Youth Challenge International (www.yci.org) builds the skills, experience and confidence of young people to affect positive change in their communities. YCI believes that young people have a unique perspective that can have a significant impact in Canadian society and on our national and foreign policy. As a result, they established a network of teams to facilitate youth-identified grassroots projects aimed at developing creative ideas and policy solutions to pressing global and local issues. The Youth Leadership Action Team is one of the teams created by YCI.

The Youth Leadership Team wanted to provide opportunities that empower youth to actively participate and contribute to the local and global community. It is clear that youth today believe they have a significant contribution to make to the world, but they feel as though their views and opinions are not taken seriously. A disconnection exists between youths’ desire to be active participants in the larger community and the belief that their contributions are not viewed as valuable.
In response to this, the Youth Leadership Action Team decided to host an art competition and exhibit for youth aged 15 –24. We asked youth to submit a creative expression demonstrating what Gandhi’s statement “Be the Change you want to see in World” means to them. Participants were allowed to submit any creative piece using any medium they desired. All entries were judged by a pre-selected panel and the winner received a $1,000 scholarship to a leadership and development course of their choice! Second and third prizes were also awarded and these prizes included an iPod Shuffle and Camera bag. First prize was awarded to Shasta Grant from Nova Scotia. She entered a canvass painting that explored the themes of global injustice and excess. Second prize went to a video from Kai Zhuang and Emma Janssen. The video focused on the ways in which people combat negative thoughts and make a difference in the world. Joey Lawrence was the third prize winner and his entry was a photograph illustrating how children are able to make the best out of difficult situations. In total 11 pieces were received and everyone did a fantastic job demonstrating the quote from Gandhi.

All art work was shown at an art exhibit on July 21, 2007 at Whipper Snapper Gallery in Toronto. The proceeds from the event were given to an organization
called Beatz to da Streetz, a youth-led arts program that aims to provide a safe and supportive space for youth aged 16-24. The program leverages the powerful connection between young people and music to promote opportunities for creative expression and self-discovery, building life skills, opening access to professional mentorship, education and income generation. At the exhibit five musicians, Romeo, Murda Qually, The Voyce, Marv and Smooth J, from Beatz attended and performed for the audience. Their music spoke about youth and the impact their actions can have on the world today. It was a great celebration of creativity and young talent.

The Youth Leadership Action Team wanted to encourage and stimulate youth to take action! The above quote from Gandhi fit with this intention beautifully. Gandhi was one of the most influential leaders to emerge during the 20th century and he is a great example of someone who made a positive and significant change in his country. It is this spirit that the team wanted to convey. The Youth Leadership Action Team wants youth to feel that they have the ability and tools to make positive changes in the world in which they live!