Notes from Canada's Young Activists: A Generation Stands Up for Change

by Severn Cullis-Suzuki (Editor), Samantha Nutt (Foreword), Daniel Aldana Cohen (Primary Contributor)

In this compilation, young citizens describe the moments they were inspired to pursue their passions to improve their world. Their methods and causes are diverse, and their stories highlight their innovative ways of identifying and addressing problems in society. The achievements here are impressive, from Craig Kielburger’s founding of Free the Children to raise awareness of child labor to Lyndsay Poaps becoming the youngest elected official in Vancouver history. These stories counter the myth of youth as self-absorbed slackers, presenting a bracing new generation of activist leaders.

Genres: Activism, Canada, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[YilingLaozu · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think ive ever read a book that comprised of 90% platitudes and 10% malicious ignorance of history. Had to read it for a class and to say that i have never come out of a book more cynical would be an understatement. This book makes the NDP look radical by comparison and inspires activism that is about as effective as recycling.

[TheTyee.ca]

[Editor's note: The following is excerpted from Notes from Canada's Young Activists: A Generation Stands Up for Change, a new book published by Greystone that tells 25 stories of how ordinary young people have gone on to do extraordinary things. In this chapter, George Roter, co-founder of Engineers without Borders, talks about a defining moment a Pentecostal church in Zambia.]

And then there was that all-important cup of coffee, over which I decided to translate my values into action. Ironically enough, I was at a coffee shop -- Timothy's -- in one of Toronto's poshest neighbourhoods. My good friend Parker and I were catching up for the first time in four months. We told stories of our respective cycling adventures, his in South America and mine in Europe. Then Parker asked me, "Do you remember that idea we had in...
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[The Great B · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only memorable part of this book for me was reading about the founders of FREE THE CHILDREN. Although this book is a decade old and sitting on my shelf from my school days it had relevance to the recent WE Charity scandal. The book gave a good overview from a decade ago about the events currently taking place including about environmental rights. It shows the biases in education that lean left. Thinking back, I think if they wanted us to read this book they should have also presented an equally opposite viewpoint book in university.

[A]

My friend, George Roter, wrote a piece in this compilation!

[Sharon Buckingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research...lots of ideas here for my new series.