North American World Youth Alliance

WYA North America Member and International Summer Camp Participant Reflects on March for Life

2012-01-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

This past summer, I had the opportunity to attend the World Youth Alliance International Summer Camp to learn more about WYA's mission. On Monday, January 23, I attended my sixth March for Life, a silent, nonviolent protest against abortion, euthanasia, and other violations of the dignity of human life that is held in Washington D.C. annually. This year was different because I was able to experience the march from a WYA member's point of view as the solidarity of people from many different backgrounds, nationalities, and religions for the pro-life movement. It's amazing to see thousands of people, especially such a large number of youth, flood the streets and national mall of our nation's capitol to express their belief that the gift of life is unique and that every individual possesses intrinsic human dignity and the right to life which cannot be taken away by any government or other separate party. Seeing the pro-life cause from a WYA member's point of view altered my overall experience of the March For Life, making it more meaningful than it has ever been before.

Jackie Schulz
World Youth Alliance member, USA

"We recognize that the intrinsic dignity of the person is the foundation of every human right. We believe this dignity is independent of any individual coalition and that no human community can grant or rescind that dignity. ... We believe that society through law and culture has an obligation to protect the dignity of the person and thus protect the right to life."
-The World Youth Alliance Charter

Polish WYA Member Reflects on March for Life in D.C.

2012-01-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

For the first time in my life, I participated in the March for Life, organized in Washington, DC on Monday, Jan. 23. The day before the March, I met members and alumni of the World Youth Alliance North America at a café in Arlington, next to the institute in which I am interning. This meeting would never have happened without the assistance of our WYA Europe Director of Operations, Agnes King.

It was an amazing experience to see such huge crowds of young people marching to defend human life. I was really surprised by the great number of young people, from elementary schools, high schools, and univeristies who were singing and chanting. They were all clearly so full of joy!

After 15 minutes of marching, I saw in the midst of the crowd a Polish flag being carried approximately 100 meters away from me. I approached the people who carried it and discovered that they were Poles who came to DC from other states especially for this event. Later, I saw people with banners representing Spanish, Argentinean and German communities. Participants of the march were not only representing several nationalities, but also various denominations. I saw a large group of Catholic priests and sisters, young people from Catholic schools, monks, rabbis, and pastors. It was incredible to experience the solidarity of people of different ethnic and religious origins who believe in the dignity of every single person and his right to life.

Before the march, young American girls, with whom I participated in the march, took me to a meeting organized in one of the Senate buildings. Members of the U.S. who are actively involved in legislative battles to defend life spoke about their motivations to defend human life and dignity on the national legislative level. Another speaker, Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr., thanked women who are involved in the fight to protect every life – born and unborn – in America. One of the girls with whom I participated in the March had a banner with sentence, "Roe v Wade: Mission aborted". Thanks to h Congress er, I was able to learn more about the landmark case that legalized abortion in the US.

I pray that American society still remembers the words of Polish Pope John Paul II, who said during his visit to the United States in 1995:

"You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion."

Marta Ponikowska,

World Youth Alliance, Poland

WYA Foundation Staff Reflects on the March for Life

2012-01-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I participated in my first March for Life. It was cold, it was wet, it was tiring, and it was awesome. I had been wanting to go to the March since my freshman year of college, but had always been foiled by classes and exams. When I got the opportunity to go with the World Youth Alliance, I jumped at it. As the Research and Policy Specialist at the WYA Foundation, I spend a lot of time reading and writing and don't usually interact with members and potential members. This was a great opportunity for me to share our mission with fellow young people outside of a more academic setting.

As a member of WYA's March for Life team, I spent all day asking teens, college students, and other young adults to sign the WYA charter. There were more young people than I possibly ever could have imagined! They came out in droves, whether with their schools, youth groups, or families. They were very willing to sign the charter, and I look forward to their future involvement. As I approached a group, I reminded myself that I just might be introducing WYA to the next trained member, intern, or even staff member. I was motivated by knowing that the more youth who've signed our charter and thus become WYA members, the stronger our voice is at the United Nations and other international and regional institutions. Also, I enjoyed meeting face-to-face with new members, because now when I advocate on youth's behalf at the UN commissions and conferences, I know that I am representing the girls from Florida State who were so enthusiastic that they asked about starting a WYA chapter at their school, the lively high-schoolers from Ohio who drove all night there and back to rally in favor of the culture of life, and the kids from Louisiana who were excited to be there even though they brought no more than sweatshirts to face the cold. I look forward to more opportunities to recruit--and then represent--new members!

Meghan Grizzle

Research and Policy Specialist

World Youth Alliance Foundation

Today is the day

2012-01-23T03:26:00.000-08:00

Marching for Life in solidarity with thousands in approximately 6 hours...

5:40am

Rise. The first thing I think about is eating a good breakfast. Actually, the first thing I'm wondering is whether or not the predicted weather forecast for rain is actually on the mark.

6:00am

Make a bowl of oatmeal and hot cup of tea. I'm thinking through all my past running races and noticing the similarity in this morning routine. The March is not exactly a race but I think stored energy for endurance in the key.

6:22am

Check weather forecast and rejoice. The 90% chance of rain has dropped to 30%, and this is predicted to begin at noon. Awesome.

6:30am

Make lunch for the March and run through the play-by-play of where we will meet the rest of the WYA team in the District. When I think about our upcoming adventure being joined by thousands of people who have come from all over the country, I am in awe. Actually, I'm amazed and inspired. What is it that makes thousands flock to Washington D.C. to march in solidarity, standing up in one voice which calls for a defense of life from conception to natural death? I believe it has something to do with this incredible experience of solidarity. In my own mind, I am recalling a commitment of a team meeting together this morning. And it is in this knowledge that keeps me motivated to get ready….

6:40am

Get ready! Pack up a backpack with a 200 unsigned World Youth Alliance charters. Each of our team members has the same package in their backpack and our hope is to each invite as many young people to join us as possible!

7:00am

Leave for the metro. Meeting our team at the Portrait Gallery at 8am. It's going to be an action-packed day, and I hope, with little rain. We are going to the March for Life to support and encourage all young people who have traveled to Washington D.C. and are raising their voice in solidarity for the defense of life. WYA will be present because young people will be marching. And what better way to extend your voice in solidarity with young people all over the world in support of these same ideas than by signing the World Youth Alliance charter.

See you on Constitution Avenue!

March For Life

2012-01-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sign the Charter in Washington D.C.

January 19-24 2011

WYANA will be at the March for Life, inviting young people to sign the Charter.

We would love to share WYA with your school or youth group in D.C.!

Interested? Email northamerica@wya.net

January 19th-January 20th: Meet with schools and youth groups to tell them about WYA.

January 22nd: WYANA booth at the Cardinal O'Connor Conference at Georgetown University. Click here for conference details.

January 23rd: WYANA team at the March for Life , inviting young people to sign the Charter.

January 24th: Meet with schools and youth groups.

(no, this isn't us, but it's a cool shot anyway)

A "Getting to Zero Risk" HIV/AIDS campaign article

2011-12-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

HIV 101: In session

by Derissa Raynold

For many years scientists have been speculating the true origin of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). When researching the true origin of the HIV virus, a lot of misconceptions have arisen. People in the United States (US) believed that the virus was derived from homosexual individuals, as it was very prevalent in the homosexual community in the 1980s. A man by the name of Gaëtan Dugas was the first identified patient in the US who had acquired the HIV virus who also happened to have been homosexual. He was recklessly engaging in promiscuous sexual behavior in the gay community, without having prior knowledge nor awareness of this virus and how it was transmitted. The virus was termed as the “Gay Immunodeficiency Virus,” because, in addition to the disease being prevalent in the gay community, when someone came into contact with this virus, doctors and scientists realized it affected that person's immune system. This eventually gave rise to the HIV epidemic in the U.S. today. Gaëtan Dugas is now more accurately regarded as one of many highly sexually active men who spread AIDS widely before the disease was identified. It is still unknown to scientists and researches as to where Gaëtan Dugas obtained the HIV virus. There were many HIV cases in other countries even before the 1980s, when this virus came to light in the US. I am writing to clarify any social misconceptions that are associated with the origin of the HIV virus, and to allow readers to become more educated about the transmission of the HIV virus.

Scientists at the Department of Epidemiology Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University have identified the hunting and butchering of wild non-human primates infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) a zoonotic retrovirus as the most probable cause that gave rise to the HIV pandemic in the human race. Zoonotic viruses are viruses that infect only animals. Therefore their findings showed that in Central Africa there must have been a cross transmission of the SIV into humans through blood-to-blood contact. They came to this conclusion by testing blood samples from people in Cameroon (Central Africa), as they come into contact with non-human primates on a daily basis due to hunting, etc. (Wolfe ND et al, 2004).

A virus is a non-living parasitic entity that can’t reproduce by itself and needs a cell from humans or animals in order to multiply (non-living meaning not being able to self- replicate) (Lodish et al, 1999). HIV is a retrovirus, (viruses that use the enzyme Reverse transcriptase to transcribe (to convert) RNA to DNA), that is classified as an immunosuppressant virus. Immunosuppressant viruses are infectious agents that affect the immune system that lead to opportunistic infections, secondary neoplasm’s-abnormal mass of tissue, and neurological manifestations (Robbins & Cotran, 2010). Unlike some viruses that contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), retroviruses contain ribonucleic acid (RNA), as its genetic information. Viruses do not have their own replication machinery; therefore it uses the replication machinery in this case from humans, classified as host cells. Host cells have DNA, so the virus use their magic weapon, Reverse transcriptase to transcribe its RNA to DNA. The DNA is then replicated and transcribed back into viral RNA, in order to make more complete viruses. These complete viruses are then prepared to attach to other host cells and continue its colonization like a domino affect to destroy the cells of the immune system as well as the nervous system (Robbins & Cotran, 2010).

According to the Center of Disease Control, the HIV virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and possibly breast milk. It is also highly concentrated enough to cause infection in these specific fluids. Therefore, the modes of transmission are from human blood-to-blood contact, sexual transmission, and mother to child during pregnancy, as the child is exposed to blood during birth.

Research is still being done today as to how and why the HIV virus is found in genital secretions. The virus is carried in the genital secretions and blood. It enters the recipient’s body through cuts and needles exposed to the HIV virus that are injected into the body. They also enter through abrasions in rectal or oral mucosal lining which is the lining of cells on the inside the mouth, or by direct contact with other mucosal lining cells that also have cuts/lessions (i.e vagina and penis). Viral transmission occurs in two ways, firstly through direct inoculation into the blood vessels breached by trauma. Secondly, through infection of the cells that recognize and process the virus, and present it to the CD4+ T cells, called dendritic cells (antigen presenting cells), within the mucosa and blood (Robbins & Cotran, 2010).

Blood contains T helper cells (Th ), which are a sub-group of Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. Th express the surface receptor glycoprotein CD4+, which the HIV virus uses as a receptor to bind to. When a virus, such as the HIV virus, enters and is present in the body, an antigen-presenting cell processes the virus and presents it to the CD4+ T cells, where binding will start to take place. The CD4+ are very essential for the immune system as they signal other cells that are also part of the immune system needed for the destruction of infectious agents.

Once the HIV virus infects and destroys the CD4+ T cells, other cells in the immune system will not be signaled. Therefore when other viruses such as the flu virus and infectious bacteria enter an HIV infected person's body, there will not be enough CD4+ T cells available to target other immune system cells needed to get rid of a specific virus or bacterial infection. This is because the HIV virus has taken over the immune system, which results the person dying from getting flu, as there bodies immune system was not strong enough to get rid of the flu virus. The binding requirement that HIV has for CD4+ glycoprotein, explains the selectiveness of the virus itself for CD4+ T cells, and other CD4+ cells particularly monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (Robbins & Cotran, 2010).

Binding of CD4 is not sufficient for infection, apart from the CD4+ receptor (on host cell) binding to the gp120 receptor on the HIV virus, as the virus has to bind to other parts of the host cell. As seen below, after the virus’s gp120 binds to CD4+ receptor it also binds to the CCR-5 a chemokine receptor on the host cell, which is next to the CD4+ on the surface of the host cell. The glycoprotein that was originally covered by the gp120 is now exposed and can allow for penetration in-order for membrane fusion between the virus and host cell. This allows for the viral genome to travel through the cytoplasm to enter the nucleus. Replication of more viral genome can now take place in the nucleus of the cell. After replication of more viral genome happens, the original viral genome leaves the nucleus where the synthesis of HIV proteins assembles in the cytoplasm of the cell. The core HIV structure then buds out of the host cell and steals part of the host cells envelope, and becomes the new cover for the HIV virus. A new mature HIV virion is created and ready to infect other cells like a domino affect (Robbins & Cotran, 2010). The host cell is now destroyed as it lost part of its envelope, and so is no longer functional.

Figure 1 visually shows the transmission process from entry into the cell to the production of more infectious HIV viruses. (Robbins & Cotran, 2010).

Eventually a vast loss of CD4+ T cells will result in Acquired Immunodeficiency (AIDS). AIDS is when the “master regulator” of the immune system CD4+ T cells, reaches under a certain cell count number. The low cell count number will determine if the person has AIDS. If their cell count number is low enough to indicate AIDS, then their immune system is so destroyed they could potentially, as said before, die from a simple infection that if healthy, the immune system would work accordingly to destroy the antigen.

We at the World Youth Alliance believe that everyone has dignity from conception until natural death. With that said, we all as human beings should recognize that people with HIV and AIDS are persons with worth. We should help respect, support, and protect people with HIV and AIDS by coming together to raise awareness every day. We should seek to help them live healthy lives. By educating people around the nation especially those in developing and underrepresented countries/areas who are in high risk of acquiring the HIV virus, we are creating a safe zone from the virus. People of today should recognize the social and medical burdens this virus has, and aim to create more programs for care and prevention, especially in places where it is most prevalent. Proper education about the virus will better foreign aid policies and enhance health care delivery.

WYA would like to call attention to the essential elements of a person-centered response. A person-centered response has as its focus the intrinsic dignity of the person and, as its aim, the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs. Such a response is often most effective when it starts from the family, as it is there that basic care and support should originate. The fact that the disease manifests differently all over the world must be acknowledged so that the fight against HIV/AIDS may be tailored to each cultural context. Critical elements of an effective response involve the prevention of early sexual debut, as well as the reduction of multiple concurrent sexual partners. The effectiveness of these measures lies in the way in which they respond to the capacity of the person to make responsible choices. On this World AIDS Day, we invite you to join us!

Reference List:

Henry, William. 1987. Medicine: The Appalling Saga of Patient Zero. Time Magazine [Internet]. [cited 2011 Nov. 28] Available from:

Lodish, H; Berk, A et al. 1999. Molecular and Cellular Biology. 4th ed. New York: W.H Freeman and Company. Pg 191

Robins, S; Cotran. 2004. Pathologic Basis of Disease. 8th ed. Philidelphia: Saunders, inc.

Wolfe ND, Switzer WM et al. 2004. Naturally acquired simian retrovirus infections in central African hunters. Pub med [Internet]. [cited 2011 Nov. 28]; 363(9413):932-7. Available from:

A Message to Baby 7-Billion

2011-11-02T08:10:00.003-07:00

From Jamaica, our voice from the Philippines in Asia Pacific, where it is said Baby 7-Billion was born.

A Message to Baby 7-Billion

2011-11-02T08:09:00.001-07:00

From Marion, our voice from Europe

A Message to Baby 7-Billion

2011-11-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

From Gustavo, our voice from Latin America

A Message to the 7 Billionth Baby

2011-10-27T12:59:00.001-07:00

A Message to the 7 Billionth Baby

2011-10-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Registration for 5k extended!

2011-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

The pre-registration for the upcoming 5k race around Roosevelt Island has been extended until Friday, October 28th! Sign up now and join us in this fun event!

See our race webpage to register: http://www.wya.net/events/eventitem.html?id=313&year=&month=

Welcoming Baby 7 Billion!

2011-10-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

2011-10-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

5k Race Around Roosevelt Island

Register by CLICKING HERE

10 am |

Sunday October 30th

(8:45 Check-in Begins)

5k Race & FREE 150 meter kids run with incredible views of Manhattan skyline!

Location: Roosevelt Island, New York | 405-425 Main Street, New York, NY 10044.

Accessible via Subway by taking the F-train or the Roosevelt Island Tram

Prizes awarded to the top 3 finishers, male and female.

Participants receive a t-shirt with race registration.

Enjoy food and beverages at the finish line.

Registration

Before October 25th: $20

On Race Day: $25

The Run for Dignity is part of the WYA North America Emerging Leaders Conference. To learn more about other Conference activities, click here.

Offical Invitation and Schedule

2011-10-11T08:25:00.001-07:00

To register for the North America Emerging Leaders Conference, click here.

New Event for the Emerging Leaders Conference

2011-10-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

On October 26th we have added another exciting event to our conference schedule. Join us for a presentation by Dr. Oscar de Rojas, former Director of U.N. Financing for Development Office and Ms. Jackie Aldrette, Program Manager, AVSI-USA Inc.

AID TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HUMAN FACTOR

7:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Family

315 E 47th Street, New York, NY 10017

Should be great! Hope to see you there!

2011-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

North America Emerging Leaders Conference
October 28-31 New York, NY

With the world’s population predicted to reach 7 billion by the end of October, the World Youth Alliance believes this is cause for celebration. Human capital is the world’s most important resource and members of North America are invited to participate in this weekend conference extravaganza. Please join us for any one or all of these free events!

Friday October 28, 2011
Welcome to WYA Evening Social
8:00pm Location TBD
Come and help us kick-off the conference weekend by joining us for an informal evening social
where WYA staff and interns will be available to answer questions

Saturday October 29, 2011
Population and Economics: Investing in the Human Person
10am-5pm WYA Headquarters
Training on WYA’s key advocacy issues for 2011-2012 with presentations by Anna Halpine, WYA CEO and founder, Vincenzina Santoro, international economist, and others

Concert Performance by WYA Chamber Orchestra
7:30pm WYA Headquarters
Come and enjoy this ensemble of young musicians (ages 10-17) from The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music

Sunday October 30, 2011
The WYA Race around Roosevelt Island
5k Run & Free Kids Fun Run 150 Meters
Race start time: 10:00am
Come participate in WYA’s inaugural 5k race or FREE kids run with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. Cool down (or warm up) with food and beverages at the finish line. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers, male and female. All participants will receive t- shirt with race registration.

For advance race registration, visit the WYA website.

Monday October 31, 2011
Evening Public Lecture on Population and Economics
6:30pm Location TBD

Birthday Party and Celebration for Baby 7 Billion
8:00pm WYA Headquarters

To register for any of the events above please email Emily Matich at emilym@wya.net

2011-09-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Interested in International Leadership Training?

WYA North America is currently accepting requests for enrollment in the
Online Fall Training Program

Course Start Date: October 1st, 2011

Course End Date: December 16th, 2011

Course Summary

Offered to provide in-depth training to young leaders, this online training program requires an intensive commitment on behalf of our members. Training is a prerequisite for international internships and United Nations conference participation and is the gateway to further understanding of the principles of WYA and a deeper involvement with the organization. Accredited members build the Alliance by introducing and training other young people to the WYA foundational ideas.

The training will cover:

Philosophy of the human person

Freedom, solidarity, and culture as universal manifestations of our intrinsic dignity

Movements and individuals who have shaped history

International documents and institutions

Key issues at the international level including global health development

The goals of the online training program are to help members understand and analyze today's most pressing issues from the perspective of human dignity, freedom and solidarity; to promote and defend policies centered on the dignity of the human person at international and national levels; and to foster a culture of life in all activities and actions of our members.

Course Requirements

Eligible candidates will be:

A WYA member. You can become a member by signing the charter

Residing in the region of North America (United States and Canada).

Fluent in English

Training Schedule

Chapter 1: Foundational History--October 7, 2011

Chapter 2: Human Dignity--Octoer 21, 2011

Chapter 3: Freedom--November 4, 2011

Chapter 4: Solidarity--November 11,2011

Chapter 5: Culture--November 25, 2011

Chapter 6: History of Ideas--December 2, 2011

Chapter 7: International Law and Human Rights--December 16, 2011

Course Registration

Email Emily Matich at emilym@wya.net by October 1st. The first assignment deadline for the course will be on October 7th...so sign up as soon as possible!

WYA Chamber Orchestra performs in Madrid for World Youth Day!

2011-08-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

The young musicians with Alexis Kende, Director of Cultural Programs

The WYA Chamber Orchestra, composed of talented young musicians that are "committed to excellence in the experience of dignity through music" will be performing in several places around Madrid for this year's World Youth Day (August 16th- August 21st).

Here's a detailed schedule of their performances:

Tuesday, August 16^th

Event: WYA Chamber Orchestra musicians will perform during a Lectio Divina service for a small group of Latin American youth. Following the service, the orchestra musicians and a youth choir from St. Lucia will present a short concert program.

Location: Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) (Stand # 29)

Paseo del Duque Fernán Núñez, 28009 Madrid

Time: 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.

Wednesday, August 17^th

Event: WYA Chamber Orchestra musicians will perform during a Lectio Divina service for a larger group of Latin American youth. Bishop Diego Padron will speak.

Location: Iglesia de Santo Domingo el Real de los Padres Dominicos

Calle Claudio Coello Number 141, 28006 Madrid

Time: 8:30p.m.-10:00p.m.

Thursday, August 18^th

Event: WYA Chamber Orchestra musicians will perform background music at a private cocktail reception and dinner for 65 US bishops. This is a closed event, by invitation only.

Address: Hotel Melia Galgos, Salón Castellana

Claudio Coello 139, 28006 Madrid

Time: 9:30p.m.-11:00p.m.

Friday, August 19^th

Event: WYA Chamber Orchestra musicians will perform at “Music and Lectio Divina”, a large stadium event featuring a variety of musicians and speakers organized by the American Bible Society.

Address: Palacio de Deportes, "Love and Life Center"

Avenida de Felipe II s/n

28009, Madrid

Time: 9:00p.m.-10:30p.m.

MORE:

*WYA Chamber Orchestra musicians will also perform at the Palacio de Deportes during:

Morning masses with the Sisters of Life (Wednesday-Friday, August 17-19).
Afternoons at the WYA Chamber Orchestra booth (Tuesday-Friday, August 16-19).

Want to hear a taste of what they'll be offering at WYD? See the Orchestra's Youtube Channel!

WYA is getting ready for WYD: official app and iPod!

2011-08-03T07:08:00.001-07:00

Guess what?

WYA has an official iPod!

We'll be using this useful tool to sign up NEW members at World Youth Day.

Are you joining the party this August 16-21? Don't want to miss a thing?

Find out about all of our events/sign the charter with our NEW iPhone/iPod app!

Download it for free HERE

See you all in Madrid!

WYA at HLMY 2011

2011-07-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

WYA High-Level Meeting on Youth 2011 from World Youth Alliance on Vimeo.

This past week, WYA attended the UN High-Level Meeting on Youth as part of the International Year of Youth. With young delegates from 19 countries, WYA called for "the focus on basic needs of young people by strengthening and supporting the family".

For more information about WYA's stance, see the video above.

"The family is the first place that young people learn not only about their dignity as human beings, but also about mutual understanding in a context where not everyone agrees." -Rebecca Marchinda, WYA's Director of Advocacy

Esperanza! #2 for the HLMY, July 26th

2011-07-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

Working Towards Dialogue and Mutual Understanding Among Youth as Agents of Development, Social Inclusion, Tolerance and Peace

This year’s High Level Meeting on Youth, concluding the UN International Year of Youth, will be dedicated to Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. The United Nations has invited a limited number of youth delegates to dialogue on issues they are facing today, so as to foster “mutual understanding,” among youth but also between authorities and youth. The World Youth Alliance and its members also prepared for the meeting and ensured that the voice of the world’s young people would be heard by representatives of Member States and the Secretariat of the U.N. In order to accomplish this, we proposed a series of amendments to the outcome document, and I was in charge of doing the initial analysis and creating an outline of our proposals.

In preparation for this meeting, the UN Secretariat issued a draft outcome document that Member States were invited to amend and develop. This document heavily drew upon the World Programme of Action on Youth (WPAY), drafted and signed by the General Assembly in 1995. But it also refers to other international texts–including the Millennium Development Goals. Draft amendments were proposed, accepted, altered or refused; paragraphs were deleted and moved; new issues were added. All in all, keeping a clear head while following this process and drafting our own amendments and proposals has been challenging.

There are ten priority areas addressed by the international community in the WPAY. These are all reflected in the final outcome document of this week’s High Level Meeting. The title of the document implies that the HLMY is about dialogue and mutual understanding. However, besides a few introductory paragraphs, only Paragraphs 18 and 26 specifically mention the official theme of the conference. The following title would have better mirrored the substance of the draft: “Involving youth with a view to more effective and better focused development.” The current draft combines the MDGs with the WPAY and focuses mostly on development issues: fostering “development,” enabling “youth development” and implementing the Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, the World Youth Alliance has strong hopes that young people from developing countries will be well-represented.

The World Alliance proposed three amendments to the draft outcome. The first emphasized respect for the dignity of the human person as the foundational principle underlying human rights. The second stressed the special vulnerability of young people to the multiple challenges that the world at large faces. The third added a dimension that is too often forgotten: the family plays a very important role of the life of all young people, since it is the first setting in which a youth learns how to dialogue, understand and compromise with the persons closest to him.

Personally, I would have added much more: An emphasis on the best interests of youth, a more pronounced acknowledgment of the role men and boys play in respecting women and fostering gender equality, an encouragement to strengthen policies supporting family unity as a measure to prevent crime, a stated need for policies supporting the integral development of each person in order to bring about “youth development.” I trust, however, that despite the absence of these issues in the final document, representatives of States will keep them in mind by implementing the outcome according to the principle of subsidiarity. In the end, the main challenge of my work on amendments was the likelihood that with so many proposals, none of them would make their way into the next draft. I just had to restrain myself and keep to the most essential ones. I didn’t realize how much reading would have to be done just to analyze a UN outcome document, but I enjoyed every minute and gladly accepted the challenge.

-Bernadette Joyeux, WYA Member, France, Age 28

United Nations High Level Meeting on Youth 2011

2011-07-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

July 25-26, 2011

As part of the International Year of Youth, the United Nations General Assembly hosted a “High-Level Meeting on Youth” on July 25 and 26. The meeting was focused on enhancing youth participation in international forums and fostering mutual understanding among youth from different cultures and backgrounds. The WYA interns, along with many other WYA members from all over the world, attended the event and contributed to the varied conversations either as official young delegates or as spectators. The main components of the meeting were held in the General Assembly Hall at the UN. Additionally, there were many side events hosted by a variety of NGOs and other groups—including WYA—which the interns and members attended.

The first day of the meeting began with an opening plenary, in which Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon welcomed the young people to the meeting and re-emphasized that “youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of governments at local, national, and global levels.” He asked the youth in the audience if the United Nations was doing enough for them. They responded with a resounding “NO,” and the Secretary-General expressed his hope that this meeting could be a forum for discussion to change that sentiment.

The opening plenary was followed by two thematic panel discussions: the first one focusing on strengthening international cooperation regarding youth as indispensible elements towards achieving social integration, full employment and the eradication of poverty; the second on challenges to youth development opportunities. Delegates from various countries presented statements, and young people from various NGOs and youth groups also had the opportunity to take the floor for a few short minutes. Many of the delegates boasted about what their countries are doing to involve youth in the international discussions, while the youth commentaries undoubtedly called for further opportunities for youth to enter the dialogue. Some youth commented about very specific challenges faced by youth in their countries, and asked the General Assembly to work with them in solving these issues.

The second day, plenary meetings were held in the General Assembly in which delegations and youth continued to take the floor discussing a wide range of issues. In fact, there were so many individuals on the agenda that they were not near finished by 5:30 on Tuesday evening. Thus, these plenary sessions are scheduled to continue on Thursday, until the program is concluded.

While the official GA events and the side events were important means of discussing the challenges that youth face, the real benefit of HLMY came from the opportunity that it gave young people to make contacts with one another, as well as with prominent UN officials and leaders. WYA interns and members were able to make many contacts with such individuals, broadening our network and promoting our cause.

Throughout HLMY, as I talked with youth from other groups, and we shared information and opinions with one another, one major theme stood out to me: less talk, more action. While events like HLMY are great ways to get things moving, young people from all countries want to see real change, and they want it as soon as possible. There are pressing issues that need to be immediately addressed in furthering access to basic human rights and providing equality for people all over the world. It’s important for us as young people to find common ground, and to join our voices together, in order to be heard and work towards solutions for the many issues that were discussed at HLMY.

Whitlie Kauffman, 23

WYA Member, United States

"Art Speaks" Artists' Biographies

2011-07-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Get to know more about who presented for our night of cultural performances.

Izabela Gola, film

I was born in Poland, and currently I live and work in Brooklyn, New York. I am completing my BFA degree at Hunter College in the concentration of video art. This past spring I participated in a screening at the Film Department of the Research and Education Center at MoMA. I explore the narrative used in television and film genres, like documentary (in After and Documenta 29), American western (The Land), mystery, or film noir (Vignette). I use the narrative as both, a medium and as a subject matter. I often combine multiple narratives in a formally and conceptually parallel structure, like in Western Mix. By juxtaposition of various cinematic clichés, philosophical, and spiritual symbolism, I challenge the stereotypes of cultural representations in the media. The most common conceptual themes I work with are the cultural displacement, multilayered character identity, and spiritual transformation.

Izabela presented her short-film "Western ReMix" at "Art Speaks". If you missed it...
Western Mix from Izabela Gola on Vimeo
If you would like to see more of her work, check out her Youtube Channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/izabelagola?feature=mhee

Clare Halpine

Clare is a dynamic individual. Hitherto receiving a number of prestigious certificates from participation in various leadership seminars and motivational speaking events, she received her BFA from Mount Allison University in 2009. Clare is a humor columnist for the Curator magazine and is working on writing and producing a series of short films. Want to see/read Clare’s work? If only there was like, one, big search engine where you could type in someone’s name and...

If you want to see Clare's film "It Just Happens" presented in "Art Speaks", check out this video link: http://www.vimeo.com/26494073 Password: itjusthappens

Alexis Kende, WYA Director of Cultural Programs & violinist

Alexis is currently the Director of Cultural Programs at the World Youth Alliance. In her capacity as Director, Alexis founded the World Youth Alliance Chamber Orchestra, a classical string ensemble for young musicians (ages of 10-17) from The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes, cooperating to inspire international cooperation. She is also overseeing the Manhattan International Film Festival, World Youth Alliance’s international film competition for young directors. Alexis previously worked in grant writing and Special Events for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center.

Alexis began her violin studies at age five, was accepted for professional training at the Juilliard Pre-College program at age twelve, and pursued graduate work in violin performance and pedagogy at the Peabody Conservatory. Alexis received her Masters in Performing Arts Administration from New York University in 2009 and her undergraduate degree from Princeton University.

Caroline Hewitt, actress

Caroline most recently worked with Theater For a New Audience as a participant in their, American Directors Project. Earlier this year she appeared as Leia in a reading of Stockholm, Pennsylvannia, at the Public Theater, and as Elvira in Blithe Spirit at the Gulfshore Playhouse. Other regional credits include: The Caucasian Chalk Circle (ensemble), directed by John Doyle at the American Conservatory Theater, A Christmas Carol at ACT (Martha Cratchit); The Winter’s Tale (Perdita) and Arcadia (Chloë) at the Chautauqua Theater Company, The Forest War with the Shotgun Players, Note to Sixth-Grade Self with Word for Word Performing Arts Company, The Grapes of Wrath and La Bete at the Theater at Monmouth, and As You Like It (Rosalind) at Vassar College. A recent graduate of the American Conservatory Theater M.F.A program, roles there included: Her Naked Skin (Eve Douglas) Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Winter Under the Table (Florence), Hamlet (Ophelia), Clothes for a Summer Hotel (Sara Murphy), and The Diviners (Jenny-Mae). Caroline has a BA in French from Vassar College, and also works as a translator: she is currently collaborating on a production of her new translation of Rose, La Nuit Australienne by Noelle Renaude.

Melissa Miller, actress

Melissa recently appeared opposite F. Murray Abraham in The Merchant of Venice (Theatre for a New Audience- national tour). Other recent credits: Jason Grote's premiere of Civilization (Clubbed Thumb), I Never Sang for My Father (Keen Company), Richard III (NY Classical). She made her Broadway debut in Tartuffe (Roundabout Theatre). Regional work at: Alley Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Williamstown, Premiere Stages, Chester Theatre. Television: NBC' s Ed, All My Children, Fire at the Triangle (PBS). Vassar College (Phi Beta Kappa), RADA (Certificate). www.melissamiller.org.

Nina Zenni, photographer

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”
- Mother Theresa

There are few means of universal communication. Variations in life act to alter our ability to comprehend worlds and lives unlike our own. Thus, these qualities of life—diversity in skin, religions, nationality, family—work to detract from out ability to relate and understand each other. The only real way we can relate is through our mutual experience with the emotional component of human existence.

Photography has serves as my portal through which to see, understand and relate to those tangible, relatable emotions we often ignore. By capturing moments, I have attempted to create a direct channel of understanding. If only for a second, I feel the walls of societal separation dissolve, leaving me and whatever or whomever in its wake—documented forever.

These universal emotions are exactly why photography is such a large component of my life. Through the lens, I feel connected to a deeper part of others and, in turn, a deeper part of myself.

Our modern world is characterized by means of separating ourselves from each other and our surroundings, leaving us with a fundamental misunderstanding of our own emotions. This collection attempts to explore the boundaries of loneliness and what it means to truly connect to someone else on a fundamental, humanistic level.

Nina Zenni is a current university student earning a degree in Communications with a focus in Visual Journalism. She has had basic photographic training in both digital and film photography; however, most of her knowledge of photography has been established during her extensive travels. With a particular interest in the power of photojournalism and travel photography, Nina comes alive in worlds unlike her own—attempting to document stories from all parts of the globe. From South Africa to Indonesia, she has worked to combine her love for the human person and powerful expression of photography.

David Galalis, photographer

The art of photography is, at its core, the ability to see what is revealed through reality. For the past three years I have been following the Good Friday Way of the Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge with my camera. I have been continually struck by the depth of longing that has been revealed in this public gesture of faith. It is a longing made particularly notable in its diversity of faces.

David is a documentary and street photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. His work is devoted particularly to revealing the "unseen Church" to contemporary culture. His work can be seen at www.davidgalalis.com. Inquiries about assignments, print sales, and licensing are welcome.

Contact:
david@davidgalalis.com
www.facebook.com/davidgalalisphotog
www.twitter.com/davidgalalis

Sean Scanlin, photographer

Since childhood I’ve been trying to slow time. Perhaps I simply wanted to enjoy things longer, though more likely was my desire to stay a kid forever.

Early attempts to slow time included walking backwards at age 4, building a microwave time machine at age 6, and by age nine, I moved on to eating an entire bottle of flintstone vitamins. My rational at the time was if I was strong enough mentally, I could simply will the time stoppage into existence. This of course backfired and I wound up in the hospital. True story.

Years later I finally discovered the only solution to slowing time; photography.

Photos capture moments and not just the amazing things we remember but also the nuances we don’t. In these fleeting instants we gain insight into people, events and on the whole, humanity. When a photo can do this and show a glimpse into humanity or ourselves, I believe in some small way we managed to slow time.

I've photographed everyone from the President to factory workers, and everything in between. Everyone tells an equally valuable story.

www.sean-scanlin.com

Allison Elliott, poet

Allison Elliott grew up in Canada and Texas and was educated at Emory University in the South and Emerson College in the North.
She works in Public Relations and contributes regular book reviews to The Adirondack Review. When not working or writing, she can be found waiting for the F train.

Sarah Crawford, sculptor

Sarah Crawford has used art as a form of self-expression ever since she was a young girl. She discovered her passion for figurative sculpture early in her high school career and began a five-year dual degree BA/BFA program with Tufts and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts before double majoring in Italian and English. She has an MA in Italian Renaissance Literature from Middlebury and currently teaches Upper School Italian, Latin and Art at Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT.

Esperanza! Promotion of Family at the UN High Level Meeting on Youth

2011-07-25T12:41:00.002-07:00

The Value of Family Promotion in Protecting the Intrinsic Dignity of the Human Person

The World Youth Alliance welcomes the General Assembly’s proclamation of the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. Youth represent a significant proportion of the world and are therefore not only the future, but also the present. The World Youth Alliance recognizes that educating and empowering youth is integral to the improvement of social and economic conditions and the well-being and livelihood of future generations. The World Youth Alliance also recognizes that all persons have intrinsic dignity; it is only through respecting this dignity that the ideals of peace, freedom, justice, tolerance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, solidarity and development can be effectively achieved.

With this as our foundation, it is clear that authentic human development begins with investment in the human person. This needs to ensure that the person is placed in the right conditions and environment to foster his well-being, fulfillment and productivity. Such investment must begin with the family, which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares is the “fundamental unit of society.”

The family promotes a stable environment that is necessary for the person to flourish. Children with supportive parents are more likely to be engaged with their school education at home and receive help from their parents if faced with difficulties. Also, with the support of the family, children are encouraged to strongly value their education and are often guided to pursue post-secondary education. With a supportive family, an attitude of positive optimism and future ambition is cultivated. Indeed, the family encourages development of skills and concepts necessary for social change. For instance, the family plays an invaluable role in the child’s development of language and speech and the nurturing of cognitive abilities. This is consistent with the established relationship between language and power and the fact that language is fundamental to human agency and social transformation.

Discrimination, isolation and poverty are integrally linked. When the person is isolated from her family she is more susceptible to discrimination due to the associated vulnerability that comes with the absence of support and solidarity. The UN Committee on Educational, Social and Cultural Rights has correctly recognized that poverty is often caused by people having no access to existing resources because of who they are, what they believe or where they live. Especially in developing countries, belonging to a family provides more locus standi, and allows for easier integration into the wider community.

Statistics have shown a clear and consistent relationship between the ideal of united families and economic buoyancy. For instance, when compared to single adults, married adults have a significantly higher average household income. Likewise children of married parents in comparison to those of unmarried parents have been found to do better economically. The breakdown of the family unit goes against the world’s aspirations for forward strides to be made in social and economic matters. Research has shown that divorced adults, especially women, experience greater economic hardship.

Promoting the family is essential to providing the right conditions for the human person to develop and flourish. The simple and yet integral value of family promotion is often overlooked in international documents. Promoting the family would have far-reaching positive effects on education and empowerment of the human person. It will also work to negate the possibilities of discrimination and thus enhance dialogue and mutual understanding as well as increase the integration of youth within society at large. Strong family units lead to the development of strong young men and women, empowered and equipped to positively contribute to our world, and to ensure the dignity of every person is recognized. The World Youth Alliance recognizes that dignity is something shared by all human persons and therefore there must be solidarity in recognizing this immutable fact. The essence of family promotion is to promote solidarity in its most fundamental form.

A Call to Action! Letters from World Youth Alliance members in Saint Lucia

Dear delegate,

I am an eighteen year old, and I have written this letter in hopes that some of the issues facing Saint Lucian youth may be alleviated. I believe that my homeland is blessed with many beautiful young persons, some of whom are not granted the necessary opportunities to nurture their God-given talents. I say this because most of the crimes committed in my country are committed by young persons between the ages of fifteen to thirty. Most of these individuals lack opportunities–either for education or opportunities which stimulate good impulses for instance, the importance of being a good citizen. I believe there should also be forums and development programmes on parenting as some youth may be poverty stricken and parenting as some youth may be poverty stricken and parenting as some youth may be poverty stricken and suffering from neglect from parents and the home, indeed is where it all starts.

I believe that young persons with so much energy to spend need to be channeled in the right direction. We need development programmes, more education opportunities, mentors, counselors. Young persons need help and guidance. We need to know that there is still hope despite any predicament, be it poverty, teenage pregnancy or parental neglect.

People in St Lucia are very critical of St Lucian youth because of all the crimes. We are considered to be lazy and fail in comparison to the generations that have gone before us, or so the adults say. Regardless, I do admit that it would be an amazing feeling to have a sense of security restored when walking the streets.

Sincerely,

Latonia

Age 18

Saint Lucia

Sir Arthur Lew Community College

Dear delegate,

Quality education is the gateway to the development of our world in order to impact our community; we must learn to harvest the infinite reserves of the human mind. Yet, millions of youth from around the work are constantly denied opportunities of self-awareness and realization. Human dignity is denied when education is withheld. In countless instances where education is provided it serves not necessarily to encourage brilliance and ingenuity of thoughts, but rather to dampen creativity and force conformity. Education must inspire us to grow and change to have the audacity to create.

To solve this issue the developing world must adapt comprehensive policies which recognize both the human and strategic importance of education. True education should be filled with both compassion and information. Teachers should receive adequate training so as to inspire their students. Students must be supplied with relevant and advanced materials which encourage them not only to accept conventional teaching, but also to discover the world around them. Measures should be implemented to build student confidence in order to produce emotionally intelligent and balanced world citizens. Inadequacies in teaching compromise both student self-esteem and ability to learn. We in the developing world grow weary of waiting. It is the hour for change.

Sincerely,

Jarnickae

Age 16

Saint Lucia

St Mary’s College

You’re invited to join us at…

Our Voices, Our Aspirations: A Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Development

A High Level Meeting on Youth side event sponsored by the Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office, Alas de Rio, and the World Youth Alliance.

Tuesday, July 26^th from 1:15-2:45pm ~ 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120 ~ RSVP: bic-nyc@bic.org

ART SPEAKS

Art Speaks will celebrate the conclusion of the High Level Meeting on Youth with an evening of performances by professional actors and musicians, a photography and sculpture exhibit, short film screenings, and testimonials by young delegates and participants from the High Level Meeting on Youth.

Tuesday, July 26^th from 7-9pm ~ World Youth Alliance Headquarters ~ FREE ADMISSION

228 East 71st Street, New York, NY / www.wya.net

WYA Summer Camp Reflection Blogs

2011-07-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Poem" by Julia (Age 15, NM, USA)

If you’d asked me where I would be three months ago

NYC would not fall from my lips, not WYA camp, no.

But here I am, in the city

of the Statue of Liberty

learning about the home of the world leaders

and how they can sometimes be people pleasers.

The sun in Central Park kisses my skin

while I accidentally kick someone’s shin;

the bruises will be there tomorrow

but for the child brides in Zambia I save my sorrow.

Having six bunnies at home I thought I knew it all.

But bunny bunny has taught me more than the “coucha coucha” call

at governor’s island I regained some freedom

but riding bikes is not the only freeing thing, and then some

the FEMM program taught more about me

than I thought was possible to clearly see

violent games of spoons left me laughing

the talent at our show left me clapping

our day camp reminded me that I am a leader

and the sweltering weather made me feel like I was in a heater

I affirmed that only humans have dignity

but I love dogs, so I’ll say they have dognity

from seriously smart to ridiculously fun

the smile I had on my face when we went kayaking wasn’t the only one

though I didn’t see Donald Trump

I had more fun taking photos of a cool tree stump

the photography workshop freed me in more ways than one

and by the time the day was done

I fell asleep thinking of all the productive things I did during the day

and how I liked it that way

I hope when I leave there is nary a tear

because I really hope that I come back next year.

"Two-Week Long Summer Highlight" by Julie (Age 16, NY, USA)

I cannot imagine a better way to have been introduced to the World Youth Alliance other than the summer camp. The past two weeks have been so eye-opening and enjoyable that I look forward to future involvement with WYA by undergoing 'Track A' training. At camp I learned a range of different things. I learned all about the human dignity in addition to the different levels of life, freedom and the difference between a subject and object.

I also learned how to kayak and play a series of new games one of which is the highly entertaining 'bunny-bunny'. Part of what makes a camp fun is the other campers and counselors. They were absolutely incredible people from different corners of the world. Although summer vacation has not yet come to a complete end, I can already tell that WYA's summer camp is going to be an experience that will be extremely hard to top!

"Thank You WYA!" by Mariana (Age 18, Chihuahua, Mexico)

Hi, my name is Mariana and I’m from Chihuahua City, México. Since the beginning of this camp I have learned a lot of things. First through many amazing workshops about WYA and also through talking to the WYA staff and campers, because you get to hear about many different points of view, ideas and cultures.

We are all from different parts of the world and we are learning all of these new things together and playing all these fun games (like “bunny, bunny”, ultimate frisbee etc). We’ve also had the opportunity to go swimming and kayaking in addition to all of the WYA workshops, given by the interns and staff, on photography and FEMM (Fertility Education Medical Management). I’ve also learned through simple small talk that I have had with all these amazing WYA staff members.

We also met with “Elevate NYC” (a non-profit dedicated to building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth) students and teachers, and we explained some of the workshops of WYA and they talked to us about their programs for improving youth. During this Summer Camp, I got to know many incredible people from different countries, of different ages, and with different talents and knowledge.

The camp is almost over, and I’m so happy I came, it’s such an incredible experience. I had such a great time learning, playing, and meeting all these people. I’m very sad because it is going to end but I’m taking all this knowledge to México, because it really changed my mind and my way of thinking. I learned so many things that I can use in my normal life with my school, friends and family. I just want to pass this knowledge of WYA to more people, because it helps me to see things in a more global way. So the only thing left to say is thank you, WYA, thanks to all the people that make this possible. I had a great time

The challenges of women in Nepal (CEDAW's 49th Session)

2011-07-23T09:33:00.001-07:00

Last week, several of our Advocacy interns had the chance to attend CEDAW's (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) 49th Session meetings. The session is being held the United Nations headquarters from July 11-29.

Yu-Chen (Janet), Shih, CEDAW Experience

7/20/2011

Today is my second time attending a Committee meeting of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The country
being reviewed by the committee is Nepal, a landlocked developing country located
in South Asia. I attended Italy’s review last week, but the issues discussed by the
committee this week are very different. The only common thing might be that
discrimination against women exists both in developed and developing countries,
and the gender gap in Nepal is even wider.

Nepal today faces stark challenges of gender discrimination at all different levels.
Though the New Constitution of Nepal guarantees women equal status and rights
to men, the implementation is still a question. The main problems raised by the
reviewing committee included lack of political will and public awareness to promote
gender equality, gender stereotypes rooted in traditional cultural values, trafficking
of women, unequal gender ratios in political participation and education levels, and
a high maternal mortality rate, especially for rural women.

The government of Nepal has shown efforts to narrow the country’s gender gap
in the reviewing report; however, it seems that Nepal still has a long way to go to
reach the goal of gender equality. This is obvious by the disproportionate number of
males present on Nepal delegation; there was only one female representative. Some
committee members asked pretty good questions. For example, have women living
in rural areas been informed about their rights? How has the government tackled
gender stereotypes prevailing in society and mass media? Did the government
ensure equal opportunity of free education for boys and girls? One member also
suggested the need to address the trafficking problem in immigration, console
trafficking victims, and collect data for women trafficking. These statements cut to
the point and address most of the problems currently existing.

However, regarding the maternal health issue under article 12, the committee
mainly focused on increasing family planning services, such as contraceptive use, as
the primary way to decrease the high maternal mortality rate in the country. That
means there’s something missing in their recommendations—good maternal health
programs that include skilled birth attendants and age-appropriate, knowledge-
based sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents. These elements are
crucial to solving the roots of the problem.

In conclusion, I really learned a lot about the severe situation women in Nepal face
today. It helps me to think more about the challenges for women all around the
world and how we can all work together to make it better.

- Yu-Chen, Shih. 24, Taiwan.

WYA Mid-Summer Camp Blogs

2011-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Bringing My Experience Home" by Jackie (Age 16, Chattanooga, TN)

Hi, my name is Jackie Schulz and I am from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am 16 years old and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to attend the 4^th annual World Youth Alliance International Summer Camp. Coming to the WYA headquarters in New York City has proven to be an awesome cultural experience as well as an educational one!

Through the camp, I have learned about the great new friends that I have made. Learning about many important issues facing today’s world will help me in the future to defend the dignity of every human person in any setting, at any time. I am excited to apply all the knowledge that I attained last week to the activities and scenarios planned for us this week.

Hopefully, I will be able to take everything that I’ve learned these past two weeks and use it back in Chattanooga at school, at home and in my community.

WYA Summer Campers Beginning Camp Blogs

2011-07-19T14:39:00.001-07:00

"First Impressions" by Sabrina (Age 14, NY, USA)

Walking into the World Youth Alliance Headquarters that first day of summer camp, I had no idea what to expect. This was my first time being a part of the WYA summer camp so I was completely clueless walking in. Things would be a little different for me because I would not be living in the WYA house since I lived in the city so I would just walk there everyday. My walk over there was short and sweet but the real experience would begin when I buzzed the buzzer to let me in.

Once I was buzzed in, I walked up the narrow stairs I had learned to love up to the third floor where the kitchen was. I had gotten there promptly at 8am for breakfast, which for me was a banana for me since I don’t like honey nut or multigrain cheerios. The day went on with icebreakers and intros to WYA. This only made me want to find out what’s in store next!

"Welcome to WYA North America!" by José Roberto (Age 15, Querétaro, México)

When my sister told me about the World Youth Alliance Summer Camp, I didn't expect such a crazy experience that it's turned out to be. I expected a really boring and strict camp--like school--but I'm happy to say that I was wrong. So far, this camp has been a lot of fun with both interesting lectures and incredible activities. For example, playing soccer in Central Park and eating gelato in Little Italy with my new and exciting fellow campers and friends from all over the world.

Also, learning about the concept of "human dignity" in the interesting seminars, given by the funny and amazing counselors, has given me a lot to think about. I have enjoyed getting to know the counselors, who are always checking up on us and help us with any doubts.

In conclusion, this summer camp was a really good experience, because I have met many new and fabulous people, including the staff of WYA. I have learned very interesting thinks about "human dignity" and it has taught me about what it means to be a better person.

Thanks WYA, for everything!

Introducing "Summer Camp Blog Series"

2011-07-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

For 2011's International Summer Camp, our campers have been given the opportunity to share with all of you how their experience has impacted them, what they are partaking in and what they are learning. The blog series will be divided into three sections, beginning, middle and ending blog responses. Here, we hope to provide an outlet through which the campers can express themselves and communicate all that they are experiencing here at the WYA New York Headquarters in a way that can reach those on different ends of the globe as well!! Enjoy!