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I was approached by a young man, Jimmy Budny, from the Town of Markham (one of our regions within the Greater Toronto Area) who was part of a group of youth that make a difference in our community.

I asked if I can meet with this group to share with them my work, Youth Movement, Kidz2Kidz and other ideas that I have regarding empowering, mentoring and guiding our youth and teaching them about the power of their voice to create change. I spoke with a young woman named Tiffany. We agreed that I will come into their council meeting and take a few minutes to talk.

The meeting was yesterday. I arrived at 5:30pm and was met by Tiffany. I liked her immediately. She took me into their offices where I sat with Tiffany and her supervisor, Karen Hugh, Recreation Supervisor, Centennial Community Centre. I wanted to know more about this group and who supported them. They are a group of young kids between the ages of 10 and 18 years and are supported by The Corporation of the Town Of Markham. These youth come together to create events and programs to raise money for different causes (they are currently involved with The Yellow Brick House, a shelter for abused women) that make a difference in the community. They focus on empowerment, growth and development and teach children how to use their voice for change. Well I knew I was in the right place!

I shared with them my vision of Voices of Youth movement, Kidz2Kidz and our charity work – how it started and what we want to do, and then I shared a vision of a boot camp geared to kids in university/college and/or between the ages of 18-22, that focuses on social entrepreneurs, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, authenticity, accountability and responsibility. They loved the idea.. I am working on it. I told them of my move to create a foundation/not-for-profit (haven’t quite figured it out) with a charity designation. With that I can get funding as well as go after donors who care about our youth and their future and the future of Canada as a whole – who aligns with the vision and mission of Voices of Youth. I also want to align with other youth organizations that hold similar values and core beliefs around our youth.

In that short meeting I really knew that a friendship had been formed and that we will collaborate on many ventures together. This is a group of action, with a strong desire to make a difference.

I then had the opportunity to address the whole group/council. I walked into a room filled with kids. There must have been 25 kids there. I was astounded. In our previous meeting I asked Karen why the kids do this, is there a reason – for instance they can get their required # of community hours by doing this – she said, that the kids come for various reasons. I can relate to that for I have worked on a number of charity committees and it was the same for that. I looked around this room and it really brought a smile to me. What was great is how relaxed they were. It was not a formal setting with table and chairs. Instead, the kids grabbed bean bags and/or a space on the floor. I started on the floor however decided to move to a chair (does that mean I am getting older — no just wiser, the floor is hard!).

Tiffany introduced me and I had the opportunity to share who I am, the vision of Voices Of Youth, Kidz2Kidz and how and why it started. I spoke to them about being the voice of change and how with guidance and mentoring they can effectively challenge the status quo. I talked about the intergenerational relationship that I am fostering through the dual mentoring program and why this is so important to them. I drew on events of the world and how the young are saying enough (Libya, Egypt, and the entire Middle East). Young people want change. I mentioned the election that will almost 100% be called for Spring and how these kids will one day be the policy makers. How it is their duty to challenge systems that are not working well (status quo), to demand transparency from our government officials and programs. I talked about what I see being handed down the line to my children and them and I do not like it so together we can find a voice to demand change. And so I am creating “baby step” programs that gets our youth to create and foster these life skills so when the opportunity arises and they can demand change they will know how to create and execute it.

I only spoke for 10 minutes at most. The kids looked at me and nodded. They can relate to the issues I brought up – a concern as a mother and an advocate – health care costs, will there be a pension, environment, and so on. At the end they were silent and I laughed and said, “wow, it is not likely often that this group is so quiet and has nothing to say!” They laughed.

I grabbed my equipment that they collected to be donated to kids and families that are in need. I felt so good knowing that my life’s work, my passion, is being realized and that so many people are on the same path as me.

I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend.

All my love,

Sandra

Tags: kids making a difference, town of Markham, youth and change

I was not happy that the price of gas is $1.21 a litre today. To fill my car costs $72.60. If I really look at what I am paying for it is the price of freedom and democracy for countries like Libya, Egypt, Yemen and so on. People are dying and I am worried about the price of gas? We are all affected somehow; Some more directly and others, like Canada, are really only feeling the superficial wounds.

I do not want to see people die however history has dictated that freedom/democracy has its cost — often the cost of human life. If you look at any revolution or coup life is almost always lost. It is sad, however, we must be grateful to those that give their lives so that others can live as free, democratic souls.

Egypt was the catalyst for change in the middle east. The people, mostly young, are saying ENOUGH — we want change. The domino effect has been tremendous and swift. The collective energy in this part of the world is vibrating so high — change is imminent.

What we can do for these countries is to send lots of love and light; Pray that change happens for the best interest of human kind and where the most basic of human rights is met. Let us hope that there is as little bloodshed as possible in order to bring about this tremendous change. We can sign petitions and make sure our voices are heard – that we care what happens to our brothers and sisters. Stop the bloodshed!

As for the dictators — they are so ego driven that losing their stature is more than they can bear. Yes, most have stolen enough money to live in a life of luxury. The truth is that they will be isolated and living in their own prison. I hope that those that deserve to be tried are and that justice prevails. The more important fact is that by deposing these dictators we are opening up room for new leadership.

First will come transition and it will likely not be easy however with patience and guidance these countries can begin to create a thriving environment full of jobs, creating infrastructure and more. The raw talent is already in these countries — they may just need our help in guiding them. Let’s empower them, teach and guide them so that they can take the reins for themselves!

So, for all those grumpy people who are unhappy about the price of gas… it is the least we can do to contribute to helping the countries of the Middle East create a democratic and free country where the most basic human rights are met.

Have an amazing weekend!

All my love,

Sandra

Tags: bloodshed, coup, democracy, dictators, Egypt, freedom, libya, middle east, price of gas, war, yemen

I am working on the youth mentoring leadership program with a life coach and he introduced me to a woman, Michelle LeRoy, who works with “indigo, crystal and star” children. These are very enlightened and aware children with a great knowledge base. As a result of our conversation we decided to merge on this idea and bring in a few more people.

Below are 2 women that I feel you children will greatly benefit from:

Susan T. Howson – author, creator and coach. She has designed these special cards for children that are beautiful and telling. Her website is www.magnificentcreations.com .
The other woman is Michelle LeRoy -holistic practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Intuitive Healer, Reike Master & Sonic Reiki Master, Aromotherapy and Energy work. You can learn more from her site: www.thesixthelement.ca.

For those kids that resonate — great tools

All my best,

Sandra

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO?
My boys go to a school that are doing fundraisers and a portion is being donated to the Red Cross. Every dollar has an impact — we just need to make sure that it gets to the people.

Here are some ideas of what you can do:

* dance-a-thon: raise money by dancing
* movie-a-thon: raise money by watching movies
* bake sale
* book sale
* send lots of love energy to these people who need it
* be kind to you neighbour – appreciate what you have
* be grateful that you live in such an incredible country

Below are a list of agencies that you can give to:
I have gathered the names of different organizations/groups provided in the Canadian paper that you can trust your donations with.
1. The Salvation Army – http://www.salvationarmy.ca or
1800-725-2769
2. UNICEF – http://www.unicef.ca, 1800-567-4483
3. United Jewish Appeal (UJA) – all $ goes to Canadian International Development Agency’s Relief Fund. http://www.ujadonations.com,
416-631-5705
4. OXFAM – http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca – 1800-464-9154 -
5. CARE – http://www.care.ca, http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca – 1800-464-9154
6. Canadian Red Cross – http://www.redcross.ca -1800-418-1111
7. Habitat For Humanity – http://www.habitat.ca
8. Doctors Without Borders – http://www.msf.ca -
1800-982-7903
9. Free The Children – www.freethechildren.com; 416-925-5894X153

Please offer your assistance where you can!

All my best,

Sandra

You hear so much about setting goals, making resolutions … I am here to say that yes, this is important HOWEVER I can tell you from experience, that the clearer you are in what you want, YOUR INTENTIONS the faster this will unfold.

Sit down, lie down, meditate, do whatever it takes, slow your mind down and really decide WHAT IT IS YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF. Then write it down.

I have listed many resources, please take a look, Find what resonates, what you like, and then make it your own.

I am here for you.

All my best,

Sandra

You Never Know…
I found this article in the National Post, Jan. 6, 2010 on page FP13 (working.com). The title of the article is Improv theatre at the office. In the article it talked about your ability to do improv -know your strengths and weaknesses, listen, communicate, go with the flow, support your fellow actors in a scene — all attributes that a company values. I am working with a young man who loves to do improv and he is currently writing his GMAT and wants to do his MBA. I have repeatedly told him how he needs to draw on his improv experience more when writing his letter for admittance.

Do not undervalue what you do for everything that you experience whether you deem them good or bad, it is, has value. It depends on what you take away from the learning and how you incorporate it in your own life.

A decision today may have value 5 years down the line. We never know. I do not believe in coincidences. Take it all into account.

Enjoy the journey.

All my best,

Sandra

I was on a flight to New Jersey and I shared with him my youth development mentoring program and he seemed intrigued. He said that he probably wouldn’t go to it however if it was in the school system that will be great.

I want you to know that it is my intention to do so. Saying that, you may have to come “half way” to the table to become part of the co-creators of this world.

I am looking forward to working with the youth for as I have said I feel it is the youth that will lead the changes that we want to see in our world.

Enjoy your night — don’t drink and drive, be safe. Have a wonderful New Years and I will “see you” in 2010.

All my best,

Sandra

Time to find your inner child which I am sure is not difficult.

2009 has been a great year for shedding your layers- knowing more of who you are and your brilliance.

2010 is the year to sprout the seeds.

Have a wonderful holiday. Some are still in exams. Next week you can all let down your hair and relax.

Recoup, regenerate and get your strength back — 2010 there is a lot of work to do!

All my best,

Sandra

OUT WITH 2009 AND IN WITH 2010…
I know for some this was a tough year especially financially. I want you to know that when I graduated from University it was 1990 (watch it!!) and it was a recession. My friend’s father got me a one month temp job at CBC in Human Resources. This one month job lasted 4 years in three different areas, sales promotions/marketing and international sales. All I can say is that EVERY job, even the ones I disliked, have given me knowledge and led me to where I am today.

I am grateful. So take what comes your way, be in the moment, and enjoy for you never know where it will lead you.

I am working with a number of people to bring about the youth development program. We are EXCITED! 2010 is about allowing those seeds that you planted to grow and sprout. These may have been ones that you planted an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year or more ago! Let’s make it happen, IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

All my best,

Sandra

OUT WITH 2009 AND IN WITH 2010…
For those looking for jobs it may have been a tougher year as the economy went through some changes. When I graduated in 1990 we were in a very deep recession – my friend’s father got me a one month temp. job with CBC. I took it thinking no big deal and I realized that he really opened the door for me. THis one month temp. job turned into 4 years in different areas.

It is my feeling that this year was more about peeling away layers, discovering who we are and what want to do with our lives and planting the seeds. Some of you may be working in jobs or in an area that you do not love however I feel that this will change for 2010. Just as an aside, I realize now that every job that I did in my past has given me the awareness and knowledge to be where I am today.

2010 is about the seeds you planted days, weeks, months and maybe even years ago and they are about to spout. You can create ANYTHING that you want.

Myself and others are working on a youth development program that will shift your paradigms! We look forward to co-creating with you.

Enjoy the remaining days of 2009…

All my best,

Sandra

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