4-H Ontario, my research partner.
The 4-H organization has been developing leadership and life skills in rural youth in North America (and around the world) for over 100 years by offering engaging programs that inspire kids to find their strengths, love learning and commit to being a positive contributor to their families, their economy and their society. Programs are accessible to all socio-economic brackets, and many are accessible to youth with learning, mental and physical disabilities. Youth brain drain is intolerable. If we don't have environments that train and support youth to be part of resilient communities and economies, and we train the 'good ones' for jobs they have to leave to find...who does that leave? Filling the hole with newcomers who are unaware of the unsustainable structures in rural communities is no solution. Their kids will leave too. Let's not cop out. Let's do the job right. |
4-H offers rural exchanges for it's members (under 21 yrs). This is another organization offering exchange opportunities to young people 18-35yrs. Exchanges change lives because they change your world-view. They build ties with other countries. People bring home better practices. Experience births passion. I once heard an arctic youth expedition leader say that the reason they do what they do is because you can only care about what you know. You know by experience.
Exposure to difference is what fuels innovation. |
The Wrench is a newspaper started by University of Ottawa student, Joey Clavette to raise awareness about homelessness, poverty and housing insecurity issues. Articles are written by homeless people. Having a voice gives people dignity. Plus, you get to listen. For real. That's how we understand. That's how we change.
|