Notes from Canada's Young Activists

Twenty-five young Canadian activists tell their stories of what motivated them to take action to change the world. How do members of the twenty-something generation see the world? What is their vision for the future? This book presents the stories of members of young Canadians who are working to create a more sustainable, compassionate, and conscientious global society. In this compilation of personal stories, young citizens describe the moment they were inspired to pursue their passion to improve their world. Their methods and causes are diverse, and their stories highlight the innovative ways that they are identifying and addressing problems in society. Though optimistic, these individuals are not naive, and they have realized many impressive accomplishments. While in her teens, Miali-Elise Coley in Iqaluit organized a summer-camp program for less-privileged kids in her community to get them out on the land. Craig Kielburger founded Free The Children to raise awareness of the injustices of child labour. Tim Harvey biked and rowed around the globe to draw attention to climate change. At twenty-three, Lyndsay Poaps became the youngest elected official in Vancouver's history, serving as a city park board commissioner for three years. George Roter co-founded Engineers Without Borders, an organization of Canadian engineers that reaches across frontiers between Canada and Africa to help developing communities. Told with maturity but anchored in youthful idealism, these stories are a celebration of how these driven individuals are taking responsibility for their own and future generations, as well as how young people have faced the seemingly insurmountable challenges of guilt, burn-out, apathy, and isolation. Inspired by experiences abroad and at home, or driven to care by personal circumstance, the stories of this generation of leaders is asking and answering tough personal and societal questions. The editors of this compilation hope to inspire and challenge all generations to act, to think, and to better the world around them.