July 11, 2008

By: Malika Ladha

EDMONTON - Not about to let exams worry them, 150 youth from across Alberta joined volunteers of all ages at the Shaw Conference Centre last month for Vitalize!, a training opportunity and conference for volunteers.

Hosted by the government of Alberta and the Wild Rose Foundation, the youth component was organized by Alberta's YouthVOLUNTEER, also known as AYV, a society dedicated to encouraging, enhancing and supporting youth volunteerism.

Vital Village was the first event of the conference in which various organizations set up booths. Incorporating this year's slogan, Lights, Camera and Action, AYV attracted people to their station by offering participants "paparazzi" shots taken

Severn Cullis-Suzuki, daughter of environmentalist David Suzuki, addressed delegates on the importance of community involvement. Following her father's lead in environmental issues, she called on youth to voice their opinions.

Forming eight groups, the young people worked with either Media Co. or the Rapid Fire Theatre Group to create a 60-second film. Delegates used their creativity and imagination to produce films on a variety of topics, such as the voice of youth and bullying. A panel of judges reviewed the films, and each group was honoured with an Action Award.

The keynote presentation was delivered by bestselling authors, corporate trainers and the Kindness Crew. Made up of four 28-year-old Canadians who embarked upon a three-month, non-profit marathon called The Extreme Kindness Tour, this group has become internationally acclaimed as advocates for social change.

In their efforts to spark a revolution of kindness, they spent nights on the street with the homeless, roofed houses and visited hospitals.

A group of youth delegates were so inspired by this presentation, they created their own kindness crew for the Friday gala. Blank T-shirts were transformed into ones which read "free hugs" and "free high-fives."

"It was exciting because they realized that they don't have to stop global warming to make a difference," said Andree Patenaude, an AYV director. "They already made a difference through a simple and unique activity."

FIND OUT MORE

Are you inspired to make a difference in your community?

Learn how by going to www.youthvolunteer.ca.

Form a group of three and submit a project proposal for a community action project. The chosen 10 teams will be given support and resources to carry out a unique project that makes a difference in the lives of others.