Join ACCESS at TEDxYouth, Prom Expo and Youth Workshops
Within the next 3 weeks, ACCESS is pleased to be involved with 3 exciting youth events hosted in Peel Region. ACCESS invites you to attend TEDxYouth@Brampton, The Prom Expo, and Speak Up for Change Workshop Series all between now and March 1.
Speak Up for Change Workshops
Tuesday February 18 and 25, 2014
The Speak Up for Change Workshop Series for youth looking to make a positive difference continues this month, co-hosted with STEP. Register for these free workshops on taking the next step, Stepping Up (February 18) and on the power of partnerships, Partnerships and Mentors (February 25) both held in Brampton at South Fletcher's from 4:30–6:30 pm. Free Public Transit and Refreshments will be provided.
The Prom Expo
Saturday February 22, 2014
For students attending Prom or Semi Formals (either this year or next, it's never too early to get prepared), The Prom Expo is an amazing event for students by students, with proceeds supporting ACCESS! Tickets for the Prom Fashion Show and many Local Vendors are available online right here. Saturday, February 22 at the Riverstone Golf & Country Club in Brampton. For more on this event and its relationship to ACCESS, read this announcement.
TEDxYouth@Brampton
Saturday March 1, 2014
Through the theme Redefining Normal, the first-ever TEDxYouth@Brampton will empower youth to lead creative, self-satisfying lives that will enable them to look beyond the conventional forms of living. The conference's speakers range from Noble Lauriets to charismatic leaders, who all share a single vision: to share their ideas in the hopes to alter our mindset. The event will be held at St. Marguerite d'Youville Secondary School. Tickets are available right now online here. To learn more about ACCESS support of TEDxYouth@Brampton, please read this announcement.
The Journey Continues: Reflecting on 2013
ACCESS reflects and looks ahead in annual message
One year in the life of a youth-run, non-profit organization quickly passes – yet is jam-packed with progress, challenges, changes and goals. The calendar year of 2013 – the final year of our 2-year Ontario Trillium Foundation funding – included much planning and change as we continued to deliver fresh programming and active community involvement.
The last few years, I have written a year-end message in a format similar to this. For 2013 I would like to note that, while this is a list and description of major activity, there are countless contributions, presentations, events, acts of kindness, student stories, connections, meetings, role changes, partnerships and more that would leave this page crowded and in-cohesive. We are proud and thankful of the dedication of our team, partners, funders, volunteers and of program participants who have been present at various points throughout the year. The journey continues, as ACCESS and its team evolves and grows.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to read on, even briefly, to recap ACCESS' busy year.
In January, we kicked off 2013 by opening registration for our Youth Making a Difference Conference, hosting an Innovation Challenge, working with our Team Empower students, and fundraising at York University. We will take you through everything as briefly as possible, below.
Take-Off for Team Empower Team Empower, our pilot Youth Ambassador program, emerged in the 2012-2013 school year, geared toward high school students who want to become leaders and have the passion to go out and inspire positive change – starting in their own high schools. Ambassadors from across the Peel Region – representing schools from both Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board – attended regular sessions with guest speakers, organized their own events, and hosted ACCESS workshops within their schools.
Continued Activity from ACCESS U Campus Clubs Our active chapter at Wilfrid Laurier University, ACCESS U – Laurier, hosted the Laurier Innovation Challenge with LiTC. Focused on social entrepreneurship, the case challenge focused on Education and creating a stronger system for students, offering young leaders a chance to to collaborate around an important topic. A summary of the event is at accessu.ca/futureofeducation. Also in 2013, new ACCESS U Campus Clubs have launched at both the University of Waterloo and McMaster University.
Community Challenge: Youth Making a Difference Conference, Spring 2013 On the World Day of Social Justice in February, we hosted our 5th Annual Youth Making a Difference Conference. Our largest YMAD to date, the event took place at University of Toronto Mississauga, and featured a huge variety of speakers and facilitators – from a social entrepreneur visiting from Ghana to an empowering keynote on from a creativity architect, community builder and designer. We hosted 5 distinct topics – Poverty Alleviation, Environmental Issues, Diversity and Inclusion, Aboriginal Issues, and Mental Health – with local experts on each. Some of our favourite feedback came from students on Twitter, which can be read here. The local news filmed a feature story, available below.
Speaking Up for Change in-person with Youth Workshops In April, we hosted our first-ever Speak Up for Change Workshop Series – free workshops for youth, with discussion centred on key social issues. The theme of this series revolved around Bullying and Inclusion – issues which had taken centre stage in the news, and in the minds of many young people (including those at our YMAD conference). We have made the free workshops available on YouTube. This series was an opportunity for our Media/Journalism Co-Op student from University of Guelph-Humber to be involved in the planning, promotion and coverage of a youth program (based around our own media platform, SpeakUpForChange.ca).
Working with ACCESS: Student Placements Throughout the Summer at ACCESS, we had the opportunity to welcome 2 High-School Co-Op students and one intern. The students gained experience in the Non-Profit Sector, a requirement of their Specialist High Skills Major.
Making Connections The summer and fall included networking and new connections for our future direction. We partnered with a group of youth innovators to host a first for Peel Region: A collaborative discussion on Youth Social Entrepreneurship, in the format of a GenImpact Social. Earlier in the year, we participated in Community Consultations with the United Way of Peel Region's Young Leaders Council, developed and facilitated a Diversity/Equity conference for a Brampton Family of Schools in the DPCDSB, and spoke at Be Good Be Social on using Social Media for Social Good, to name a few.
YMAD6: Youth Making a Difference Conference, Fall 2013 In November, we hosted our 6th Youth Making a Difference Conference, this time re-designed to be fast-paced and highly participatory, on a smaller scale. Students learned and practiced skills needed for social action. They created concepts in groups, of which we selected 3 projects (from 2 high-schools in Mississauga and Brampton) to work with ACCESS and their schools to have their projects developed and turned into action. A recap with videos is available on our YMAD website.
Collaboration to Continue: Speak Up for Change Workshops with STEP As a young grassroots group, the STEP team has been working with ACCESS to develop and strengthen their student-run organization, so we decided to work with STEP to develop and plan our next Speak Up for Change Workshop Series. The goal of these free workshops is to provide youth in the Peel Region with the opportunity to become aware of their potential to take action and collaborate. With one being hosted this month in December, a 3-part series is planned for February 2014.
Transitioning Our Location As our 2-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation comes to an end, so does our time at The Community Door, which has been our home-base in Brampton since the spring of 2012. While we have officially moved out of this office, ACCESS remains an active member of the Brampton and Mississauga communities, and works with many Peel-based organizations. In 2014, in addition to our work in Peel, we will have a home in Toronto — helping us to serve the GTA region as a whole.
A Really Big Thank-You. We experienced transitions and triumphs, and sincerely appreciate your support. For all of our announcements this past year, visit accesscharity.ca/2013 and our active Facebook Page and Twitter.
On behalf of the ACCESS team, best wishes to you for the upcoming year!
Daniel Francavilla, Founder + Executive Director ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education
Non-Profit SHSM Students at ACCESS
In select schools, students have the opportunity to take a Specialist High Skills Major, also known as SHSM. One of these majors focuses on the Non-Profit Sector and this past summer, ACCESS had the opportunity to welcome 2 awesome co-op students from Brampton's St. Edmund Campion S.S. and one awesome intern at the ACCESS office. The SHSM–Non-Profit enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or a position in the workplace. Students develop skills in the areas of problem solving, analysis, communication, cooperation, ethical values, consciousness, and citizenship.
The non-profit sector offers a range of careers that are dynamic, engaging, and rewarding. Whether in the fields of art, culture, education, or social development, countless career paths are available for people who share the sector’s common vision: to make a difference.
Marly and Josie worked on various components of ACCESS' operations and program planning throughout the month of July with Chris, who also focused on ideas for YMAD, our annual Youth Making a Difference Conference.
Although it was only one month, the team had a great time with these students, and hopes to work with them again soon. Below are a few photos from the experience.
Ontario Trillium Foundation grant helping youth to make a difference
MISSISSAUGA, ON – ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is delighted to announce that they have received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in support of local youth development programs. The funding, to be granted over two years, will build the capacity of this youth-led organization to expand local programming, including the Speak Up for Change program and the spring Youth Making a Difference Conference, so that youth will become more socially aware and engaged in the Region of Peel. Funding will also support staffing and operational expenses to further organizational growth and program delivery.
"The Ontario Trillium Foundation is helping to empower young people to become problem solvers in their own communities, said Louroz Mercader, Board Chair. "This grant will maximize the impact of our efforts, encourage innovation and inspire life-long engagements through volunteerism."
ACCESS, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in March 2011, has a dedicated team of youth and advisors ready to take action and make a positive impact.
"Receiving significant financial support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is a huge step forward for ACCESS, particularly as a youth-run organization," stated Daniel Francavilla, who founded the organization as a high school student in 2006. "I am very excited about implementing the incredible ideas and initiatives our team has been planning."
"I am pleased that this grant will provide ACCESS with funding for an office location, staffing and an opportunity to expand their youth programming," said Linda Jeffrey, MPP for Brampton-Springdale. "Their dedication to help local students become active community members as well as assisting students in the developing world is commendable."
ACCESS looks forward to expanding its programming as the organization continues to make positive change both locally and abroad.
About ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. ACCESS is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. More information about ACCESS is available here.
Media Inquires: info@accesscharity.ca | 647-893-7504 Partnership or Sponsorship: mark@accesscharity.ca
New logo signifies ACCESS inspiring ideas through education
Over the past five years, ACCESS has been working to raise awareness and to make education a priority both locally and globally. Moving forward, ACCESS has developed a new logo to update its identify and signify the continued growth of the organization. The new logo consists of two head silhouettes, which also form a light bulb. In the centre, the familiar ACCESS text remains from the existing logo.
To develop the logo, Eren Kapaklili interned with ACCESS this summer through the archiTEXT Designer Combiner program. Eren describes the design process as "distilling themes and motifs based on the goals and philosophy behind ACCESS". He explains how circles and networks of lines became important to him when designing the logo. Eren used a style of applying overlapping and transparency along with the silhouette motif to produce the final design.
Two human profiles overlapping to create a light bulb convey that we are all connected through education and knowledge. The logo makes use of a powerful, yet simplistic visual effect to make a statement about interdependence and the positive outcome of human connectedness, education and social justice.
Zahra Ebrahim, founder of archiTEXT, shared her think tank's motivation for running the Designer Combiner program: "In the work we do, we're frequently engaging with dynamic groups in the charitable and non-profit sector while simultaneously engaging with emerging young designers. The Designer Combiner program allows us to facilitate relationship building between organizations we trust and admire and the young desigers whose development and growth we want to help nurture."
"As an organization, we are very excited to be growing and diversifying – this logo is a welcome refresh to our visual identity," said Daniel Francavilla, ACCESS President.
"We developed the logo over a several months to create one that represents our work involving human growth, connections and the power of knowledge and ideas through education."
The ACCESS team is pleased that through the development of this new logo, they were also were able to provide an opportunity for a design student, as Eren states he is "very proud to have had the opportunity to design for a deserving cause such as ACCESS." He hopes that this is his first step on a long road designing for the non-profit sector.
The new logo will be implemented throughout ACCESS print materials and online outlets beginning in September.
Media Inquiries and Questions Contact: Nathalie Atanda, Community Relations Manager ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. nathalie@accesscharity.ca
ACCESS to Host 5th Anniversary Event on March 5th
Celebrating 5 Years of Local Youth Providing Education to Children in Developing Countries
Five years of inspiration. Five years of selflessness. Five years of sharing opportunities. These represent only a fraction of what ACCESS members have devoted themselves to since March 5th, 2006 – the humble beginnings of this youth-run, non-profit organization. Since then, thousands of dollars and school supplies have been donated to help alleviate the educational barriers around the world.
As ACCESS continues on the road to prosperity, the community members, family, friends and supporters will not only be remembered but honoured for their involvement in the evolution of ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc.
We cordially invite you to celebrate the 5-Year Anniversary of ACCESS at Brampton’s City Hall on March 5. It will be an afternoon of memories, celebration, and appreciation for everyone that has played a role in the success of our organization. Please join us:
Saturday, March 5, 2011 From 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Brampton City Hall (Atrium, First Floor) 2 Wellington Street West, Brampton, ON
Free Admission (Donations Accepted) Facebook Event Page
"I still remember when we had first started, sitting at a coffee shop, brainstorming ideas on what we can do to make a difference in other countries and locally," executive member Ann Le recalls. "We have made so much progress over the years and this celebration is really a great way to recognize the start of much more."
"Being able to make a difference in the lives of students around the globe is something I’m proud to be a part of," stated Michael Onabolu, Vice President of ACCESS. "I hope this event marks the advent of many more prosperous years to come."
Special Thanks to Brampton's Mayor Fennell for sponsoring the venue, and to Karine's Vegan, Vegetarian & All-Day Breakfast for donating refreshments. Sponsors for this free event are being accepted. Please email info@accesscharity.ca if interested in making a contribution.
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Media Inquiries: Daniel Francavilla, President | daniel@accesscharity.ca
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from ACCESS
Give the gift of an Education with ACCESS Christmas Cards
Positions and placements available for committed volunteers
ACCESS is offering non-paid volunteer positions for those looking to get involved on a committed, short-term, part-time level. Community Service Hours will be provided, and co-op placement for academic credit will be evaluated. The following roles are managed under corresponding ACCESS Executive Members. The term begins in November 2009 and will be complete by June 2010 at the latest.
To apply to these positions, please email volunteer@accesscharity.ca with the subject line "Volunteer Position Application" including your Resume, availability, and approximately 250 words describing yourself and your interest in ACCESS. These positions will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, with an announcement of the filled positions being added to the end of this original post at news.accesscharity.ca.
The following positions are currently available:
Youth Making a Difference Workshop Outreach Rep
For the Youth Making a Difference Workshop, Duties include contacting potential event sponsors and local businesses to request and make arrangements for funds and prizes, researching details on catering and food contributions or pricing, contacting schools and distributing posters for the event. Requires regular, consistent email access and strong communication skills. This position requires direct contact with the ACCESS Events Coordinator for tasks and updates.
Speak Up for Change Junior Editor
For the Speak Up for Change Blog, duties include contacting writers to inform of new topics or changes in scheduling, replying to writer emails and/or external organizations (upon request only), searching for new and relevant content on the web to feature on Speak Up for Change, and seeking out potential writers and youth to sign up as contributors to the blog. Occasionally may be asked to seek out sponsors and/or grants to apply for. Requires frequent, consistent email and Internet access. Excellent communication and writing skills are necessary. This position requires direct contact with the Speak Up for Change Editor, for tasks and updates.
Arts for Change Talent Show Assistant Coordinator
Duties include contacting potential businesses and organizations to seek sponsorship or involvement in the Arts for Change Talent Show, distributing posters to schools or community centers, seeking out and contacting performers for auditions and rehearsals. Requires consistent email access and clear communication skills. This position requires direct contact with the ACCESS Events Coordinator for regular tasks and updates.
Please share this with others you know that may be interested in these positions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email volunteer@accesscharity.ca. We look forward to reviewing all applicants!
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ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Raising funds on campus: Universities getting involved
As a youth-run organization, ACCESS encourages schools and youth organizations to get involved in raising awareness and raising funds for education projects in the developing world.
While offering Educational Presentations and Educator Resources to elementary and secondary schools, ACCESS also works to raise funds and increase involvement in the post-secondary level. Events from two Ontario university campuses are highlighted below, recognizing their efforts and encouraging future involvement from schools.
Events at Laurier University raise funds and awareness
In the fall semester of 08-09, Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario hosted two events in support of ACCESS.
Drawing much excitement from students was the Throw Whip Cream at Your Profs event. On another day, there was a Starbucks Coffee Sale on campus, with all proceeds benefiting ACCESS. The funds raised have been donated directly towards ACCESS projects in the developing world.
These fundraisers were organized by XLerate Business Club, a student-driven organization focused on developing key skills that are critical for success both in university and the business world. It is Laurier's largest student organization, providing resources such as seminars and leadership opportunities.
University students raise funds in Toronto residence
The Residence Council at 89 Chestnut Residence, which houses University of Toronto and OCAD students among others, fundraised for ACCESS in the in the 08-09 academic year.
The funds were raised through a Floor Competition, with residents on 24 floors competing by donating coins into jars assigned to each floor. As per the competition's rules, paper bills deducted points when placed in another floor's jar - as an incentive to donate more. Details were posted online here.
The Residence Council also dedicated an additional fundraising event to ACCESS. For Valentine's Day, Candy Grams were sold and delivered to students within the residence in February 2009.
Looking for ways to fundraise for ACCESS this year?
Visit this year's school campaign at accesscharity.ca/phanuel
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Media Inquiries: Kody Robinson, Public Relations Coordinator
kody@accesscharity.ca
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Thousands of school supplies collected and sent to Africa
This year's end-of-summer ACCESS School Supply Drive was a tremendous success. Two weekends in August were dedicated to receiving donations of school supplies and collecting funds from local donors.
Over $1,700 was raised for the youth-run ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc throughout this year's drive.
Donations are benefiting school children in developing countries, this year including Tanzania, Africa. ACCESS has delivered the supplies to Canadian Food for Children in Toronto to be shipped and distributed.
As students in many privileged nations begin school this week, children in Tanzania will now be able to learn with the supplies they need to succeed.
Fair Trade products such as chocolate and sugar were also sold at the event to raise funds and awareness of sustainable employment and development projects.
ACCESS would like to extend thanks to all donors as well as St. Marguerite d'Youville and St. Anthony's Churches in Brampton, Ontario for their hospitality.
View the photo slideshow below or see the online gallery here.
Details on the School Supply Drive event can be found at accesscharity.ca/schoolsupplydrive.
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Media Inquiries: Kody Robinson, Public Relations Coordinator
kody@
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Bring Change: ACCESS announces fourth annual School Supply Drive
Beginning on August 22, 2009 ACCESS will be holding its annual School Supply Drive, benefiting students in developing countries. This is the youth-run non-profit organization’s fourth year hosting the drive, which promotes local activism and supports education internationally. Drop-off locations include St. Marguerite d’Youville Church and St. Anthony’s Church in Brampton.
All donations will benefit school children in developing countries including Tanzania, Africa. Canadian Food for Children, founded by Dr. Andrew Simone, will be shipping and distributing the supplies. All monetary donations will directly support ACCESS education projects in Tanzania, Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
Previous drives have been highly successful, with a multitude of donations received in both monetary donations and new school supplies. Acceptable items include basic materials such as pencils and pens, pencil crayons, sharpeners, erasers, lined paper, notebooks, rulers and more. A more comprehensive list of suggested supplies can be found on the event website, www.accesscharity.ca/
Fair Trade Certified organic chocolate and sugar products will also be sold at the event, to raise funds and spread the message about ethically produced goods. Fair Trade results in improved standards of living for producers, and high-quality products for consumers.
To confirm attendance and invite others to the drive, see the Facebook event page “4th Annual ACCESS School Supply Drive”. A video entitled “Bring Change” has also been created to promote the fundraiser, which can be viewed below, or on the event website.
Come support global education and be the change in your community! Please visit www.accesscharity.ca and www.facebook.com/accesscharity to keep up to date with ACCESS news and events.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTnrwNvMdjQ]
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Media Inquiries: Kody Robinson, Public Relations Coordinator
kody@
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Shop with purpose while supporting ACCESS online
If you could donate a percentage of every online purchase you make to ACCESS to support education projects, would you do it?
We hope so! We-Care.com lets you do this, with more than 900 online merchants. Just click through the access.we-care.com marketplace and shop on your favourite online stores as you normally would, and a percentage will be automatically donated to ACCESS.
Not sure when or where you would use this? Participating merchants include retail, travel, financial services, and quite a bit more. Book your flight and hotel. Rent a car. Shop for books. Apply for a mortgage. Buy furniture and household items. Send gifts. Search for apartments. Pick out a cell phone plan. Order web hosting and office supplies. Subscribe to magazines, newspapers, DVD services, and even satellite TV.
Planning on buying a book from Chapters or Indigo? Next time you are, you can support ACCESS online!
You can also install the We-Care.com plug-in for Internet Explorer or Firefox. With a plug-in, your donations will count (even if you forget to visit We-Care.com).
ACCESS benefits from all of your purchases through access.we-care.com - the program costs nothing for ACCESS, and there's no extra charge for you. Not only can you give, you also have access to special offers and discounts.
Enjoy being an occasional shopper or even a "shopaholic" while using access.we-care.com to extend your dollar from just your favourite book or pair of shoes to the comfort of knowing that you helped a worthy cause, ACCESS!
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.
Contact:
Kody Robinson, Public Relations Coordinator
kody@accesscharity.ca
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Youth Making a Difference Workshop to inspire local youth activism
With the popular inspirational words “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” from Mahatma Gandhi, ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education has joined forces with Continental Rescue Africa to present an exciting event - the Youth Making a Difference Workshop.
With similar visions of global education and youth empowerment, CRA and ACCESS will be hosting the Youth Making a Difference Workshop on
Friday, May 29, 2009 at Century Gardens Recreation Centre in Brampton, Ontario.The day features inspiring guest speakers and a variety of local non-profit organizations (including Student Reach, Volunteering Peel & Volunteer MBC, Youth Exchange, Youth Can Move the World, Mississauga Youth Games, Change the Future Foundation, Mississauga Mayor's Youth Team, Brampton Mayor's Youth Team, Project YouthTube, ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Continental Rescue Africa and more).
Register Online today or learn more at www.accesscharity.ca/workshop.
The goals of the workshop are to educate, empower, and raise awareness among youth.
- Educating: Equip them with more than the passion they need to work in social justice but also with the knowledge of HOW they can join us all in creating change. Provide them with the many options available to them to volunteer and to help them in starting their own organization
- Raising Awareness: organizations which engage in development work and social justice issues such as; poverty, famine, illiteracy, gender-based violence, gender-based issues, youth activism, job creation etc. will be given the platform to raise awareness about the critical nature of these issues and how we are implicated.
- Empowering: The specific scope of this workshop will be defined by the organizations which choose to work with us to empower the youth of today about how they can make change and be apart of change in their communities.
This workshop has been designed carefully to compliment curriculum and topics discussed in Ontario Schools. Students will gain new insight into the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom, and will further be empowered to make a difference. Students will be inspired to make the change they wish to see in the world and empower others through raising awareness.
Registration for the Youth Making a Difference Workshop is open online at accesscharity.ca/workshop. Registration closes soon so please do so as soon as possible!
- Please invite others to the workshop through its Facebook Event page!
- Register Online or learn more at www.accesscharity.ca/workshop.
- Email info@accesscharity.ca with any inquiries.
Three years ago today, a dream was born
The unsuspecting weekend of March 4, 2006 held the conception of the non-profit organization ACCESS Charity, three eventful years ago.
Since the initial presentation about the Dominican Republic Exposure Trip at a Brampton church was followed by a collection of over $8,000 three years ago, ACCESS has developed into an active youth-run organization. (Full text from the initial presentation can be read online here.)
In light of their unofficial third anniversary, ACCESS is releasing a 2-minute promotional video.
The video, embedded below, was created by Heads or Tails and tells a brief story about the organization and its roots.
If you cannot see it below, please click here to view the new promotional video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4h-pEv4BR8]
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. was officially incorporated in the province of Ontario on May 28, 2008. For details on this non-profit status, click here.
Today, ACCESS continues to expand both its international education and local youth involvement projects. ACCESS strives to provide children in the developing world with school uniforms and supplies, giving them the opportunity to obtain an education and successful future. ACCESS also aims to educate youth across North America about relevant issues, youth activism, and about the current situation in the developing world.
ACCESS offers a variety of local programs including Educator Resources, Educational Presentations, Speak Up for Change Youth Blog and Volunteer Opportunities along with international development projects including a Haitian student's university fund, School Supply Drives for Honduran students, and more.
To receive future ACCESS Email Updates, visit www.accesscharity.ca/subscribe.
For media inquiries, email kody@accesscharity.ca. Please contact us here for general inquiries.
Launching "Speak Up for Change" Blog Program
In addition to raising money for students in developing nations, ACCESS aims to engage and educate youth in North America about relevant world issues and the current global development situation. Speak Up for Change is a new initiative of ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education with School Supplies, Inc.
About Speak Up for Change
Launched in the fall of 2008, Speak Up for Change is a program that gives both youth and organizations a chance to write about poverty and education-related issues. It provides students with writing experience and online exposure, as well as community service hours and prizes, and provides organizations with exposure.
Topics include social justice, youth activism, global development, poverty, education, political action, and more.
Contributors respond to current events, related quotes, and social justice issues. The forum is moderated by members of the ACCESS Speak Up for Change Team, who both assign and edit the articles. Topics will be posted by the team on a regular basis, inviting responses by youth. Schools are encouraged to become involved in the program, as a the topics and writing assignments easily fit as a component of their curriculum. Guest contributors are welcome and include educators, politicians, local celebrities, members of the non-profit community, and social activists.
It's estimated that globally 1.5 million new blog entries will have appeared in the past week. Through Speak Up for Change, let's ensure that we contribute as many positive, youth-written, change-driven posts as we can.
Calling You to Action
ACCESS is seeking schools, students, and individuals who are interested in participating in the program. This includes blog entries from non-profit organizations, relating to our topics above. Both regular contributors and one-time participants are welcome.
Submissions will be published on the Speak Up for Change website, after being approved by our editors and categorized according to topic and theme. Please consider writing a new blog entry, or sending us existing written content for the blog. Accompanying video and photos are most welcome.
Funding the Program
As a non-profit organization, ACCESS is still accepting sponsors for the Speak Up for Change program. The program is currently supported in part by local organizations.
Prizes to reward participation in the program as well as for promotional campaigns are ideal. Additional funds would be used to promote the program through advertisements online, send information packages to schools, and provide printed resources to participating students.
Visit the new website at www.speakupforchange.ca
To get involved today, send an email to editor@accesscharity.ca.
Want a Revolution? Just get out there and Change the World
After reading Leaving Microsoft to Change the World during March Break this year, I became even more inspired to get out there and do something to change the world. The book is by a former Microsoft executive named John Wood, who left a very promising career track to form a charity called Room to Read at age 35.
Wood's charity helps thousands of children across the developing world break the cycle of poverty through the power of education. This is exactly the type of thing I feel so strongly about, and is the main cause of ACCESS.
What’s interesting is that both Wood and myself were inspired by first-hand experiences in the developing world. I went on a high-school exposure trip to the Dominican Republic, and Wood went to Nepal – originally just as a getaway from his stressful job – but made a promise to the impoverished people he met that he would one day come back with books. And, he did, and has now opened hundreds of schools and thousands of libraries in the developing world.
Still, some people say there are too many charities and non-profits already. But I believe it’s not about the format or structure of how good work is being done, it’s about the fact that everyone needs to do his or her share.
People say they want a revolution. Well, it all starts with you. There are plenty of problems in the world today... climate change, terrorism, war, poverty, disease, economic disparity, hopelessness and more. But you can do something. Here’s what I learned from Leaving Microsoft to Change the World about this:
Don’t spend too much time thinking about it – just dive in.
Yes, there are things in our way like student loans that need to be repaid, previous career commitments, advice from advice from family and friends, the need to write a serious plan of action… Take care of these things, but don’t loose momentum getting through all these obstacles! As with John Wood, people will talk you out of pursuing your dream. Too many people will tell you why something might not work. Stop yourself from thinking, “I don’t live there, it’s not my problem”.
So, when all you’re thinking about is getting through University and hitting it big as a high-powered executive or owning a successful business, just think of those who have made charitable activities and causes a major part of their daily lives, including the most successful business people such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. Wood had to make many sacrifices from his high-class life, like downgrading his condo and firing his personal driver, but doing good work for the world has got him on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Fox News, National Geographic TV, Time Magazine, Forbes, the New York Times, and many more!
Success isn’t defined by how much money you make. It’s about what you do with your time and money that makes your life worthwhile.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world!" - Gandhi