Story: Symposium - A Catalyst for Change
 | |
Symposium 2010 Resource Leader Sharanya Thavakumaran runs ice breakers with participants. |
For 27 years now, a relatively inconspicuous initiative called the Global Issues Symposium for Youth has been impacting youth in a remarkable way.
The Symposium is a part of the Canadian Red Cross’ Humanitarian Issues Program (HIP), and for almost three decades, has been empowering youth to take action on global issues. This November officially marks their 27th year and the program is currently accepting applicants from youth in grades 10 through 12 for the 2011 session, taking place at Camp Sasamat in Port Moody from November 10th to 13th. Youth attend weekend-long experiential learning workshops where they engage with topics such as: International Humanitarian Law, refugees, weapons, food security, and HIV/AIDS.
Melinda Mennie has seen this event from all angles—as a participant, volunteer, Symposium Coordinator and now the HIP Coordinator; when asked what Symposium is like she commented, “This event has a transformative effect on people, one that I’ve never seen anywhere else.”
For example, former Symposium participant Saara Bhanji describes her experience at Symposium in 2001 as a “catalyst”, changing the direction of her life and her perspective on the world. “Symposium opens your eyes and heart to really critical social justice concerns that are going on in the world around you and you are never the same afterwards,” says Saara. Symposium ignited Saara’s passion for human rights and protecting society’s most vulnerable citizens. Saara’s accomplishments since her time at the Symposium have been very impressive—including winning the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Award and co-founding the student group called “The International Women’s Human Rights Project.”
Saara’s work exemplifies the tremendous positive impact youth can have on the world when equipped with the right tools. Hence, the Canadian Red Cross’ Global Issues Symposium for Youth is more than a workshop—it is a “catalyst” for change that begins with encouraging youth to become compassionate and thoughtful leaders. Melinda has witnessed hundreds of students attend Symposium over the years and comments: “I have more stories than I can count of all the amazing things symposium alumni have gone on to do.”
Furthermore, according to Saara, “Symposium reinforces that youth do have a voice and it is an event that encourages and supports youth in putting that voice into practice.” More recognition and praise for this initiative is long overdue, and with the help of change-makers such as Saara, this program is coming to the forefront as a trailblazer in youth education and engagement on critical global issues.
For more information on Symposium, please visit www.redcross.ca/bcyouthsymposium or 'like' us at www.facebook.com/bcyouthsymposium.
To register, please contact symposium@redcross.ca or 604-709-6651. (Note: Registration deadline is October 19, 2011)
