I’ve just finished reading an article in the Calgary Herald and it has spurred much self-contemplation.  The article, highlighting Calgary's second “My World” conference, which was organized by Bruce Johnston, principal at Simon Fraser School. More than 550 students – grades five to nine - from 38 schools across the city attended. Students spent the day learning about 24 different non-governmental organizations and social agencies working to improve access to water, education and economic opportunities in developing countries. While reading this, all I could seem to think of was ‘WOW,what a fabulous idea’ – but why didn’t I have this opportunity as a kid in junior high? 

Educating kids by making complex world issues fun is both amazing, and empowering. Louise Kent was the keynote presenter on behalf of the social enterprise “Me to We”.“Me to We” is an organization that sells music and clothing to raise money for what’s known as “Charity Free the Children”. This organization was launched by a 12-year-old Canadian - Craig Kielburger after he read a story about a 12-year-old child labour advocate who was murdered.

 "I wanted them (the children) to know they have the power to make a difference in the world. They need to embrace their courage in order to stand up for what they're most passionate about," said Kent. Kent’s message urged kids to use what they love to do to help others.

 Other organizations such as Virgin’s “Virgin Unite”, “Hug-it forward” and “Charter for Compassion”, just to name a few,are all encouraging people to do the same: take one action. The ultimate goal is to unite like minded people to make a difference in OUR world. Philanthropy is no longer just a word or an action for the wealthy – it’s a movement – and you and I with the help of organizations and conferences like the “TedX” events coming to Calgary, have the chance to stand up and ask, ‘what can I do to help’? Hey, if junior high kids can learn and take action, so should we as adults. But, can it really be as simple as passing a hug, showing compassion or helping the homeless?

 What will be your ‘one thing’ to make a difference? What do you love, and what can you use that to help others?

 Together we can all be the leaders of NOW.