National #WeDay...oops there goes another rubber tree plant! We are the ants Change is the plant!

I am tired! I have returned after have been given the privilege to attend National We Day 2014 in Ottawa. Not just attend, but to attend and participate in a press Q & A with Mark Kielburger, Spencer West and youth activist Hannah Apler, and a red carpet photo opp with performers like Simple Plan, Neverest, JRDN, and Kardinal Offishall. I am tired, but it is such a good kind of tired. As I sit here reflecting I have a few thoughts to share.

I can't get the song about the ant moving the rubber tree plant out of my head. Truth is, it perfectly sums up the grit and determination so many of the youth and the speakers at We Day have. Grit! Such a good word! Against impossible odds, they try all the same, knowing that every action, can effect change, and in the words of Spencer West they "Redefine possible". 

"I wondered why someone didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody." - Author Unknown. Be the someone that does something, about poverty, discrimination, and bullying. Be the person that supports the efforts of our youth to effect change. Be an example that inspires others to follow your lead. Be the someone that makes the realization that you are the someone to do something.

Another thought I can't quite shake is how we might go about organizing events in this format for youth to bring their parents and adults they know (kicking and screaming if necessary) to hear their voices, passions, and determination. For us to understand they will not take no for an answer or accept the status quo, so we as adults need to join them or get out of the way! I think once you have seen the energy and determination of people on that scale, you cannot ignore it. They were more than 16000 strong on April 9th, 2014, and with each We Day they grow in numbers and determination.

I am sure as the days pass I will see what the true impact of this day was on myself and Lindsey (a friends daughter who came with me). It will be interesting to see how that ripple effect plays out. 

Be sure to check out the We Day Website for details on upcoming events, and initiatives like We Are Silent April 17th, 2014 the We Create Change Tour  and Telus' We365 Challenge and App.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud after National We Day 2014.