2009 Youth Can Move the World
Symposium Opens Registration

Third annual event to focus on
Social Justice Through Arts and Culture

Brampton - The third annual Youth Can Move the World Symposium, slated for Saturday February 21st, is now accepting online registrations at www.youthcanmovetheworld.ca.  The Symposium will be held at Mississauga Secondary School -- 550 Courtney Park Dr. West, Mississauga, ON.

The free event, open to youth aged 15 to 25 living in the Region of Peel, provides youth with an opportunity to learn about, and become involved in, programs and activities focused on creating a world that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. 

Symposium Chair, Valerie Davis said the 2009 Symposium has largely been developed by youth volunteers with the support of a volunteer advisory board.

"There are several new events that will really appeal to participants, including the opportunity to have lunch with local leaders who will host tables for discussions on a broad range of local, national and world-wide issues.  We are also recognizing local youth who have made a significant mark on our community through our first Inspiring Agents of Change Youth Awards," Davis said.

"The 2009 program incorporates 13 workshops on topics ranging from how to create a sustainable diet to creating rewarding relationships.  And, for the first time, participants can register online at www.youthcanmovetheworld.ca," Davis said.

The symposium and character–building forum is also designed to encourage and enable youth to engage with community-based organizations to explore opportunities to transform their interests into action, through local volunteerism. More than 25 local, non-profit organizations will showcase their volunteer opportunities for youth.

"Participants are able to speak with representatives one-to-one and consider a very broad range of contributions they could make to their community through volunteerism that also match their personal interests.  Last year's event generated a large number of opportunities that were available to participants in real time," Davis explained.

Inspired by the United Nations declaration of the years 2005-2014 as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, Youth Can Move the World is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and with the support of Rapport Youth & Family Services, the Peel District School Board and Sheridan College.  Key local sponsors and partners for the event also include Red Lemon Hair Salon, GoldLine Group of Companies, Entripy Custom Clothing, the United Way of Peel. Region of Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network, The Social Planning Council of Peel, and the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board.