Youth Action Forum

In the past few years, the gap between the Canadian government and youth has narrowed considerably. Young people are now active in many decision making processes; at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. However, in Singapore, the situation is quite different. There is a large gap between government and youth. In fact, although Singapore is a democratic country, the government does not tolerate any attacks or criticism of their actions. So if you move there, don't expect to see a political comedy show like "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" or " The Royal Canadian Air Farce" on television.

Empowered youth the world over are working hard at providing young people with many opportunities to voice their concerns and take action. Young people, like yourselves, decided to get informed and active on issues that concern them. Some organized local youth groups, while others wrote letters and contacted other youth and adults for help. It all started from youth who decided to get involved and take some action! If you ask your parents about the 1960s they'll tell you all about the hippie action that was going on. They'll also tell you that the people who were spreading their message of peace were all young too!

During Asia Connects you have probably heard a lot about Asia and Canada. Whether it's been through reading information off the web, attending workshops and discussion groups, or listening to various panel speakers, you've probably learned something new this week. Now that you have all this new information and have experienced one of the largest Cyberspace conferences ever held, what are you going to do once it's all over?

Technically speaking, Asia Connects will hopefully never be over! The links and information shared during the conference period, are simply the beginnings of new links between youth in Asia and Canada. Which means, there are a lot of things that you can do after May 11, 1997. It's important that we keep Asia Connects alive and running. In fact all of you have now become incredible resource people for your school, friends, and community, on Asia and Canada.

• Contact the editors of either your school or community newspapers. Tell them about your experience with Asia Connects and tell them that you would like to write an article for the paper! Newspapers always need interesting articles to fill up space!
• Do a presentation to your class or any interested clubs in your school.
• Remembering that gap between Canadian youth and adults/government has been compressed, use this to your advantage and inform local leaders, youth clubs and service agencies, cultural groups etc., about your experiences with Asia Connects . You can write a letter, fax, e-mail, or call them!
• Connect with youth overseas via the internet or e-mail.
• Keep in touch with TG Magazine, 'cause they always have loads of innovative ideas as well as great resource people to answer your questions!
• The challenge is yours to explore! Take some initiative, be creative, get informed and get active!
• Participate in the Discussion Forums on a wide range of topics that will continue to be on this web site until after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader's Meeting in November 1997.