World Youth Movement for Democracy

World Youth Movement for Democracy

November '06 Newsletter

WYMD News

World Youth Day for Democracy/Global Youth Campaign for Democracy -
WYMD members organised events on and around the World Youth Day for Democracy on the 18th October. Activities include:

- A series of forums involving lecture and debate organised by NAYMOTE-PADD, Liberia. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage in debate. The forums involved a variety of topics related to democracy, participation and leadership, including freedom of the press, youth activism, human rights, and democratic principles. The forums took place between the 13th and the 18th October, and involved over 400 participants. Read the press release - Here -
- A three-day youth camp was organised by, Saceda Youth Lead, Philippines, October 20-24 to commemorate World Youth Day for Democracy.
The camp included lectures, a quiz bowl, an Eco-Challenge, involving leadership challenges aimed at exposing students to organizing, directing, and coordinating activities, as well as cultural activities and social activities aimed to raise awareness of national and international issues.
- Youth Action for Pakistan, (YAP) Pakistan, organised a youth dialogue for the “World Youth Day for Democracy” where more than 50 young boys and girls participated in four hours of dialogue on "Future World and Democracy”.The media was also invited to report on this first time event in Pakistan.
Email: youth4pakistan@yahoo.com
Have you planned an event? Have you participated in or held an event that you haven't registered yet? Visit the WYMD website to register your event.
It's not too late to plan an event for the Global youth Campaign! For ideas for action, resources, lists of current campaigns from major human rights groups and a guide to registering check out the World Youth Day for Democracy page!

Join WYMD Chat - Join our e-forum for exchanging news, resources, ideas and experiences. Share knowledge gain information and ideas, or just meet other WYMD members online.
Get started by sending an email to ymdchat-subscribe@groups.takingitglobal.org

Check out WYMD's new and updated information!

NEW - Events - Check out this new page containing news of major international youth and democracy events all over the world. This page will be updated frequently, so keep checking for new events in your country or region!

International News

Zimbabwe: Government Intensifies Crackdown on Dissent ( from Human Rights Watch )
November 1, 2006
The Zimbabwean government has intensified its campaign to suppress peaceful dissent, in reaction to a recent wave of protests against deteriorating social and economic conditions in the country, according to a Human Rights Watch report released today. Human Rights Watch has documented systematic abuses against activists, including excessive use of force by police during protests, arbitrary arrests and detention, and the use of torture and mistreatment by police and intelligence officials. Full article - here
Read the report - here
China: Supreme court rule on Death Penalty welcomed ( from New York Times )
October 31st, 2006
On Tuesday new legislation was enacted stating that China's highest court must approve all executions. A lack of prompt access to lawyers, political interference and the inclusion of evidence gained through torture have been among criticisms, along with death sentences given to wrongly convicted people. It is believed China has carried out the majority of the world's court-imposed death sentences, for crimes ranging from murder to tax evasion. According to Amnesty International , China was responsible for more than 80 percent of the 2,148 people executed last year. Amnesty calls for total abolition, fearing that the new laws will not result in fair trials in line with International human rights standards.
Read the New York Times article: - here
Read the Amnesty article: - here
Chile: Pinochet detained on torture and murder charges ( from The Guardian )
October 30, 2006
The former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, was detained under house arrest in Santiago today, over charges including, murder, torture and kidnapping in the years following his 1973 coup.
Judge Alejandro Solis said he had ordered the house arrest of the 90-year-old in connection with human rights abuses at Villa Grimaldi, an infamous detention centre run by the Pinochet regime's secret police. Thousands of people were tortured at Villa Grimaldi between 1974 and 1977 Read the full story - here
Russia: Government halts activities of NGOs operating in Russia ( from Washington Post and CIVICUS)
October 19th, 2006
The Russian government has suspended the activities of Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and more than 90 other foreign nongovernmental organizations, as well as suspending and closing national human rights organisations, including Russian-Chechen Friendship Society (RCFS), a prominent human rights organisation based in Russia, which was closed on October 13th. Failure to meet registration requirements for the controversial Federal Law on Public Associations has been cited as the reason for the suspension and closure of the NGOs. The law grants strict government monitoring of NGO operations and financing. Read the Washington Post story - here
Read the CIVICUS report - here

Upcoming Events

Youth Alliance for Democracy and Development (YADD) Conference, Cameroon - November 4, 2006
This is an event co-organised by the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Development(YADD), the Global Conscience Initiative (GCI) and the Family and Women Empowerment Centre - Kumba. The theme of the conference: "Youth Empowerment and Civic Responsibility". Key speakers include Atem Eugene Atabong, YADD Coordinator Samba Churchill, GCI CEO Etah Dorothy Takang, Director of the Womens' Centre Sama Susan. The expected outcome of the conference is the creation of a network of youth groups and associations in Kumba and in the Southwest Province. An end of conference report and a newsletter would be produced at the end of the conference and a youth forum created for Kumba.

World Youth Conference on "Youth as Change Agents", India - November 9, 2006
World Youth Conference on "Youth as Change Agents-Volunteering for Peace in Multicultural Societies -focusing on the Millennium development Goals" at New Delhi. The world is in crisis with natural disasters, hunger, wars and internal security issues. This Conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with people from across various continents to develop an "Agenda for Change for A World in Peace". The Conference offers fascinating networking opportunities and the chance to listen to wonderful speakers. Youth from all the different sectors of society, from at least 40 countries globally, will participate to discuss Peace in the context of community building and strengthening in this world of accelerating change. This Conference precedes the XIX IAVE World Volunteer Conference on the theme "Volunteering for Peace in Multicultural Societies" , and we welcome your involvement and participation in this Conference at the India Habitat Centre, from 10-14 November 2006. There are a number of scholarships available but limited travel grants - write in to apply (see website).

PTPI Global Youth Forum, 2006, United States - November 11, 2006
People to People International's Global Youth Forum (GYF) returns to America's Heartland, Kansas City, Missouri, the home of PTPI World Headquarters. Students between the ages of 13-18 will learn skills to enhance international understanding, humanitarianism, education and leadership. Confirmed participants/speakers include, actor Gary Sinise; Celia Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill; and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Craig Kielburger. For more information, contact ptpi@ptpi.org.

Generation 2015, Australia - November 17, 2006
Be prepared for the largest Make Poverty History event in Australia.
On November 17, 2006 Federation Square in Melbourne will come alive with thousands of people and some of the biggest artists and performers in the country. We are the generation that can end poverty, and Generation2015 will make that message heard on the eve of the G20 Meeting in Melbourne.
Stay tuned to the Oaktree website for more info!

International Youth Forum 'Training on Human Rights Education', Germany - November 22, 2006
Network Migration in Europe organizes a multinational Youth Forum 'Training on human rights issues' for students and multipliers who have an active interest in human rights education in the context of migration. The Youth Forum is devoted to the study and betterment of human rights and specifically the relationship between majority and minority populations in past and present.

2006 World Congress of NGOs - NGOs: Forces for Peace, Jordan - November 30 - December 3, 2006
Organised by the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO). More than 400 NGO representatives, former and current heads of states and business leaders will gather to address the role of civil society in promoting and building peace. As a participant, you will be able to: (1) contribute your unique perspective and experience on the role of NGOs in fostering peace; (2) join the international forum of NGO representatives and prominent leaders discussing common concerns and tackling various challenges of the NGO sector; (3) interact, connect and network with like-minded leaders, and (4) develop oneself professionally through various training seminars and NGO briefings.
As places are limited, you are encouraged to register by the Early Registration Deadline of October 6, 2006. Registration closes on October 27, 2006.

Opportunities for Grants, Funding and Participation

Youth Initiative Awards, Nepal - November 15th, 2006
Youth Initiative recognizes young people as change makers and agents of social transformation and hence encourages them to take leadership to bring about positive changes in the societies they live in while growing to their fullest potential.
As part of its efforts to empower and involve young people, it will reward 5 young leaders with an award amounting Rs 10,000 each to help fund their innovative projects. This year's Youth Initiative Awards will support initiatives that contribute towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Brick awards - The BRICK Awards recognize and support social change-makers age 25 and under. Since 1996, the BRICK Awards have honored young people who work towards improving their community. The 2007 BRICK Awards accepts applications from citizens and permanent residents of Canada and the Unites States. All BRICK Award winners have a shot at US$25,000, international recognition, televised glory, and pro bono legal services. See the website for further details, and to see what previous winners have done. Deadline: December 1st, 2006.

Council of Europe Award "Young Active Citizens" 2006-2007 "Diversity, Human Rights and Participation" - The award is a result of the third Summit of Council of Europe (Warsaw, 16-17 May 2005), when the Heads of State and Government decided to promote diversity, inclusion and participation in society, by launching a Europe-wide Youth Campaign. The "All Different - All Equal" European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation will be organised in 2006 and 2007. The aim of the Award will be to actively contribute to the aims, objectives and visibility of the "All Different - All Equal" European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation. Deadline for submission: 15th July 2007. Five projects/actions will be rewarded. Each of the winning projects will be offered an amount of 1000 € and a diploma. Furthermore, two representatives of each of the winning projects will be invited to the closing event of the Campaign in order to receive their prize. These representatives will also be invited to present their projects by the means of an exhibition. A compendium of all good Campaign projects which have applied (and not just the winning projects), will be published by the Council of Europe (paper + online versions).

Highlighted Articles, Reports and News from Youth and Democracy Groups

News on projects, issues and experiences and articles from people working on youth activism and democracy issues. These include accounts of personal experiences of activism, issues and challenges involved in organising, and suggestions on how these challenges can be overcome.

Report: World Youth Day for Democracy/Global Youth Campaign - NAYMOTE - Liberia
NAYMOTE-PADD, Liberia, organised a series of forums involving lecture and debate to celebrate the World Youth Day for Democracy. Lectures were led by outstanding youth leaders and the forums took place in schools where students were then given the opportunity to ask questions and engage in debate. The forums involved a variety of topics related to democracy, participation and leadership, including freedom of the press, youth activism, human rights, and democratic principles. The forums took place between the 13th and the 18th October, with a formal World Youth Day for Democracy Celebration on the 18th. The forums were held in three different schools, and altogether involved over 400 participants. Read the press release - Here -
Report: Electoral Reform in Nigeria - Culled from:
An Address at the Conference on Electoral Reform National Programme of CommemorationYar’Adua Memorial Forum by Princeton N. Lyman
An informative extract from a conference speech, containing concise information on contemporary Nigeria, including key moments in contemporary Nigerian politics, and an analysis on Nigeria's place in continental politics and relations, including Nigeria's role in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), a partnership that outlines principles of good governance and economic management - now a key policy framework of the Africa Union. International relations are also discussed, especially concerning economic development and reforms. The main focus of the article, however, is electoral reform. Possibilities for electoral reform are discussed, with a view to finding a solution for Nigeria. The speech also contains a critique of "leadership".
Project: “LET’S” (let’s give more space to youngsters) - Macedonia
LET'S gives young people in Macedonia, where youth are marginalised, the chance to get involved in voluntary work. LET'S has also created the first web page medium for youth, and on this web promote open democracy, society and positive trends and image for youths.
The main activity is training for young leaders - promoters (young journalists and young theater groups). There will be training for 40 - 60 youngsters on the topics: non- formal education, volunteerism, team work, communications, and work with the media. After this training the participants can become part of the voluntary office of Children’s parliament of Macedonia - Veles (Foundation Marita - Macedonia). The group also will prepare theater performance and will have a performance in December.
The group is reaching out to all national media and large corporations in order to promote their activities, with the aim of promoting an open democracy and society. The group is also involved in the “STOP BEFORE YOU START” campaign and the activities of Marita - Macedonia and also the “war”- against drugs.
Target group is young people between 13 and 19 years old.
For further information email: president_sd[at]yahoo.com
Organisation: Youth for Democratic Change - Kenya
My name is Okanga George from Kenya, I am the founder of a youth organization called YOUTH for DEMOCRATIC CHANGE which has so far registered as a member of wymd. Allow me to share the political situation in this country and particularly Western Kenya where this organization is based. Democracy and the rule of law is at a pathetic point, youth have for years been used as campaign machineries, leaders hiding behind the youth who are not employed to cause mayhem in opponents political rallies and meetings.
Members of the police force have brutally injured the hired youth in broad day light while the rich politicians simply run to the press and claim that their communities are targeted by the ruling government - democracy is not there at all in western Kenya , different opinions are always met with crude violence engineered by our politicians, you either sing their song or you don't sing at all, the youth has no chance in the current political platform, they don't have power, money, access to the media and public forums.
We at YDC are championing for change even if this will cause us to lose our lives, the voice of the youth must be heard, they must be given an equal platform to express their opinions and be allowed to go for elective positions during elections. We are calling upon the whole world, people who believe in democracy and the rule of law, people who believe that the future of any country depends on the type of youth they bring up today, to join YDC in this noble agenda. The time is now and we must stand firm as young people to shape our own destiny otherwise nobody will wake us up in our deep sleep. REMEMBER, OUR WEAKNESS IS THEIR STRENGTH.
For further information, please email: youthfdemo@yahoo.com
Check out WYMD's Resources Page for toolkits, guides, and more articles.

Your voice

Contribute to WYMD's Newsletter!

We would love to hear more from WYMD members, and develop this newsletter as a forum for you to share stories, experiences, news of events etc. So please, if you have any stories to share, know of any events that might be of interest (international or national), or just want to share an experience of activism or participation, please send us an update so we can share this information with the other members!

Please send any news, articles etc to wymd@youthlink.org.

November '06 Newsletter
WYMD News
World Youth Day for Democracy/Global Youth Campaign for Democracy - WYMD members organised events on and around the World Youth Day for Democracy on the 18th October. Activities include: - A series of forums involving lecture and debate organised by NAYMOTE-PADD, Liberia. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage in debate. The forums involved a variety of topics related to democracy, participation and leadership, including freedom of the press, youth activism, human rights, and democratic principles. The forums took place between the 13th and the 18th October, and involved over 400 participants. Read the press release - Here - - A three-day youth camp was organised by, Saceda Youth Lead, Philippines, October 20-24 to commemorate World Youth Day for Democracy. The camp included lectures, a quiz bowl, an Eco-Challenge, involving leadership challenges aimed at exposing students to organizing, directing, and coordinating activities, as well as cultural activities and social activities aimed to raise awareness of national and international issues. - Youth Action for Pakistan, (YAP) Pakistan, organised a youth dialogue for the “World Youth Day for Democracy” where more than 50 young boys and girls participated in four hours of dialogue on "Future World and Democracy”.The media was also invited to report on this first time event in Pakistan. Email: youth4pakistan@yahoo.com Have you planned an event? Have you participated in or held an event that you haven't registered yet? Visit the WYMD website to register your event. It's not too late to plan an event for the Global youth Campaign! For ideas for action, resources, lists of current campaigns from major human rights groups and a guide to registering check out the World Youth Day for Democracy page! Join WYMD Chat - Join our e-forum for exchanging news, resources, ideas and experiences. Share knowledge gain information and ideas, or just meet other WYMD members online. Get started by sending an email to ymdchat-subscribe@groups.takingitglobal.org Check out WYMD's new and updated information! NEW - Events - Check out this new page containing news of major international youth and democracy events all over the world. This page will be updated frequently, so keep checking for new events in your country or region!
International News
Zimbabwe: Government Intensifies Crackdown on Dissent ( from Human Rights Watch ) November 1, 2006 The Zimbabwean government has intensified its campaign to suppress peaceful dissent, in reaction to a recent wave of protests against deteriorating social and economic conditions in the country, according to a Human Rights Watch report released today. Human Rights Watch has documented systematic abuses against activists, including excessive use of force by police during protests, arbitrary arrests and detention, and the use of torture and mistreatment by police and intelligence officials. Full article - here Read the report - here China: Supreme court rule on Death Penalty welcomed ( from New York Times ) October 31st, 2006 On Tuesday new legislation was enacted stating that China's highest court must approve all executions. A lack of prompt access to lawyers, political interference and the inclusion of evidence gained through torture have been among criticisms, along with death sentences given to wrongly convicted people. It is believed China has carried out the majority of the world's court-imposed death sentences, for crimes ranging from murder to tax evasion. According to Amnesty International , China was responsible for more than 80 percent of the 2,148 people executed last year. Amnesty calls for total abolition, fearing that the new laws will not result in fair trials in line with International human rights standards. Read the New York Times article: - here Read the Amnesty article: - here Chile: Pinochet detained on torture and murder charges ( from The Guardian ) October 30, 2006 The former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, was detained under house arrest in Santiago today, over charges including, murder, torture and kidnapping in the years following his 1973 coup. Judge Alejandro Solis said he had ordered the house arrest of the 90-year-old in connection with human rights abuses at Villa Grimaldi, an infamous detention centre run by the Pinochet regime's secret police. Thousands of people were tortured at Villa Grimaldi between 1974 and 1977 Read the full story - here Russia: Government halts activities of NGOs operating in Russia ( from Washington Post and CIVICUS) October 19th, 2006 The Russian government has suspended the activities of Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and more than 90 other foreign nongovernmental organizations, as well as suspending and closing national human rights organisations, including Russian-Chechen Friendship Society (RCFS), a prominent human rights organisation based in Russia, which was closed on October 13th. Failure to meet registration requirements for the controversial Federal Law on Public Associations has been cited as the reason for the suspension and closure of the NGOs. The law grants strict government monitoring of NGO operations and financing. Read the Washington Post story - here Read the CIVICUS report - here
Upcoming Events
Youth Alliance for Democracy and Development (YADD) Conference, Cameroon - November 4, 2006 This is an event co-organised by the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Development(YADD), the Global Conscience Initiative (GCI) and the Family and Women Empowerment Centre - Kumba. The theme of the conference: "Youth Empowerment and Civic Responsibility". Key speakers include Atem Eugene Atabong, YADD Coordinator Samba Churchill, GCI CEO Etah Dorothy Takang, Director of the Womens' Centre Sama Susan. The expected outcome of the conference is the creation of a network of youth groups and associations in Kumba and in the Southwest Province. An end of conference report and a newsletter would be produced at the end of the conference and a youth forum created for Kumba. World Youth Conference on "Youth as Change Agents", India - November 9, 2006 World Youth Conference on "Youth as Change Agents-Volunteering for Peace in Multicultural Societies -focusing on the Millennium development Goals" at New Delhi. The world is in crisis with natural disasters, hunger, wars and internal security issues. This Conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with people from across various continents to develop an "Agenda for Change for A World in Peace". The Conference offers fascinating networking opportunities and the chance to listen to wonderful speakers. Youth from all the different sectors of society, from at least 40 countries globally, will participate to discuss Peace in the context of community building and strengthening in this world of accelerating change. This Conference precedes the XIX IAVE World Volunteer Conference on the theme "Volunteering for Peace in Multicultural Societies" , and we welcome your involvement and participation in this Conference at the India Habitat Centre, from 10-14 November 2006. There are a number of scholarships available but limited travel grants - write in to apply (see website). PTPI Global Youth Forum, 2006, United States - November 11, 2006 People to People International's Global Youth Forum (GYF) returns to America's Heartland, Kansas City, Missouri, the home of PTPI World Headquarters. Students between the ages of 13-18 will learn skills to enhance international understanding, humanitarianism, education and leadership. Confirmed participants/speakers include, actor Gary Sinise; Celia Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill; and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Craig Kielburger. For more information, contact ptpi@ptpi.org. Generation 2015, Australia - November 17, 2006 Be prepared for the largest Make Poverty History event in Australia. On November 17, 2006 Federation Square in Melbourne will come alive with thousands of people and some of the biggest artists and performers in the country. We are the generation that can end poverty, and Generation2015 will make that message heard on the eve of the G20 Meeting in Melbourne. Stay tuned to the Oaktree website for more info! International Youth Forum 'Training on Human Rights Education', Germany - November 22, 2006 Network Migration in Europe organizes a multinational Youth Forum 'Training on human rights issues' for students and multipliers who have an active interest in human rights education in the context of migration. The Youth Forum is devoted to the study and betterment of human rights and specifically the relationship between majority and minority populations in past and present. 2006 World Congress of NGOs - NGOs: Forces for Peace, Jordan - November 30 - December 3, 2006 Organised by the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO). More than 400 NGO representatives, former and current heads of states and business leaders will gather to address the role of civil society in promoting and building peace. As a participant, you will be able to: (1) contribute your unique perspective and experience on the role of NGOs in fostering peace; (2) join the international forum of NGO representatives and prominent leaders discussing common concerns and tackling various challenges of the NGO sector; (3) interact, connect and network with like-minded leaders, and (4) develop oneself professionally through various training seminars and NGO briefings. As places are limited, you are encouraged to register by the Early Registration Deadline of October 6, 2006. Registration closes on October 27, 2006.
Opportunities for Grants, Funding and Participation
Youth Initiative Awards, Nepal - November 15th, 2006 Youth Initiative recognizes young people as change makers and agents of social transformation and hence encourages them to take leadership to bring about positive changes in the societies they live in while growing to their fullest potential. As part of its efforts to empower and involve young people, it will reward 5 young leaders with an award amounting Rs 10,000 each to help fund their innovative projects. This year's Youth Initiative Awards will support initiatives that contribute towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Brick awards - The BRICK Awards recognize and support social change-makers age 25 and under. Since 1996, the BRICK Awards have honored young people who work towards improving their community. The 2007 BRICK Awards accepts applications from citizens and permanent residents of Canada and the Unites States. All BRICK Award winners have a shot at US$25,000, international recognition, televised glory, and pro bono legal services. See the website for further details, and to see what previous winners have done. Deadline: December 1st, 2006. Council of Europe Award "Young Active Citizens" 2006-2007 "Diversity, Human Rights and Participation" - The award is a result of the third Summit of Council of Europe (Warsaw, 16-17 May 2005), when the Heads of State and Government decided to promote diversity, inclusion and participation in society, by launching a Europe-wide Youth Campaign. The "All Different - All Equal" European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation will be organised in 2006 and 2007. The aim of the Award will be to actively contribute to the aims, objectives and visibility of the "All Different - All Equal" European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation. Deadline for submission: 15th July 2007. Five projects/actions will be rewarded. Each of the winning projects will be offered an amount of 1000 € and a diploma. Furthermore, two representatives of each of the winning projects will be invited to the closing event of the Campaign in order to receive their prize. These representatives will also be invited to present their projects by the means of an exhibition. A compendium of all good Campaign projects which have applied (and not just the winning projects), will be published by the Council of Europe (paper + online versions).
Highlighted Articles, Reports and News from Youth and Democracy Groups
News on projects, issues and experiences and articles from people working on youth activism and democracy issues. These include accounts of personal experiences of activism, issues and challenges involved in organising, and suggestions on how these challenges can be overcome. Report: World Youth Day for Democracy/Global Youth Campaign - NAYMOTE - Liberia NAYMOTE-PADD, Liberia, organised a series of forums involving lecture and debate to celebrate the World Youth Day for Democracy. Lectures were led by outstanding youth leaders and the forums took place in schools where students were then given the opportunity to ask questions and engage in debate. The forums involved a variety of topics related to democracy, participation and leadership, including freedom of the press, youth activism, human rights, and democratic principles. The forums took place between the 13th and the 18th October, with a formal World Youth Day for Democracy Celebration on the 18th. The forums were held in three different schools, and altogether involved over 400 participants. Read the press release - Here - Report: Electoral Reform in Nigeria - Culled from: An Address at the Conference on Electoral Reform National Programme of CommemorationYar’Adua Memorial Forum by Princeton N. Lyman An informative extract from a conference speech, containing concise information on contemporary Nigeria, including key moments in contemporary Nigerian politics, and an analysis on Nigeria's place in continental politics and relations, including Nigeria's role in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), a partnership that outlines principles of good governance and economic management - now a key policy framework of the Africa Union. International relations are also discussed, especially concerning economic development and reforms. The main focus of the article, however, is electoral reform. Possibilities for electoral reform are discussed, with a view to finding a solution for Nigeria. The speech also contains a critique of "leadership". Project: “LET’S” (let’s give more space to youngsters) - Macedonia LET'S gives young people in Macedonia, where youth are marginalised, the chance to get involved in voluntary work. LET'S has also created the first web page medium for youth, and on this web promote open democracy, society and positive trends and image for youths. The main activity is training for young leaders - promoters (young journalists and young theater groups). There will be training for 40 - 60 youngsters on the topics: non- formal education, volunteerism, team work, communications, and work with the media. After this training the participants can become part of the voluntary office of Children’s parliament of Macedonia - Veles (Foundation Marita - Macedonia). The group also will prepare theater performance and will have a performance in December. The group is reaching out to all national media and large corporations in order to promote their activities, with the aim of promoting an open democracy and society. The group is also involved in the “STOP BEFORE YOU START” campaign and the activities of Marita - Macedonia and also the “war”- against drugs. Target group is young people between 13 and 19 years old. For further information email: president_sd[at]yahoo.com Organisation: Youth for Democratic Change - Kenya My name is Okanga George from Kenya, I am the founder of a youth organization called YOUTH for DEMOCRATIC CHANGE which has so far registered as a member of wymd. Allow me to share the political situation in this country and particularly Western Kenya where this organization is based. Democracy and the rule of law is at a pathetic point, youth have for years been used as campaign machineries, leaders hiding behind the youth who are not employed to cause mayhem in opponents political rallies and meetings. Members of the police force have brutally injured the hired youth in broad day light while the rich politicians simply run to the press and claim that their communities are targeted by the ruling government - democracy is not there at all in western Kenya , different opinions are always met with crude violence engineered by our politicians, you either sing their song or you don't sing at all, the youth has no chance in the current political platform, they don't have power, money, access to the media and public forums. We at YDC are championing for change even if this will cause us to lose our lives, the voice of the youth must be heard, they must be given an equal platform to express their opinions and be allowed to go for elective positions during elections. We are calling upon the whole world, people who believe in democracy and the rule of law, people who believe that the future of any country depends on the type of youth they bring up today, to join YDC in this noble agenda. The time is now and we must stand firm as young people to shape our own destiny otherwise nobody will wake us up in our deep sleep. REMEMBER, OUR WEAKNESS IS THEIR STRENGTH. For further information, please email: youthfdemo@yahoo.com Check out WYMD's Resources Page for toolkits, guides, and more articles.
Your voice
Contribute to WYMD's Newsletter! We would love to hear more from WYMD members, and develop this newsletter as a forum for you to share stories, experiences, news of events etc. So please, if you have any stories to share, know of any events that might be of interest (international or national), or just want to share an experience of activism or participation, please send us an update so we can share this information with the other members! Please send any news, articles etc to wymd@youthlink.org.