or Very Good. When asked to indicate the likelihood of attending future Global Youth Assembly events: 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 Assembly events to friends and colleagues: 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: 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.org to 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) 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) 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, bridge the rural-urban divide, and link the global and local levels of youth action. Finally, the Ignite 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: Promote diversity and inclusion Encourage youth expression through various media Educate youth by building awareness and developing knowledge Empower youth through skills training and creative workshops Support dialogue and youth action through conference follow-up Collaborate 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 #1 KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE JHC STAFF!!!! I just wanted to let you all know what amazing events the GYA and YEF were. I feel so fortunate to have been able to participate in such an inspirational and informative 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 kindness of all of the JHC staff in accommodating us and our booth despite the misunderstandings on my part. - the absolutely incredible 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 workshops - the Friday night dialogue with the Governor General.Michaelle Jean is an amazing General 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 of innovation, inspiration and creativity assembled together under one roof. The energy was electrifying and contagious. contagious - the excellent 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 #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 first round of outreach as I type Thanks again Renee--- I have been talking non stop about how amazing the conference was since I have gotten home, Dev Aujla, DreamNOW (Project Partner)

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Sample Email #3 Helllloooo RENEE! Man oh man was that ever an inspirational 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 #4 Congratulations on the fabulous event that you put on. Both OMNI and Citytv are very proud 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 #5 Thank you SO much for planning the conference, it was the single most life changing experience I have ever had. I hope you experienced as much fun and growth as I did! Thanks so much!! Julia Sample Email #6 I just wanted to thank you for the amazing 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 #7 Hello Carrie, My experience for being there for one day was amazing. amazing What you folks are doing for the youths is super 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 #8 Hi Renee!! You guys made an AMAAAAAAAAAZING conference Im SOOOOOOOO thankful that I got a chance to attend!!! Thank you, Naureen Haque Sample 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 #10 Hi Renee, I just wanted to thank you and your entire team for putting together such a phenomenal conference. I am inspired and equipped with new contacts and knowledge 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 #11 Hi Renee, Renee,I would like to thank you and the Group at John Humphrey Center. The Global Youth Assembly was an amazing oppurtunity to connect with such an amazing group of people. It has in fact inspired me to pursue a personal project. Thank you for an amazing, enriching expereince. expereince Best Regards Ali Dossa Sample 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 inspired to get a project started now. Thanks again, will keep in touch, Samantha Cacnio Sample 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 empowering 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 energy! energy Thanks for all the great inspiration! inspiration Remi Charron Culture, Culture respect, respect honesty we trust empowering our people with some knowledge first, change were of the GYA. 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 engaging workshops, and I listened to some inspiring speakers. The speakers and presenters were awesome and the delegates were as well as evidenced by the talent they showed off at a couple of open mic sessionsAlex Abboud Blog It was unbelievably refreshing and inspiring to see all those people from all over the world in that gymnasium. In my community, youth involvement and engagement 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 amazing experience. The best part yet, STILL three days left! If this is the kind of learning and eyeeye-opening experience that I have after one day, I wonder how I will feel after it is all over.Josh B Overwhelming excitement about the conference and the desire to go home and share and build within their own communities, as well as keep the connections they had made over the weekend. Volunteer I saw a lot of older people who were there really impacted by the energy of the youth. Many adults walked away with a new respect for hip hop culture, or a new hope for future generations. Beautiful 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

Contact us today to learn more about the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights: www.jhcentre.org e: info@jhcentre.org t: 780.453.2638 a: 772385 Street, Edmonton AB T6C 3B4