YouToo Conference - Keynote

February 29, 2008 marked the date of the first of six CIDA sponsored YouToo High School Engagement Conferences organized by the Global Stewardship Program. The day started off at 9:00 am at Byrne Creek Secondary School, Burnaby, B.C., with frenzied postering, lots of coffee and pre-conference set up. Our keynote speaker, Sol Guy, from 4Real Productions arrived to deliver his presentation at 9:30. He began with video clips from his company's brand new documentary film 4Real. Our cool factor went way up.

Though we had 60 students registered to attend the full day conference, when they started to line up to sign in, they seemed only marginally excited. After all, just another Friday at school. Or so they thought. But then they met Sol; a tall skinny guy in a cap and jeans, who brought out clip after video clip of him and Usher, him and The Rascals, and a whole cast of hip hop dudes. The kids started to wake up. Sol's credibility went way up and the guy beside me said to the guy sitting next to him, "Hey, this is some dude".

They listened to Sol as he told us about his first trip to one of the poorest countries in the world, Liberia, where he heard about and saw the effects of conflict diamonds for the very first time. "And then I went back to L.A and there was P.Diddy and 50 cent with ropes of diamonds around their necks, and I got confused ... I got so confused all I knew was that I had to do something to change the world in some way..."

And he told us about how he found his way to be part of social change; how he went from small town B.C to hip hop music manager for some of the largest labels in North America; to the producer, directer and face behind a social change project called 4Real. A project that involves young leaders from eight countries around the world, a Vancouver production crew, Media organizations (National geographic,CTV and MTV), celebrities, and a whole lot of heart and soul.

By now he had everyone's attention and we knew we were off to a good day.

What About Those T-shirts

Re-Shirt: A New Backstory for the T-shirt is an interesting article by Vancouver based writer, Sanjay Kanna, read on: worldchanging.com.

Global Stews receive outstanding student awards

The following G Stews received a Capilano College Outstanding Student Award at the Gala Luncheon on February 19,2008. Congratulations to: Melanie, Siobhan, Meagan and Catherine.

Meagan, left, and Catherine, right, pose with big smiles alongside G Stew Convenor, Rita, after accepting their certificate.

Fellowships Available!

The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation is pleased to announce the 2008 call for applications for the Global Youth Fellowship program. The Fellowships are targeted towards emerging Canadian leaders who demonstrate potential to enhance Canada’s role on the world stage. The Fellowships will provide successful candidates with a cash award of $20,000 as well as other forms of support.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents between 24 – 35 years of age with previous international experience – paid or volunteer. They also need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to international issues through studies, career choices and volunteer activities.

Application Deadline is Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EST

More information about the Fellowship programme, including application
forms, guidelines and information on current and past Fellows, visit gordonfn.org.

CIDA Conference

Students and former CIDA interns, here is your chance to network with major companies and organizations who are major players in the global marketplace. CIDA is inviting you to attend the two day conference where you can see for yourself what changes are taking place in the development field, and learn what skills you need to get your dream job abroad. This is a great opportunity to put your networking skills to the test.

When: Tuesday May 20th - Thursday May 22nd
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel (655 Burrard St.)

For more conference and registration details visit cme-mec.ca.

Student Video Contest

Win $500.00! Here is a great opportunity for students to use their creative talents to make their voices heard on an environmental topic that's important to them.

As part of the 2nd Annual Environmental Film Festival, the Green Ideas Network and the City of Surrey are launching a Student Video Contest. Student submissions will be eligible to win $500 in cash, along with lots of great prizes. Winning entries will be screened to the public at Simon Fraser University's Surrey Campus. Contest entries are due by March 30th.

We ask that you please forward the attached information as widely as possible to any students that may be interested. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. We'd be happy to supply hardcopy posters and entry forms, should you need them. Thank you for your assistance with this exciting project!


Contact Person and Information: Camille Andrews, Environmental Stewardship Coordinator, Urban Forestry & Environmental Programs
Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture

Volunteer Positions Available

The World Community Film Festival is looking for volunteers,
particularly projectionists and ushers. Students who volunteer get free
access to the festival, those who volunteer for 6 hours get a free
weekend pass. The training for projectionists and ushers is quite
straightforward, even pleasant. If you know any students who might be
interested please have them contact me or volunteer coordinator Yvonne
Leung at yvonne.leung@hotmail.com.
Rick Gordon
Department of Philosophy, Langara