The end of the best four years of my life.

Greetings! Long time no update friends... Sorry!

I just recently returned to good ol' TO after spending a great week home with my family and friends in Massachusetts. The main purpose of my visit was to walk in Bridgewater State University's Commencement for the Class of 2011! It truly was a beautiful ceremony, followed by an interesting, fun, and energetic party in my parents backyard. The day was all I thought it would be and more and I could not have felt more grateful for the people present in my life.

Among those people, the most important for my growth at BSU and as a woman, was my family, my mentor, Dr. Jonathan White, and my Social Justice League/FAM/Free The Children peers. If it wasn't for this cohort of people, my years at BSU would not have been nearly as successful or memorable as they were. Without the love, support, dedication, and push of these people, I would never have had the opportunities to...

Mentor two amazing young people, Angel and Nichole.
Educate my fellow peers and community on issues such as homelessness, children's rights, global education.
Help BSU become sweat free through the Workers Rights Consortium.
Meet and introduce an inspiring individual, and now good friend, Michel Chikwanine.
Convince Sodexo and BSU to sell fair trade coffee on campus.
Be an active part in BSU's decision to become a fair trade university.
Help plan and participate in four consecutive Tent Cities.
Received Outstanding Leadership awards or the Who's Who.

My years at BSU have been, by far, the most intense, worthwhile, life-altering years I have yet to face in my young life. The people I met have shaped me to be who I am and have taught me to never doubt myself and always look for ways to improve and enhance what I am doing in life. My friends in the Social Justice League, FAM for Change, and Free The Children taught me that it is indeed young people that change the world every day.

Without my mentor, Dr. Jonathan White, I never would have broken out of my shell and learned about the issues that have now consumed my life. I never would have thought I could write a 10+ page journal entry about Genocide, multiple research papers about inequality, or an Honors Thesis. Without my mentor, I do not believe I would have made it to graduation day as soon as I had... he pushed me and encouraged me through hard times, convinced me of my potential, and never hesitated to say (nicely, of course) "I told ya so" when I would be rewarded with awards at BSU. And finally, without my mentor and friend, I never would have taken a leap of faith like moving to a new country to work for Free The Children. He introduced me to the organization and assured me that I could make a life for myself here... and I have.

So to my loving family and friends... Thank you. It is because of you that I have accomplished so much in such a short time, and to you I owe this honor.

We all smile in the same language.

I just found out I'll be facilitating a Me to We trip to Kenya from July 21 - August 10!

Free The Children is a non-profit. We run campaigns and events, we tell youth all the ways they can change the world, and we do Adopt A Village in seven countries. Adopt A Village is our sustainable development model where we address all the different reasons why kids may not be able to go to school. We build schools, we provide alternative income (so kids don't have to work), we provide clean water (so girls can go to school and they get clean water), and we provide health care so families can get help they need.

Me to We is the social enterprise, they provide better choices for a better world (and 50% of the profits go to FTC). They have style so that we know children aren't making our clothes, they provide artisan work (beading done by Kenyan women) so that we can sell it and give the profit back to their groups, they do leadership seminars and workshops, and finally... they run trips to four of our seven AAV countries so kids can go actually work on FTC projects.

A few weeks ago I interviewed to lead trips. I didn't tell any of my friends because I was nervous I'd be embarrassed if I didn't get accepted. I put my preferences as Kenya and India, and I just received an email asking me to lead a trip in Kenya this summer... I am SO excited!

I'm excited because...
-I've always wanted to travel to Africa
-Kenya is our most popular country for trips and projects so it will be nice to have the experience
-It will be so incredible to see, and work on, Free The Children projects
-I will get to improve my leadership skills, facilitation skills, and speaking skills
-I just really wanted to travel this summer...

I'm so stoked... I feel like this is such a phenomenal opportunity for me. I can't wait to brush up on my facilitation skills and really dig deep into FTC/M2W projects.

Check back for details to come...

"The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?"
-Pablo Casals

"Murphy's Law: Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn!"

I'm a bit behind in my blogging which simply means there will be a few updates to come. The first? St. Patrick's Day in Toronto!

My roommates and I attend the St. Patty's parade on Yonge Street. While we were there, we had a man filming us saying where we were for his YouTube website (he was a little strange) - RealGuyTV or something like that. The parade lasted an hour and a half and was more interactive than the Southie parade, which surprised me. There were tons of community groups, Irish groups, and legit only one tank to represent the military... The difference in military presence here from the States is crazy, but that's a whole different subject!

There were lots of kids on floats, one of which had my favorite sign - "Murphy's Law: Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn". Also on many floats were live bands playing old Irish songs with step dancers behind them. After the parade we hit up an Irish pub and had some Guinness and my first ever plate of poutine - it was delicious! Overall, it was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed our day!

The following weekend Julie's brother Andrew visited and the three of us went on a Raptors adventure. After Andrew left, Adam came! Our weekend consisted of a Mill Street Brewery tour, drinks at a bar right next to the Air Canada Centre where the Leafs play (Bruins were in town) and the Hockey Hall of Fame! It was really nice to have a friend from home come see my temporary home - my second favorite city, the good ol' TO. He really enjoyed the time here and I was glad he could see what I am doing with my life :)

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates...

A Promise to Keep...

Relief (noun) – Alleviation, ease or deliverance through the removal of pain, distress, oppression, etc.

A week and a half ago, Japan suffered from a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a 10-metre tsunami. Being able to empathize with others has always been a strong characteristic of mine, and my whole heart goes out to those affected in Japan. However, I can’t help but feel frustrated at the rates of people willing to redirect their focus and funds from impoverished nations to industrialized nations, from poor nations to rich nations, from resource-poor nations to resource-rich nations.

The reality is Japan is a G8 country, with the world’s third largest economy by nominal GDP. It has the economy, means and access to resources to rebuild itself. The government of Japan has expressed that it does not want as much international help as is being offered, with the acceptance of help from fifteen of ninety-nine offering countries. To be blunt, it is not a nation that needs floods of NGOs rushing in to save the day... Not as much as other nations at least.

For hundreds of years, Haiti has been a nation of oppression. Up until the early 1800’s, Haiti (then known as “Saint Domingue”) was a colony of France where thousands of people were taken from Africa and forced into slavery on the island. In 1804, the number of slaves outnumbered the “master class” and the first successful slave revolt in the history of humankind occurred. France was slow to recognize Haiti as an independent nation, and only did so at the cost of 90 million francs. They argued that Haiti owed them this money as a result of property (slaves and land alike) lost during the revolt. This was ultimately the key element in making Haiti the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere because the debt was not able to be paid off until 1947.

Before the earthquake hit in Haiti:
-Only half the population had access to sanitation;
-Only one third of the population had clean drinking water;
-There was a 67% primary school enrollment rate (though this number is thought to be too high);
-and economic stress of putting a child through school often superseded the benefits and many children would not be able to attend.

On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. I remember being in Belize and having our BSU faculty members let us know that we had a tsunami warning. We were all pretty shocked and concerned, but I don't think many of us understood the reality of the situation. This earthquake left 250,000-300,000 people dead, over 1.5 million people homeless (including an additional 200,000 orphans) and destroyed over 4,000 schools. Since the earthquake, there has been a major cholera outbreak and 80% of the population is living on less than $2 a day, with more than half the population living on less than $1 a day.

Today, there are still over 800,000 Haitians in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, there is a 50% illiteracy rate, and massive corruption is occurring during the elections.

I am not saying that we should not help Japan; it is up to each individual to decide where they want to help. All I am saying is that we cannot forget about Haiti. Over a year ago we made a promise as a global community to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti... I know I will continue.

Will you?

Words and Deeds

Holy moly it’s been a while! Life has been crazy busy up here in the good ol’ TO.  Work has been a bit busy and is about to get even more crazy…

Almost two weeks ago was Free the Children’s Youth in Action Summit where hundreds of youth voluntarily give up their Saturday to come and learn about social issues. I have heard some people refer to this day as “the heart of the organization” along with our summer Take Action Academy. It’s a day full of workshops, guest speakers, and most importantly, 500 inspiring youth voices. Yesterday’s Summit theme was “Free from” to go along with our “Five Days of Freedom Campaign”. Youth attended workshops throughout the day based on freedom from poverty, freedom from exploitation, freedom from disease, and freedom from thirst. Amber and I had the chance to be MCs for the day and I even introduced our afternoon speaker… my mentor and friend, Dr. Jonathan White!

I can’t even begin to explain how excited I was for the opportunity to introduce Jonathan. As I told the youth in the crowd, I never knew about social issues or my capabilities when I was younger, and for that I am truly jealous of them. However, I did learn about these issues when I entered University, and I slowly learned what I was capable of – all thanks to the guidance of Jonathan. When I got the chance to introduce him, I told the crowd that this was the part of the day I was looking most forward to. I asked everyone who had a mentor or a teacher that inspires them to raise their hand… Almost every hand went up! I was truthfully surprised by this because I didn’t even know what a mentor was in high school, and these kids were from middle school and high school! The day ended with an incredible speech by Jonathan which continued to captivate the kids for the rest of the afternoon.

The week continued with speeches per usual and at one of them I was greeted by 25 middle school kids dressed ridiculously as crowd pumpers… it was awesome! When the weekend finally came, the girls and I could not be more excited because Sunday was… Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!! Now, I’ll be fair and say it is not the same as the Southie Parade… but it was much bigger and people weren’t drunk! It took a little over an hour for the whole parade to make its way past us, but it was such a great day! We took the afternoon and grabbed a drink at a local Irish pub and called it a day.

This week is March break (equivalent to our schools’ February vacation) so I don’t have any speeches booked and Adam is coming to visit on Saturday for the weekend. Next week I have six speeches including a charity gala on Saturday! The following two weeks will be hectic with lots of speeches in the Waterloo region so we can do outreach and get them involved. It is going to be really busy but I know by the end it will be worth it considering this region hasn’t really had the chance to be involved and now they will.

I came home on lunch today to a card from my grandmother. In this card was a piece of paper with six poems photocopied to it. There was a note on the bottom that explained these poems were written by my grandfather’s mother for her own column in The Brockton Enterprise called the “Cousin Mary Page”… one was even dated back to the 1930’s. Here’s a taste of one:

"Words and Deeds"

If you think a kind deed to do,

But have not courage to do it,

That cannot help others, or you

If you but only knew it.

If a kind word or helpful thought

Ever comes into your mind,

If you don't do with it what you ought,

And use it, are you kind?

So let's brace up and put to use

Any helpful word or deed

For it was put in our mind to use,

In this old world of need."

-Mrs. Irene R. Wilbur

Until we meet again,

Bria

Weird Canadian habit: They dip their french fries in mayonnaise. 

One homeless is one too many.

This past week was rather laid back with a few speeches.

On Thursday, I was asked to speak at an event in Waterloo on Friday. I was already going to be there because I had a speech in the early afternoon, but it turned out that one of Heather's schools was having an event and wanted a speaker. Heather wasn't comfortable with speaking and asked if I would do it instead. I didn't really know what the event was but I agreed because, well, I might as well, right? I am a speaker after all and I'd already be in Waterloo... So we met up that afternoon so she could fill me in on what the event was. When she went into detail - I geeked out.

Turns out that two schools were inspired by We Day two years ago and wanted to make a difference in regards to the issue of youth facing homelessness. They started an event called "Strip the Streets" where youth rally together, walk from Kitchener to Waterloo chanting things like "hey hey, ho ho, youth homelessness has got to go!", eat from a set up soup kitchen, then sleep the night outside with some workshops for those awake. When I was told about this event, my heart started pounding. I'd seen this event before - but with college students and for three nights longer than this. As you can imagine, I quickly agreed to speak at the event and "pump up the youth" of the rally.

Youth rallying at Strip the Streets

When Heather and I arrived at Kitchener City Hall, there weren't many students there... I was a bit concerned, not sure if many dropped out or if the event was much smaller than they told us. We met with the educator and he said, "this is the calm before the storm... last year it wasn't until 4:30 on the dot when swarms of kids showed up"; and he was right! Suddenly, kids were coming from every corner bundled up in hats, gloves, and jackets, backpacks strapped on, holding signs with varying messages regarding homelessness. At that moment, I felt the excitement of my 20-year-old self on my very first night of the very first Tent City. I found myself wiggling my fingers in front of my face in excitement (anyone that knows me well enough probably just pictured me doing that) and started giggling like a school girl. This is my niche, this is my thing... Homelessness awareness.

Guest after guest took the stage - a big concrete stage outside of City Hall - students, members of Parliament, City officials. They spoke of the influence of youth, they sang songs from the Olympics, and they recited slam poetry regarding homelessness. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see a young girl behind me... She asked me who organized the event and I pointed to the educator in charge. She then said, "I just wanted to say thank you... I'm 17 and I have been sleeping out here for a month and a half... and I really appreciate people doing this to see what it's like". Chills ran up my arms as I tapped the educator on his shoulder to introduce the two. I saw her explaining her story, his hand went over his heart, and he extended a huge hug to this girl.

"One homeless is one too many"

Before I knew it, I was being introduced as the "very special guest from Free the Children" and I was on to give my first impromptu speech. I ran up, grabbed the mic and yelled as loud as I could "Strip the Streets participants, are you readyyyyy?" I heard a few cheers, but none that I felt were loud enough... So I asked again, "I'm sorry, I don't think you heard me... I said... Strip the Streets participants, are you readyyyyy"? And I listened as over 200 passionate high school students cheered their hearts out. I proceeded to tell them that when I was asked to speak at the event, I geeked out (yes, I used my own terminology) and I explained why... I told them how four years ago, a few friends of mine and myself realized there wasn't enough talk on campus about important issues... and there was no action. We started the Social Justice League and our first event would be Tent City - a weeklong event where students would sleep outside, leave behind their personal belongings, eat from a mock soup kitchen, collect donations, host speakers from various homelessness organizations, all while educating the campus and community about the issue of homelessness. When we brought this idea to administration we were told "umm usually clubs have a bake sale for their first event". That didn't stop us though - we held many meetings, made our plans stronger, and with a lot of hard work were able to convince the administration to give us a chance. Now, Tent City went from 5-10 participants a night the first year, to 25 participants a night last year... and each year, the campus looks forward to the event and people constantly want to get involved.

I told these youth this story because I wanted them to see the impact they are having, and can continue to have. Their event has doubled went from 7-8 schools last year to 15 schools involved this year... Incredible! I wanted my story of Tent City to show them that if they could double their schools involved in just one year, then picture what the event will be in four years. After telling these kids how much of an inspiration they are to me, I reminded them that even though this event was incredible, that the real challenge is continuing their action the next day... "Your actions don't stop here, they continue to tomorrow". And they cheered.

Heather and I watched as they marched away, chanting the whole way. I can't even describe the feeling in my heart when I see so many young people wanting to change such an important issue. I thrive off moments like that one, they remind me why I do what I do... and they make me want to do my job that much more, and be that much better. The youth I meet are the youth I wish I was, and the ones I strive to be. Kids may tell me that I'm an inspiration after my speeches, but they'll never realize how much they truly inspire me.

"I couldn't climb the temple,
I just didn't think it was possible... it was huge!"

My challenge for you this week: When someone inspires you... let them know.




Fun fact: This past week I spoke to over 500 youth!

Cheers,
Bria

"And we raise our voices and shout 'Freedom'!"

My CP Team!

Last week, on my birthday to be exact, was Free the Children's first We Day in the Waterloo region! I was on the Crowd Pumpers team, which basically means I got to dress ridiculously, watch the show, and make sure everyone in the crowd was having a great time! Our team went up the night before We Day so we could have a practice/meeting with the CP volunteers. A few of us missed the first couple of minutes because we were taking a staff photo on the We Day stage, but when we came back upstairs, Amber and I burst into the room, and the six staff members of CP did a skit (half improv, half planned) to show what you should and shouldn't do at We Day... it was hilarious! We split the group up into teams and then split the teams up amongst the venue so each group would have sections to cover. The night was pretty successful, but we definitely got a taste at how hectic We Day can be once rehearsals and such got pushed back. The CPs that were picked to dance onstage with Shawn Desman were stoked when they got to rehearse with them, and it was definitely a lot of fun being able to dance his choreography!

The next day at We Day it was even more hectic! For the last two years I have volunteered at We Day in Toronto, which is about three times the size of the Waterloo We Day.. but man oh man, it's totally different from the Staff side! We wore ridiculous (but rather entertaining) headsets so we could communicate with each other and be able to hear. Everyone's outfits the day of were just what we requested: Tight and Bright! We spent the day pumping up the crowd for: Marc & Craig, Shawn Desman, Al Gore, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michel Chikwanine, Spencer West, Robin Wiszowaty, etc. I must say, my favorite speakers of the day were the Aboriginal speakers that presented on Aboriginal awareness and the importance of our Local Spotlight campaign. It was interesting to hear a girl's perspective of how she was a child soldier in Canada when the Canadian military tried invading their reserve. Al Gore and Jesse Jackson weren't as good as I was expecting them to be, a bit disappointing. Aside from that though, the day was all we could hope for and more!

Nathaniel and I at the CN Tower

Once we returned to Toronto, it was an exciting time because Nathaniel came to visit for the weekend! We decided to celebrate my birthday and Valentine's Day this past weekend since we couldn't be together on either day. I planned a whole adventure in the city with Bachelor style "date cards" to some of Toronto's best spots. We had hot chocolate at Soma, went ice skating at Nathan Philips Square, went to the Eaton Centre, went to the top of the CN Tower (he's been trying to get me up there for two years), and went to a nice Italian dinner. It really was an incredibly fun day filled with love and laughter :) I will be visiting him in April down in Virginia and couldn't be more excited for it!

Overall, my last week or so has been nothing short of exciting and fulfilling! I've had "Happy Birthday" sang to me at least four times by co-workers, shared my birthday with some of my heroes, and was able to spend some quality time with my favorite person. Coming up, I have many speeches each week, the Youth in Action Summit in a week and a half (where I get to see my favorite professor), and Easter weekend in VA to look forward to!

The O-North family

From my family (Toronto family that is) to your's -

In Peace,
Bria

"Distance is not for the fearful, it's for the bold. It's for those willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It's for those who know a good thing when they see it...even if they don't see it nearly enough."