http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/453781
If we capture you on camera, you might be able to get a nice gift!]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:13:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/453781 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/437057
This is for an episode of a documentary series on Digital Natives that is to air in Japan in September. In the meantime, you can see the website here: http://www.nhk.or.jp/digitalnative/en.html.

They're also asking if TIG members can submit their own videos on their opinions about technology, the Internet and how it can make a positive impact in the world - if you have something to say, record it and upload here!
]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:28:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/437057 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/427393
Accessing internet in the back of a car on my way to Times Square in New York...heehee

I love technology!]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:53:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/427393 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/401485 Climate Change Building Citizen Centred Policies Services.

I want to thank all of the participants who gave their views and opinions on these 2 important themes - and especially Vidar and PJ who coordinated the consultations. When I presented your thoughts at the Workshop, all of the delegates were deeply interested and reacted positively to what you said. I found that there were a number of civil servants who already recognized that engaging young people is an important component of reaching out with their citizens. I also heard a lot of innovative ideas and projects that governments were experimenting with.

Still, there was a recognition that more political will and resources are needed to make sure that these efforts are supported. One of the main points that I stressed is that governments need to include young people at all levels of the public policy development process. Additionally, having youth civil servants is also a good step - and listening to your ideas will definitely help transform government.

I want to invite you to read the full report that I presented - you can download it here.

I also had a chance to take in some of the sights of Ljubljana and I must say, it was very pleasant to roam around the streets of a small, yet cosmopolitan city. I really appreciated the history that you can clearly see in the buildings and the layout of the city. The neat thing was the emphasis on dragons - St. George is the patron saint and you can see that everywhere.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to head out to Bled lake or Skocjan caves, but hopefully I can make another trip in the future to check them out!! ]]> Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/401485 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/399219
I've also contributed to the climate crisis with my recent trip:
Toronto > Hong Kong > Bangkok > Phuket > Bangkok > Singapore > Kuala Lumpur > Bangkok > Hong Kong > Vancouver > Toronto > Paris > Ljubljana > Zagreb > Ljubljana > Paris > Toronto.

oh, and my suitcase is missing....

]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:42:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/399219 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/370963
A few quick thoughts:

a) always bring a pen...I forgot mine and thus am relying on my memory...but a friend of mine took notes, so I'll be able to crib off her and provide more indepth analysis later this week.

b) Gladwell talked about putting action before awareness - that raising awareness amounts to advertising - sure we may get our message across, but if no-one is actually changing their behaviour, then what difference does all that energy expended make? He cited how forcing children under the age of 5 to wear seatbelts was a subversive way of getting adults to buckle up, raising the percentage of seatbelt use from 15% to 70%. On the flip side, he also talked how Al Gore - who could arguably have been the 2nd most powerful person in the world for 8 years - could have actually done something about climate change, but only after out of the power does he become a campaigner for the cause. What it boils down to is that awareness and talk only do so much, and that at the end of the day, social change comes with actions being taken.

c) Kingwell, on the other hand, took the stance that social change happens because we share a space of empathy between those who need help. He used the conversion story of Paul the Apostle as a way to illustrate that social change relies on the connection one can make with another being. Where the doctrine of "Love thy neighbour like thyself" should first and foremost be the driving force for change. Where caring about others is what compels you to reach out and help your fellow human being.

d) Watching the interplay between a journalist (Gladwell) and philosopher/journalist (Kingwell) can be entertaining. However, while both playfully threw barbs and derided their counterparts profession, I would suggest that journalists and philosophers both play the same role of describing the world, with different levels of language. One does so relying on facts, everyday occurrences and reportage; the other drills down and employs a "higher" plane of thinking, extrapolating from instances.

e) Couple of other topics thrown out - Bill Gates, the role of money, the role of journalists, changing governments...

A Marx quote used to kick start the whole evening serves as a great summation: “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” The point of TIG is to change the world - it's the actions that we all take together that allow more people to be aware of the problems in the world and the solutions that are being used to address them.

Hopefully I'll get more notes to share what else was discussed tonight!]]> Tue, 13 May 2008 22:42:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/370963 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/368313 brief abstract on Allison Fine's study on young people and how they are becoming civically engaged and involved in society. One of the means is through technology! Sounds familiar?

As a Millenial/Gen Yer/N-Gener myself, I certainly feel that collectively, we're standing at the brink of a momentous period. With the internet ubiquitous and an ever-present factor in our lives, young people are constantly uploading themselves into this nebulous cloud of information. We're reaching the end of the first decade of the 21st century, and already its zoomed by so fast.

But at the same time, as the world is getting faster, young people are saying: SLOW DOWN! Slow down and take a moment to examine the world around you - a world that is hurting, in pain and needs a helping hand. You're on TIG because you've recognized that you have the ability to make a difference!

Technology is being applied in so many different sectors and areas - and the non-profit social justice movement is no different. Social networking has great great power to induce change - the challenge is what you need to do once you have that power....]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 17:23:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/368313 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/365359 Pangea Day - definitely recommend that you all check it out! I just added it to our Events database, but in a nutshell, its a live global celebration of the most important people on this planet that we share: ALL OF US!

I'll be watching my television to catch the 24 films, although I have already seen one: Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. As someone who likes all genres of music, it was really touching to see this band of refugees, some physically scarred by violence, all mentally affected by tragedy, coming together to make harmonious melodies.

]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 16:09:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/365359 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/355445 Radical Business Intensive

Apart from the content (since I'm always keen on learning new marketing strategies, particularly from a socially conscious perspective), I'm very intrigued in the structure that this is potentially a FREE event!!

Much like the Radiohead and NIN "free" music experiments, the facilitator is asking people to pay what they feel the 3-day course is worth after you have completed.

I wonder if this model could be used for other products services? At this point, the reason I think this works for music/knowledge is that for all intents and purposes, the product that you're buying doesn't exist in the tangible, traditional sense. It's not like we're buying a burger, that we would consume, and thereafter, it would cease to exist. No, with music you have the liberty of stopping, rewinding, fastforwarding, or even remixing. Same thing with knowledge - you can apply the lessons learned in the manner that you feel appropriate.

Which brings me to a question: if you had to pay to use TakingITGlobal after a week/month of usage, what would you pay? ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:27:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/355445 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/349751
I mentioned in my first post of 2008 that TIG is involved in 2 major international events, so here's some quick info to get up to speed on what they are, and how TIG is involved:

Regeneration 2008: 4th World Youth Congress
August 10 to 21
Quebec City, QC, Canada
The World Youth Congress (WYC) is an international gathering of youth leaders, who are making a positive impact in their local communities. They are deeply involved with youth-led community improvement - running action projects that make a real difference. In Quebec City, they will have the chance to celebrate their achievements and learn from each other in an open and inclusive environment. TIG is partnered with Congres Mondial des Jeunes and Peace Child International to organize the Congress. You can find out more about the Congress and the planned activities here.

I'm personally excited about this, as it will be my first trip to Quebec City, and I'm looking forward to meeting as many young activists and leaders as possible. You guys are truly inspirational!!

Update: We're having a live chat event on Friday April 4 at 10:00 am EST - where you can ask us questions about the event and hopefully learn more about what we plan on doing! Hope you can join us - I'll be on the panel.

XVII International AIDS Conference
August 3 to 8
Mexico City, Mexico
TIG is involved with the Mexico YouthForce - the same thing that we did in 2006 in Toronto. We're hoping for 2000 youth delegates to be in Mexico City this year, to advocate the youth position and present the youth perspective to the assembled diplomats, health workers, policy makers and every influential person in attendance. If you're looking to get involved this year, check out the Youth Site link and learn more about what you can do to take action around this important conference!

Unfortunately, I won't be attending this conference, but some of my TIG colleagues will be - so if you happen to be there - make sure to say hi!!

Until next time.....]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:40:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/349751 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/338543
Some of the statistics aren't surprising - myspace being the number one site in terms of hours logged in per month (223 million in North America!!) and Facebook coming in strong in second place.

A couple of interesting things to note: why is Bebo more popular in Ireland, while Facebook has presence in the UK? Is it just a matter of preference, or is there a strain of anti-British sentiment coming out of the emerald isle? =P

Also - Skyblog is a French social network - but doesn't seem to be gaining traction in Francophone countries around the world - save for French Guiana and Senegal...curious...

Obviously I would love to see TakingITGlobal on this map the next time they do a survey - so spread the word about TIG - get your friends to sign up! Our TIG Widget makes it easy for you to send content to your friends - so we hope you can get them involved!

Here's a link for the full size version of the picture: Le Monde Map]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:21:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/338543 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/335103
It's not 100% official yet, but we will be offering some free e-courses to youth around the world to develop their leadership skills. From project management, to communication - this series of courses delivered online will help build your capacity to make real positive impact in your local and global communities....

I say "not 100%" yet because some of the final paperwork needs to be done...but we will be partnering with a leading educational publisher...

Keep your eyes out...]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:20:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/335103 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/332703
Back in December I was interviewed by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, a really cool magazine which looks at how social innovators are changing the world. I was chosen for this piece as TakingITGlobal won the Microsoft Education Award at the 2007 Tech Museum of Innovation.

I speak about many different things, but ultimately stress the need for young people to be involved with social innovation, and the potential that they bring to the table.

So go listen to me blabber for about 30 minutes or so....and let me know what you think!
http://sic.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail3476.html
]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:32:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/332703 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/332651
http://www.mobilityvip.com/deck/index.html

I love the fact that with 109 cards in the deck, there are a seemingly infinite number of permutations for social innovators to consider.

We need to think about something like this for TIG - any takers?]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:38:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/332651 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/331145
We're currently conducting an online survey here - and want you all to take the next 10 minutes to think about how TakingITGlobal has influenced you!!!

Do you feel that we're meeting your expectations? Have you made a difference because of our resources and tools? This is your chance to tell us how you feel....

I highly encourage you to take the survey - and also provide us with some comments (you'll see boxes available for your own words as you take the survey). The more that you tell us, and the more of you that take the survey, the better for us. It allows us to know where we're strong, and perhaps more importantly, where we need to improve. We want to continue making this website THE BEST place for young people around the world who are motivated to positively impact the world.

Here's the link again: http://surveys.takingitglobal.org/survey.html?SurveyID=77


]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:49:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/331145 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/329399 Digital Divide Network?

It's a community of practitioners around the world working towards bridging the digital divide.

What's the digital divide, you say?

It's the gap that exists between those who have access to technology, and those who don't. This isn't just an issue in the developing world - even in a country like Canada, there are people, schools, places that don't have a computer, or have no internet access.

So if you want to learn more, check it out!

TakingITGlobal runs that community, and I'll be looking for some funding in the near future - so anyone with any ideas, feel free to send them me way!!!]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:45:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/329399 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/324735 Finally - although this is another commitment, eat well! Your body will thank you for it!
Since I've started exercising regularly, I've been feeling great!
Here's to a healthy and active life!]]> Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:46:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/324735 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/324403
myTIG has been revamped....

let us know what you think!]]> Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:38:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/324403 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/322707
We Add Up makes customized t-shirts highlighting specific actions that you can take - turning off the lights, flying less or eating less meat. On the back of each shirt, is a number that identifies the wearer. This means that if your "Eating Less Meat" shirt has number 45 on the back, you are the 45th person who is taking that specific action!

There are other products available on the website (water bottles, tote bags mugs) - so you have a nice selection of cool stuff.

And how does this help TIG you might be asking? Well, for every purchase that you make through TakingITGlobal, we get 20% of the sales. This will allow us to fund our core operations (like the Online Community) - so we can continue to develop the tools that you need and want - and keep them free of charge!

So head over to our Understanding Climate Change page and click the We Add Up link to order your T-shirt today! ]]> Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:02:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/322707 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/318389
2008 is shaping up to be a very involved year for TIG - we're part of the planning committees for 2 major global conferences, the 2008 International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, and the 4th World Youth Congress in Quebec City. Both are happening in August this year - incidentally, the same time that the world's attention will be focused on Beijing for the Olympics.

Our local engagement programs in Canada and West Africa are stronger than ever - we always looking for financial support for either initiative - so if you're interested contact me.

TIGed - our education platform for educators to incorporate global issues into their classrooms had a very successful 2007, and we're hoping to continue that into 2008.

In more "personal" news - I'm hoping to use this blog to give some of my opinions on what TIG is doing, why we're doing things, and hopefully encourage readers to support us in any way possible.

So I'll be committing to writing on this little space of TIG more often - hope you can join me on this journey!]]> Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:32:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/318389 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/309849
At my panel on social innovation, it was clear that a space needs to be created to engender and encourage social innovators in all walks of live - whether private citizens or government, everyone needs to be constantly innovating and evolving...

A few quick bites to chew over:
a) change happens from within - in order to change others, you have to change yourself
b) we have a common goal - the betterment of society and of the world - what are you going to do about it?
c) live performances both highlight excellence and mediocrity. Some people are just born to perform...Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox and Melissa Etheridge were the real stars at last night's Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Oh and Mr. Kevin Spacey - I tip my virtual hat to your killer dance moves!

More when I return to Toronto...]]> Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:22:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/309849 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/278603
Thanks to everyone for making TIG the leading social network for social good!!!!]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:20:00 EST http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/278603 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/274763 Anyway - we've been offered an interesting proposal that I'd like to talk about and hear your feedback on.
Basically, it involves our membership taking market research surveys, and in return, TIG would receive $X for every completed survey.
There is no financial cost to our members - only the time it takes to finish these surveys (approx 5-10 minutes) - this is an opt-in program - meaning that the decision is up to you if you want to participate. You can also opt-out at any time.
The reason we are looking at this proposal is that I'm always on the hunt for sustainable revenue streams - ie. activities that can easily generate some funds for TakingITGlobal - so we can continue doing what we do best - providing you with the platform to become Inspired, Informed and Involved!

So what do you think? Would you become a part of this survey group? Feel free to send me any messages/comments you have...I want to hear from you!]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2007 10:14:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/274763 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/242089
We want to keep as much stuff as free as possible for our wonderful community, but in order to do so, we need find a source of funding. One possibility are grants - whether through the government or private foundations. Another possibility is corporate sponsorship - where a company pays TIG money for some form of recognition.

As in my other posts and discussion threads, there are some types of companies that TIG will NEVER take money from - but now I want to know what is a "good" company to receive money from?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a buzz word in many industries today, so my hope is that TIG can benefit in some shape or form from this groundswell. That said - I've posted the question I asked just now on the discussion boards - please go post your response there (or here).

http://en.discuss.takingitglobal.org/thread/24793]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:23:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/242089 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/240811
And for a more metaphysical look at ads: http://www.slate.com/id/2170872/fr/flyout

Comment here or there....]]> Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:04:00 EDT http://DeepEndZen.tigblog.org/post/240811 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667