Youth TAP (Training in Action Program)

Red Cross Response

Mobilizing the power of youth to make a difference,
across the street -- across the world

We no longer have any choice in the matter...
Every human being is already a global citizen.
Our only real choice is what kind of global citizen each of us will be.

What Is Youth TAP (Training in Action Program)?

Youth TAP (Training in Action Program) is the new name of the Red Cross Global Education program of the Lower Mainland Canadian Red Cross, which has been actively and successfully involved since 1996 in working with youth, teachers, and youth leaders.

The name is different but the goals remain the same: to tap into the energy, creativity, concerns, idealism and compassion of youth -- and to open a tap that allows that energy to flow out as action and inspiration into the world.

Youth TAP provides youth, teachers and youth mentors with a menu of global issues workshops, 'taking action' skills training workshops, and special training/learning events.

We often hear youth referred to as the 'leaders of tomorrow', which is true enough. But was also need youth to be the leaders of today, to help focus and mobilize the power of other youth to serve humanity.

Youth TAP helps youth express themselves as active global citizens, to use their power to make a difference locally and globally...to 'become the change they wish to see in the world", as Gandhi said.

Youth TAP Global Issues Symposium for Youth

The Global Issues Symposium for Youth is an annual, four day, overnight event. At Symposium, ninety participants aged 15-18 are immersed in role plays, simulations, and other dynamic activities around issues like refugees, HIV/AIDS, food security, weapons of war and international humanitarian law.

In addition to awareness of major global issues, participants receive tangible training enabling them to do more than just sympathize with those who are suffering. We aim to empower youth to take action on the issues in their own schools and communities as leaders of today and tomorrow. As such, Symposium builds a community of leaders where youth become aware and inspired global citizens.

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Comments From Youth TAP Participants

Youth TAP Global Issues Symposium for Youth

"Symposium was, quite honestly, a life changing experience for me. I know that might sound cheesy, but I felt like a truly stronger individual by the end of it, while still being connected to a bigger collective whole"

"This conference was an unbelievably inspiring occurrence in my life. Hearing the stories and meeting so many people that have done so much already motivated me to do more and learn more."

"After being exposed to my first Red Cross event, Symposium, I felt an extreme sense of acceptance in the field of humanitarianism. No longer did it just feel like a crazy dream to be involved in helping with raising awareness and solutions for global issues."

"The Red Cross has increased my knowledge of global issues. This has allowed me to be more proactive in my school and global issues club to do more about these issues. By attending Symposium I have been inspired by the events that have taken place and by the people who attended with me."

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Melinda Mennie
Coordinator, Youth TAP (Training in Action Program)/Humanitarian Issues Program
Tel: (604) 709-6653
Fax: (604) 709-6675
melinda.mennie@redcross.ca

How You Can Help