By: Betty Xie

Hey, are you still looking for “ah hah moment” that gives you energy, focuses your mind and makes you realize you can do “something” for our society? Why are you waiting then? Go out and join the many opportunities that our community has, such as the exciting and inspiring Zenith Conference.

On May 14th 2009, the annual Zenith 2009 Global Citizenship Conference was hosted in Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey. The conference was organized by youth (age 15-25), attended by youth and set forth to encourage youth to become more active members of our community. Delegates who joined the conference had a packed schedule---keynote speakers, workshops, Zenith in Action and volunteerism fair---all designated towards the goal of letting delegates to realize the firing potentials of themselves.

The most notable event of the day was the Zenith in Action presentation. As Zenith Co-chair Corinna Chan mentioned in an interview with CLIX previously, Zenith in Action, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, is a new event introduced to the conference this year. It encourages delegates of the conference, in teams of 4-5 people, to initiate community projects that address a specific issue. Delegates handed in their proposal to Coast Capital Savings before the conference, and the final three teams had been chosen by Coast Capital to present their projects to all other delegates. The winning team would receive a $1000 grant and $500 in scholarships per member, with the teams selected as 1st and 2nd runners up each receiving $700 and $500 grant to execute their projects. This year, out of the 14 teams that applied, “Opportunities” presented by Lenka Markova, Ruphen Shaw and Kristen Woo, with their firm beliefs in educating immigrant women and excellence in their presentation, won the $1000 grant. Representing Richmond Youth, Eliazaveta Afanassieva, Umme Maya Mansoory and Ivy Wan from R.C Palmer Secondary won the $700 grant for their Compost project. Congratulation to all of participants who showed that Youth can make a difference!

The Zenith Conference only happens once a year, but the core ideas of the conference should always be at the forefront for youth—Why is it important to address an issue and initiate a project? Why is it important to join the volunteerism fair and know more opportunities out there? Why is it important for youth leaders organize this conference? One keynote speaker Shawn Smith, the co-founder of Education Generation, mentioned that today 50% of the world population is made up of those under age of 25. That means if youth contribute to the community, we can have half of the world involved! So what are you waiting for!? Go, go, go! Start today, make a difference in our community, get involved and give your time, energy and inspiration. Whether it is contacting your local volunteer centre, joining a group at school or talking with your friends about change in your neighborhood or your world – you can make a difference!

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