A few days ago there was a “Summit-9″ held in Suriname. The Summit was intended to focus on the “findings” from a recently completed study to meet the challenges of the 9 million youth within the Caribbean. Many of the Caribbean leaders who often spoke of their commitment to the youth of the Caribbean were “no shows”. During the Summit a few days ago, 24 Youth Delegates and two National Youth Directors stood for 9 minutes to bring awareness to that lack of attention. It was a courageous thing to do and it has already had impact.
I believe that those 24 Youth Delegates are leaders not because they did something dramatic, but because they stood for what they believe in. They stood for the 9 million youth they were representing and working tirelessly to help… to make a difference. I believe that because of their actions, and the support they received from two National Youth Directors, they will know that they can stand their ground and as such the next stance will be even more powerful. I suspect they have already begun to inspire others to also stand firm to demand the attention that the issues facing the youth of the world need… a demand for action that stands apart from political rhetoric.
And I also know that there can in these cases be repercussions… that leaders of state and people holding positions of authority do not like to “look bad” or to be publically criticized. Yet I sense the die is now cast. That people around the world are finding within themselves what they truly care about (core values) and are beginning to draw their own line in the sand. I sense a shift taking place where people are beginning to believe in their power to truly make a difference in not in their life, but in the lives of others… in this case 9 million others.
I sense that there is an awakening within hearts and spirits of people all over the world. I sense what has been referred to as a “Spiritual Conspiracy” beginning to take place. And though this “standing firm for change” will not be easy, nor will it be a quick journey, the end results will be amazing.
I know one of those Directors who stood with those 24 Youth Delegates. I wish for each of you to know her too and to remember her and those with her, as they stand firm for the needs of youth not only in Jamaica and the Caribbean, but the world. Her name is Roberta Brown-Ellis and in her heart is love, courage, and a passion to make a difference. AND, she is a servant of God.
So if any of you have an urge to say something, or offer encouragement, here would be a place to do so. I promise you they will see it… and it will have impact.
Blessings to each of you this day…. David
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
David wrote: I sense that there is an awakening within hearts and spirits of people all over the world. I sense what has been referred to as a “Spiritual Conspiracy” beginning to take place. And though this “standing firm for change” will not be easy, nor will it be a quick journey, the end results will be amazing.
This post was very exciting to me David. I know there is an awakening, a quickening in all of us, for some it came many years ago and for many it is happening now. I am seeing it all around me. Friends who were ‘ho hum’ about making the world a better place are now paying attention. Lethargy and apathy I believe will be replaced by passion desire and focus to say enough is enough, we all matter here not just a few at the top.
We can all be leaders in our own way, by example of doing what feels intrinsicly right and good for all. There is much change in the world and it will continue. The old worlds will topple, we are all now so much more aware of everything these days. They say knowledge is power, well it is why do you think that slaves were forbidden to learn how to read and write! We all have access to the internet which to me is symbolic of the webs of connection we are building all the time.
Haiti is showing us what apathy, greed & power have done to a beautiful country. It is a spotlight of letting the world see evil run rampant (IMO). The world is now pouring out love, light & support in the form of money, aid & care. The world has changed already so much we don’t see it yet.
We need to set our sights on what we want and the youth mentioned above are doing that, saying this is who we are and what we stand for. It is so exciting to see such change in youth because that’s where our future is. They’ve watched the baby boomers **** it up and are learning from the mistakes.
Thank you for sharing this David, the world is an amazing place!
Hugs
Lise :^)
David,
Please know that my heart and prayers are going out for these nine million youth. You and Lise have said it all and touched me deeply. May your word be spread like wildfire across the Internet to everyone who will listen and take possitive action to help.
Blessings! Jonena
There is a powerful directing light within the hearts and minds and spirits of these young people. There is strength and courage to wake a world up from its stupor and slumbering with compassion. Standing tall, strong, and together for 9 minutes not only honors the 9 million youth but it ‘remembers’ to others the kinetic power within to live fully, in health, in harmony and thrive.
Violence and agression create reaction and that is not a safe environment for change to happen. Standing with ones feet planted firmly on the earth we need and love to honestly reflect our human bounty and inalienable right to fulfill our birthright brings instant excitement and hope to those who tremble at such a thought.
Thank you for reaffirming your native, natural greatness.
Thank you for loving yourselves and life so much that you must stand up and demand not only to be seen but to be heard!
Thank you for you deep humanity and wisdom!
Thank you for being alive!
Rosh
As this awakening you speak of is beginning I also find gentle but persuasive and powerful ways of it showing up. Like the delegates standing, people are finding non-violent expressions to be clear and to the point. They are not afraid to stand up, to not conform to express dissent without any animosity. They are not afraid, and so they need not be defensive and confrontive. Just clear and straightforward. And the powers that be cannot help but listen. We are living difficult times in so many ways, but this seemingly gentle way of being strong for what you believe in is a true revolution that young people are learning to excel at! My heart is with all who find a way of changing minds and hearts, and spirits to find mutual solutions. Great post!
David, thank you for being the voice of those whom stand for 9 million youth – those voices would have went unheard (to me at least) without your email/post.
Roberta, 23 youth delegates and two national youth representatives – may you speak and stand for that which those older than you will not. It is one thing to speak of something and quite another thing to do something. Your strength in how you have walked “their” talk is inspiring and does not go without impact. My soul support from afar is with you. I notice the strength within you, what it took to stand there for 9 minutes – the strength is pure, powerful and and echos doing what is right.