International Forum on Youth and Eduction
International Forum on Youth and Eduction, April 7th – July 7th 2010
Migrant Youth of New Zealand Conference
Shakti is organising a day of workshops for youths from migrant and refugee communities to get together, share their experiences and talk about issues that affect them in a comfortable and safe environment.
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Forum » Youth Forum » Governments, Civil Society and Youth » Can youth make a difference?
Posts: 8
on: March 10, 2010, 20:06
Are youth sufficiently equipped with skills and experience to influence governmental policies?
Posts: 4
on: March 13, 2010, 18:11
Yes they are because they are tomorrow’s world leaders and are in touch with social development of the world more than any other generation. However, skills and experience are never enough to influence governmental policies. What is in fact needed is a defined global policy or model to mobilise and empower the youth so they could actively play a role in governmental policies development.
Posts: 1
on: March 16, 2010, 05:21
the answer is always yes. Youths do make a difference as did the generations before us, but, as youths, we cannot run away from be stereotyped and being judged, it is therefore important that youth leaders, the community,government policies and so on should work towards youth empowerment so youths can have a say to matters that effects them. As seniors, we need to believe that youths can and will be the agents of change for a better future of the nation, and youths themselves needs to show their commitment towards this, no exception
Posts: 1
on: March 16, 2010, 15:26
I wonder if perhaps we are framing the question the wrong way. Do the youth have to change governmental policy to make a difference? That’s only one mode of inspiring change, and not all ills are based on poor governmental policy.
The Youth can utilize social media to organize and engage traditional media into hearing a message, such as a public health campaign or anti-corruption messages. This can be effective in swaying public opinion.
Also if there is an unjust policy but a corporation, the youth could mobilize a boycott, leveraging their purchasing power to send their message.
While I think it’s possible for young people to impact governmental policy, I believe that there are much better ways for the youth to engage civil society, which could indirectly pressure change in policy.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Frank Fredericks began a life of journey by moving to New York City at age 18. After living, studying, and working in five countries and studying Music Business and International Politics at New York University, Frank decided to pursue his two life goals, one his passion, and one his calling. His passion for music led him to producing, engineering, and management. Frank has worked as a booking agent, with both unsigned and signed artists spanning rock, pop, soul, and jazz. In 2007, Frank started Çöñár Records, which currently has four signed artists. After independent research on Christian-Islam relations in Egypt, and the experience of working as a volunteer in the US State Department’s Lebanon evacuation during the Hizbollah-Israeli War in 2006, he realized the great need of dialogue between the faith traditions of the World. This inspired him to start World Faith. He currently resides in Astoria, in New York, New York, leading World Faith and working as an Online Marketing Consultant.
Posts: 4
on: March 19, 2010, 00:46
Frank I do like what you wrote. It somehow coincides with what I said previously that young people are in touch with social development (including technology, media etc) more than any other generation. They could indeed use technology to achieve what you explained. However, not all young people have got easy access to these social media. What should they do to make a difference? Some young people would not boycott or do anything much because they live in countries where governments on power are very harsh and do not respect human right. In your view what else can these youth do if no global policy is in place to empower them? There are other youth, despite being in egalitarian countries who do not show commitment, how would you mobilize them without forging a proper policy to empower them?
Posts: 1
on: March 19, 2010, 16:25
Yes. The power to influence in every being is innate. Making a difference for young people should not be the major question but are the platforms available to make the difference. In the 21st Century, we still hear of people who say the youth are leaders of tommorow yet significant changes in this world are being driven by young people, who contribute approximately 75% of labour in all economies. The same young people are driving innonvatiness, case scenario… facebook and the founders ( pure young people)… the online platform was available for them..do we need any other argument.
When all is said and done, its also important for young people to realise that nothing will come in a silver platter, we have to go for what makes the difference and positive difference in this world..
James, Kenya
Posts: 3
on: March 19, 2010, 19:04
James, even if, as you put it, us young people cannot expect things coming on a silver platter, you have to recognize efforts by young people who are willing to make a change, who are desperately willing to find new channels to express themselves but who cannot do that because of institutional obstacles that prevent them from raising their voices. Young people need more space to be able to influence decision makers. Some coutries today are still not having any youth councils in place, how can youth then make a differnce if there is no or limitted channels to participate and be visible??
Posts: 1
on: May 27, 2010, 10:22
Yes, if you beleive you can. Gone are the days where the youths are infested with directions and advices. when globalisation is making revolution in this modern era youths can make a real difference with their distinct thinking and ability. Youths are more focussed and they know their responsibilty very much. i’m sure that the present youths are ready to go that extra mile to fullfill their dreams and wishes. All the best for youth power….
Apart from my profession as a Manager in IP, I lead many youth development and community development activities through (DCF) Devasitham charitable Foundation for which I’m a founder member & President. DCF focuses on youths and children development programs. Currently the foundation is engaged in Free Spoken English program for the poor and underpriviledged students especially from rural areas.
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