Wow! What a great two weeks!
From June 30-July 6 I was at the Citizen You conference in Sunderland, England.
Before I left, I worked with Susheela on revamping how creative writing volunteers are understood. I also worked on ICubed a bit, on the summer project plan, approving articles, and contacting writers.
As well, worked on text for the Take Local Action site and revamping how the Youth Reps are understood.

Prepared for the Citizen You conference - it wasn't what I expected, but very inspiring and successful! Was expecting young people that were "in the know" and have done the conference thing before...instead, it was young people from the 54 Commonwealth countries, many of which are developing nations, and many of the youth delegates had never travelled outside their countries. I was working with and speaking on the globalization theme, and for many delegates it was their first chance to truly explore the idea and all that it contains. Some delegates didn't have email or use the internet and it was great to be able to teach people new skills. It was so inspiring connecting with people that are attempting to positively impact their communities!

I learned a lot from the experience - about speaking, responding to questions....about perceptions and expectations...my belief in the vision of TIG was renewed, and I am finding most valuable the idea of creating a meaningful network of people with common opinions, hopes and goals. Many of the friends I met from Africa told me how their countries are being torn apart by HIV/AIDS...yet these people were the most inspirational, optimistic and positive individuals I've ever met....how fortunate I am to be a Canadian citizen, and how necessary it is for me to use the opportunities handed to me to help others.