2010 Objectives

"I wonder - If young people were actively engaged in all aspects of society, and thought of themselves as community leaders, problem-solvers, role models, mentors and key 'stakeholders'...how would the world change?"
Jennifer Corriero (printed on - THE WAY I SEE IT #48- Starbucks Coffee Cup, 2005)

Many youth lack a pathway to action, such as comprehensive and accessible information on opportunities for participation, models to replicate, funds to access and networks to join.

Inspire

A personal connection. An influential mentor. A peer who encourages. That's all it takes to inspire youth to have a lasting impact in their communities at the local, national or international level. By connecting them into a global online social network for civic engagement, youth share their stories and experiences, and begin their transformation into effective changemakers today. We support their development by providing the initial spark that drives their efforts to act as a positive force for change in the world.

Inform

Climate Change, HIV/AIDS, poverty, human rights - these issues threaten our common humanity. In order for youth to address them, they need the knowledge and resources to understand and act. In building their capacity and increasing their cross-cultural awareness, young people better prepared to engage in an increasingly interconnected world that shares the responsibility to solve these global issues. Through information and communications technologies, they are able to share what they have learned with their peers.

Involve

Collaboration, dialogue, participation are critical steps required for the youth voice to be heard and for their actions to be recognized. Young people are most powerful as co-owners of this movement for change. Interactive relationships between youth and institutions allow for meaningful contributions to policies. Access to organizations opens up a multitude of opportunities for youth to become involved.

Our objectives

• To be the preferred online destination for youth interested in cross-cultural expression, dialogue, networking, and collaboration.
• To be recognized as a leader in push the boundaries of online community and technology as a tool for social empowerment
• To realize the potential of young people as leaders for their local and global community development.
• To mainstream recognition that young people are a key stakeholder in all aspects of society including national and international policy.
• To instigate significant evolution in the present concepts of school-education by increasing global connection, meaningful use of technology and inspiring student engagement.
• To bridge the 'continuity gap' that presently renders youth action ineffective, connecting all major youth activities, events, programs and initiatives in a global network.
• Demonstrate innovation, excellence, creativity, and professionalism in the management of a 21st-century international organization that is entrepreneurial, technology enhanced, and youth-driven.