I attended a conference for youth interested in human rights activism yesterday, held jointly by Canadian HART and the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance’s Human Rights Advocacy Committee. Aside from providing us the knowledge of the tools and networks required to embark on human rights advocacy, it inspired me. I felt a need to go out there and do something, and create something, and become part of the human rights movement.
The energy and passion of the speakers, human rights activists and students was phenomenal, and I could not stop think of Margaret Mead’s quote, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The group that was present yesterday are leaders, and I believe we have the power to change the world. Despite the many commitments daily life brings upon us, school, work, family, volunteering, the fact that so many young activists showed up to educate themselves, was amazing to me.
The speakers were phenomenal, sometimes I have this idea in my head that the older generation is out of touch of the reality of activism, but yesterday, I saw a new face to the knowledge that exists among the older generation. These people have been through it, and are successful human rights activists, we have a duty to learn from their knowledge and experience, because it will assist our struggles and fights greatly. This conference helped me regain my faith that the future of the world lies in the hands of young people, and by looking at the youngsters that showed up yesterday, the future is in good hands.
I give thanks and hats off to the organizers of this conference for putting together such an educational and powerful event. A job well done, and a day well spent!
– Vaanmathy
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