We Believe...
that one day through determination, awareness and perseverance, all children and youth will be self-confident and have opportunities for security, honour, education and equality.
that child poverty is an issue that concerns all of us. We also believe that educating people will increase public awareness and community involvement. This will enable us to provide the necessary resources to give all Canadian children equal opportunities to overcome child poverty, in areas such as basic needs, education opportunities, a secure and stable home, counselling and support.
that all Canadians should have the opportunity to achieve an acceptable standard of living. Our voices should be heard because, as the youth of this nation, we are familiar with the problems that need to be addressed. To grow up and be positive, we need confidence within us.
that
parents play a major role in raising their children and
what they will become. Parents are responsible for introducing
values and providing a loving family. Parents should not be
negative. If the family is supportive, children will more likely
be successful.
Lack of education about child poverty is also an issue. We think
teachers should have equal respect for and provide support to all
students. Simply having an education is a big help in preventing
poverty. Teachers should have a positive attitude and care about
how all students are achieving.
that all young people have the right to free education, equal opportunity, freedom of speech and to be heard. Our world welcomes everyone without the hassles of money, prejudice, judgement, racism or violence. Our government would be by, for, and about the people. This is not a dream; it is our right!
that everyone must understand that poverty is more than lack of material things. It is a lack of fulfillment of human needs, such as self esteem, positive role models, strong personal relationships, compassion and building a sense of community.
that all youth should have an
optimistic future full of opportunities to succeed in life. All
youth should be encouraged to take an active part in their
communities.
Everyone should be deemed as important and our diversity should be
celebrated, not looked down upon or singled out. Everyone should
always be happy and no one should prevent anyone from achieving
happiness. We believe it should be recognized that being
financially poor does not label you as unhappy, just as being
financially rich does not ensure happiness.
that basic needs such as food and shelter must be accompanied by the emotional comforts of love, hope, peace, joy and the unspoken awareness that somebody cares for us. Members of Parliament should ensure laws enforce respect, equality and acceptance while eliminating stereotypes, discrimination and greed.
that children learn the skills that are needed to function well in our society from the environment they are raised in. We believe that child poverty is not limited to financial status but also includes poverty of the mind and of the body, caused by things such as neglect, abuse, malnutrition, lack of attention, greed and lack of opportunity.
that child poverty occurs when a child is lacking the fundamentals of life. These things include shelter, nutrition, resources, security, education, as well as emotional support. We also believe that child poverty (being denied the basic necessities that each and every child deserves) affects children between the ages of 0-19 (ages critical to the direction of the rest of their lives).
The key to reducing child poverty is making our voices louder. Eliminating child poverty starts with awareness. After making Canadians aware of the problem, we will commence action plans in conjunction with various youth-oriented groups/organizations. We wish to eliminate all stigmas already attached to poverty. We must reach out to all Canadians to achieve our goal for the millennium. We want each and every one to help in our fight to see the end of child poverty in Canada.
that children deserve equal access to love, affection, a roof over their head, somebody to talk to, a good role model and fundamental resources (food, water, etc.). They deserve to speak their opinions and be heard, to be taught morals, to be challenged mentally, physically and spiritually and to be given a fair chance to get ahead in life.
that all Canadian youth are entitled to grow up with love, knowledge, equal opportunity, stability, support and good values.
