The concept for Creating
Change 2001 was born in the minds of youth. The topics discussed at
the conference, violence, discrimination and education, were decided
on after hundreds of youth had been consulted. After reviewing
emails, Internet polls, and speaking with young people, there were
many possible topics to choose from. Although the topics varied
widely, there was a common need expressed in each of them: to learn
the skills to be able to affect change. Using this as a guide, a
focus of the conference was project planning. 
During
the conference, participants created and started working on one of
twelve National Projects, which they will continue to work on after
the conference. These projects will also be developed and executed by
these youth from across Canada with support from the Students
Commission. Creating Change 2001 was developed by youth, for youth.
Now it's ready to take on a life of its own.
In general, the youth
who attended this conference had the same expectations, expectations
such as meeting new people, seeing a new place, learning about new
ideas and experiences. It was an unwritten rule that everyone who
came would have their voice heard, would take action, would be making
a difference and, most of all, everyone would have fun. Throughout
the conference, youth brainstormed quite a few ideas, putting them
all on paper. They constructed projects out of their ideas and
learned a lot about life. Learning how to work as a team and using
their newly learned skills, all delegates participated in the
creation of one of twelve National Projects. In addition, the
students were exposed to different cultures through the newly found
friendships that were made. They also found solutions to other's
problems thanks to the four pillars: respect, listen, understand, and
communicate. Without a doubt, for all the youth delegates, this
conference meant an opportunity for a great experience. The chance to
work on a National Project that they created and will continue to
work 
on
after the conference ends is not a chance that every youth has. Each
delegate will bring their National Project back home with them to
their schools and communities spreading awareness, not only on these
new youth-related projects, but also about the Students Commission
itself. We believe that for most delegates it was a life changing
experience that they will remember for their lifetimes. It allowed
them the opportunity to meet like-minded people from around the
country who share the same vision, to give youth a voice. It provided
students with a forum to express themselves and know that what they
said was significant, that their voice was heard.
Mindy, Ontario - 17
years old
Lily, Quebec - 16 years old
This is a copy of the report in html format, it is also available in PDF format by clicking here
For a look at all of the pictures taken at the conference, click here
Problems and Solutions
Violence
Discrimination
Education
Section 2: