By John BkilaThe Mississauga News
More than 200 young people from across Peel were inspired to change the world yesterday at an event encouraging them to volunteer in their communities.
The third annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium, held at Mississauga Secondary School, taught young people the biggest changes start by working within their own neighbourhoods.
"I think it's important for our youth to think and act locally - changing the focus from across borders, to down the street from our house," said Louroz Mercader, event coordinator. "Youth have so much potential. We need to harness their ideas and energies."
The day included seminars explaining the importance of social, environmental and economic sustainability and a luncheon where participants had the chance to sit down and talk with close to 25 community leaders, from politicians to executive directors of organizations in Peel.
"We also have a fair with 38 agencies from around Peel who are offering meaningful volunteer opportunities to our youth," said Mercader. "This is another chance for participants to introduce themselves and get to be a part of agencies that help their communities."
Students learned about Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), that connects young people with other not-for-profit organizations that meet the volunteer's particular interests.
"Through volunteering, we can direct the individual to their passion," said director, Carine Strong, who was also the keynote speaker at the event.
"If they're doing something they love, it won't feel like work," she added.
During the day an awards presentation was held to recognize the achievements of some of Peel's volunteers, including Daniel Francavilla, 18.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Francavilla, a first-year university student at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). "I think it's great to be recognized, but it's not without a team effort."
While in grade 10, he founded a not-for-profit charity organization called ACCESS, which gives children in developing worlds a chance at an education.
Telling others it's never very difficult to get involved, Francavilla had this advice for new volunteers.
"Start locally. Volunteer at your school or church and with your friends," he said. "Youth doing something good always gets attention, but starting small that's the key."
The event was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Rapport Youth & Family Services, a not-for-profit community agency providing counseling and support services to youth in Peel.
More than 200 young people from across Peel were inspired to change the world yesterday at an event encouraging them to volunteer in their communities.
The third annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium, held at Mississauga Secondary School, taught young people the biggest changes start by working within their own neighbourhoods.
"I think it's important for our youth to think and act locally - changing the focus from across borders, to down the street from our house," said Louroz Mercader, event coordinator. "Youth have so much potential. We need to harness their ideas and energies."
The day included seminars explaining the importance of social, environmental and economic sustainability and a luncheon where participants had the chance to sit down and talk with close to 25 community leaders, from politicians to executive directors of organizations in Peel.
"We also have a fair with 38 agencies from around Peel who are offering meaningful volunteer opportunities to our youth," said Mercader. "This is another chance for participants to introduce themselves and get to be a part of agencies that help their communities."
Students learned about Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), that connects young people with other not-for-profit organizations that meet the volunteer's particular interests.
"Through volunteering, we can direct the individual to their passion," said director, Carine Strong, who was also the keynote speaker at the event.
"If they're doing something they love, it won't feel like work," she added.
During the day an awards presentation was held to recognize the achievements of some of Peel's volunteers, including Daniel Francavilla, 18.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Francavilla, a first-year university student at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD). "I think it's great to be recognized, but it's not without a team effort."
While in grade 10, he founded a not-for-profit charity organization called ACCESS, which gives children in developing worlds a chance at an education.
Telling others it's never very difficult to get involved, Francavilla had this advice for new volunteers.
"Start locally. Volunteer at your school or church and with your friends," he said. "Youth doing something good always gets attention, but starting small that's the key."
The event was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Rapport Youth & Family Services, a not-for-profit community agency providing counseling and support services to youth in Peel.
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