Thursday, Aug. 12 was International Youth Day and it kicked off the International Year of Youth.  The United Nations had called on governments around the world to focus on the strengths, needs and contributions of their young people.  But what communities actually celebrated youth?

This could have been a perfect setting to recognize the millions of young Canadians and how they contribute to communities all over Canada.  After my work day ended, I did a general search to see how other communities in Canada helped celebrate youth.  To my surprise, I was unable to find much, if anything at all.  This would have been a good opportunity to recognize youth who have led humanitarian campaigns, shaped thriving businesses, raised environmental awareness, contributed to the art and culture scenes, won civic office and worked at the grassroots level to build stronger, more resilient communities, or at the very least offered some sort of hope or optimism to the thousands of young Canadians who can’t find work.  But, I didn’t find anything!? – Sad, but true. Youth I speak to have legitimate questions about their future. And you would think someone was listening;

Well, I do need to give credit where credit is due - - here in London ON, when mindyourmind made the call to our city’s leader Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, she responded.  Not only did Anne Marie attend the International Youth Day Mash, she spoke loud and clear, telling youth in attendance “Youth need to be embraced.”After her opening remarks the Mayor didn’t race off, as many political leaders do, she stayed and watched the entire performance seeming to really enjoy herself.  But she wasn’t done there; Anne Marie also joined many of the Youth performers who took part for lunch back in the mindyourmind office.  Over lunch DeCicco-Best interacted about many different topics ranging from why youth events like this are important to our city, to the use of social media and discussing ways to bridge the gap between youth and the people who serve them.  

Youth are the future, and we need to recognize their contributions to their communities and let them know the importance of ensuring that Society/Government will provide them ways to grow and prosper.  So although I am very happy with the efforts put forth in my own community, I am truly disappointed with our federal government and other organizations that deem Youth as an integral part of their Mission for their lack of effort in recognizing this year’s International Youth Day.

Maybe I’m wrong, maybe other communities and organizations did celebrate, and the media just didn’t cover it? – Let us know what your community or favourite organization did this International Youth Day to celebrate and honour Youth in your community!  Or tell us how you plan to celebrate the International Year of Youth which was launched officially August 12, 2010!

By Brian