Empowering Tomorrow With Future For The Youth
In the vibrant tapestry of initiatives aiming for positive change, there's one that resonates with me on a personal level—Future For The Youth. As the founder and president, my journey with this non-profit initiative has been a compelling exploration of various challenges, aspirations, and the transformative power of collective action. Join us as we weave together the story of Future For The Youth, a platform that has evolved into a force for change, echoing the voices of impassioned youth across the community and beyond.
Embarking on a Transformative Journey
In the COVID-filled times of 2021, my journey with Future For The Youth began. Fueled by the impactful speeches of environmental advocate Greta Thunberg, I felt a profound vocation to amplify the voices often drowned out by the cataclysm of societal injustices. However, I understood that I couldn’t do this all by myself. This is what led me to assemble a dedicated and passionate board of directors, with far-reaching expertise in each of our three departments. Further efforts like starting a school club helped to mark the humble beginnings of a transformative journey towards meaningful change.
The Heartfelt "Wish For The World" Initiative
One project that resonates deeply with me is the "Wish For The World" initiative. It took us to the heart of downtown Toronto, where we distributed food and water to the homeless and engaged in conversations about their wishes for a better world. Their responses weren't just wishes; they were passionate reflections of universal desires—an end to poverty, world peace, equality, and a healthier environment. Our interviews with inspirational individuals yielded similar results, but were much more suppressed in their inability to relay the struggles that homeless people face on a daily basis.
Inspiring Talks and Collaborations
Beyond hands-on initiatives, the Future For The Youth team engaged with kids through public presentations and demonstrations, echoing our fervent belief in instilling fearlessness, determination, and leadership qualities in youth. Collaborations with other clubs and engaging projects like tree-planting initiatives became the threads that wove our network of change.
Navigating Challenges with Compassionate Leadership
Every journey has its challenges. As the president, I navigated these with a commitment to compassionate leadership. Delegating responsibilities to junior members, redistributing workloads, and offering unwavering support became paramount during periods of board-wide stress due to extreme pre-university pressure. For me, this period underscored the delicate balance of compassionate and empathetic leadership while maintaining the impactful and organizational integrity of Future For The Youth.
A Culture of Empathy and Empowerment
At its core, Future For The Youth fosters a culture of empathy and empowerment. With our diverse board of directors, an outsider's perspective through an executive strategist, and an unwavering commitment to supporting each member, our initiative became a testament to the transformative power of collective action. Diversity was something that was extremely important to me from the start, especially at the leadership level. I find it too often that misrepresentation in the top trickles down to the morals and efficacy of the whole organization. That is why I formed a Board made up of 2/3 women, and a variety of cultures.
Paving the Way for Tomorrow
As I look forwards, Future For The Youth is not just a testament to my vision but a testament to the resilience, compassion, and collective power of a community united by a common purpose. This initiative is not just about addressing immediate issues; it's about paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow, where every voice, regardless of age or circumstance, deserves to be heard and empowered to make a lasting impact.
A special thank you to Yair Korok, Future For The Youth’s Director of Engineering, for building our website and making the framework for this first blog possible!
Written by: Andrew Dolghii
Founder & President