Two weeks ago, I had the honor to accompany an amazing group of teenagers to We Day UN in New York City. Me to We is an amazing organization whose vision is “to empower people to transform local and global communities by shifting from “me” thinking to “we” acting. We Day is a celebration of young people committed to making a difference.
It was great to hear the well-known speakers, but what motivated me the most was to hear from the young local leaders who have found problems both in their community and globally and created solutions. That’s what I love about youth, when they see a problem or injustice that truly moves them, they will work to no end until they can find a solution.
Youth are resilient and strong. When they are moved by an issue and inspired to act, no matter how small or big, they can make a difference in someone else’s life and at the same time make a difference in their own life. It is fundamental that we let our young people know that no action is futile and that they can make an impact and that they know they have our support and encouragement.
I must highlight the teenagers I was honored to accompany at WE Day UN. They are members of a local Free the Children Chapter who is advised by my friend and colleague, Will Lawlor. These awesome teens organize and carry out various fundraising efforts each year, from candy sales, various volleyball tournaments at their school, they volunteer bagging at local food stores, they team up with other clubs to organize a Color Run in May and that’s just a few of their fundraising activities. Each year this group fundraises over $10,000 that goes towards the building of a school in an underdeveloped country. This spring some of the members of the club are going to participate in a volunteer trip to a small town in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador to work on a clean water project.
If your teen is moved by an issue either in your community or globally, encourage and empower them to take action. Not only will they make a difference they will learn so much about themselves and that is invaluable.
Much love,
