International Children’s Day takes place on the first of June each year, and the Barefoot Challenge is a great way to celebrate the occasion.  Last year, hundreds of people from dozens of countries – especially students – kicked off their shoes and participated.  I am asking Canadians to do the same on June 1st to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world.  This year, the Challenge is going to be bigger than ever before!

A few years ago, I visited Tanzania and Malawi in Africa and met with hundreds of children who walk miles every day barefoot to fetch water, work on their farm lands, or go to school.  I watched as they played soccer on the rocky, red sands of central Africa, and it made me think of what life would be like to live without something as simple as wearing shoes on my feet.

But the Barefoot Challenge is about much more than that.  It’s about building a world where all children can go to school, have a home to live in, drink clean water and see a doctor when they’re sick, one where children can grow up and be whoever they want to be in life.

I remember the strange looks I received from people when I walked barefoot down the streets of Toronto last year.  And when they asked me why I didn’t have shoes, I reminded them that too many children around the world didn’t either!

So I am urging you to participate in the 2013 Barefoot Challenge.  Ask your teacher if your classroom can go barefoot for an afternoon and discuss the important issue of child poverty.  Even better, speak with your principal and ask if the entire school can participate.

Remember to ask family members, friends and neighbours to sponsor you.  Whether they promise five, ten, fifty or a hundred dollars, every effort counts.  And if you get your class or entire school to participate, just image how much of a difference we could make!

Once money is collected from your sponsors, you can donate to organizations like UNICEF by going to their website, which is what I do every year.  By going barefoot, we have a huge opportunity to raise awareness about children’s rights.  Like all of you, I believe that children throughout the world deserve a good start in life.

There’s a video on my website about the Challenge located HERE.  In addition, you can go to the official Barefoot Challenge Facebook Event page by clicking HERE.  And remember, email me at media@makingchangenow.com to send pictures of you and your friends going barefoot, and tell me about your experiences.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Join Me for the Barefoot Challenge on June 1st appeared first on Making Change Now.

From this come the memories of Paris, Prague and Chicago in 1968 and Eastern Europe and Beijing in 1989.  It seems that democratic revolutions occur every twenty years or so.  The difference with the Middle East is how completely unexpected it was – to both the dictators and the masses alike.

After decades of dictatorship, government corruption, rising unemployment and poverty, the people of the Middle East have had enough and are willing to risk their lives to build a better future for themselves and their children.

It what seemed like a roller coaster where even the media and western officials couldn’t keep up with events, the first spark began in Tunisia and the overthrow of its autocratic dictator Ben Ali in mid-January.  The revolution then spread to Egypt, where the totalitarian regime of Hosni Mubarak and ousted a month later.

Other major uprisings are now taking place in Algeria, Iraq, Iran and Oman, and it seemed for a while that Yemen was teetering on a full-scale revolution, something which may very well still occur in the near future.  Other demonstrations are taking place in Mauritania, Morocco, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Not to mention the vitally important January referendum vote in Sudan, where the southern part of the country overwhelmingly supported independence from the brutal, Khartoum-based dictatorship in the North.

At this moment, Libya is rising up against dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule.  The situation there is quite different, and the country may be on the brink of civil war.  The rebels are now gaining forces in the east and north and heading for the capital of Tripoli.

With the exception of Libya, the protesters and revolutionaries have been overwhelmingly peaceful.  Yet they did have to defend themselves when being attacked by government-hired thugs and other militia gangs backed by the dictators.

The struggle for freedom and democracy has not come without a cost.  Media reports have stated that the minimum number of deaths stands at approximately 1,700, with some estimates as high as 6,700.  It’s really impossible to say.

Another important factor in the revolutions, of course, is the vitally important role played by youth.  With an estimated 65% of the population of the Middle East and North Africa under the age of 30 (and in Libya, with half the population under the age of 20), it is no wonder that young people – along with their smartphones and laptop computers in hand – are playing a leading role in the revolutions.

Even Time Magazine took notice, with a February 2011 issue cover page featuring a group of young Arabs with a caption reading “The Generation Changing the World.”  Indeed, this is their moment in history.

It’s almost funny to think that no more than a few years ago, the belief that democracy was a “foreign” or “alien” ideal to Islam and the people of the Middle East was actually taken seriously in Western academic and intellectual circles.

In a time span of about a month, this theory was unceremoniously dumped into the wastebasket of history by millions of people in the region who have had enough of dictatorship and oppression.

Democracy doesn’t have a colour, a religion, a gender, a language or an accent, or even a place to call its home.  Freedom and human rights belong to all of us, wherever we live in the world.

No matter what the so-called experts say, when people work together for a good cause, they really can do anything and change the world.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan
“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Democratic Revolutions Sweeping the Arab World appeared first on Making Change Now.

Everyone I know in life has a nation to call their home.  Almost all of my friends and family were born here in Canada and enjoy the privilege – and responsibility – of living in a free and democratic society.

There are those, however, who don’t have a country to call their own.  The United Nations states that over ten million people in the world today – owing to their fear of being persecuted or even killed on account of their economic status, race, political opinion, or religion – have been forced to move outside their nation of birth and are unable to go back.  They are called refugees.

The only solutions to refugee populations are repatriation back to the country of origin (which carry unparalleled risk), local integration into the new country of asylum (which is always challenging), or permanent resettlement to a third country (which can take many years to legally accomplish).  The largest source countries of refugees are Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sudan.  Yet the Palestinian Territories are still by far the largest source of refugees – and their descendants – in the world today.

World Refugee Day was founded by the United Nations in 2000 and is celebrated every year.  The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) commemorates the event in Washington, DC to raise awareness of the millions of refugees worldwide.  Each year, UNHCR selects a theme and coordinates events throughout the world. 

In 2010, the organization has created a video link on its website (www.refugeedaylive.org) that allows face to face communication with refugees in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Damascus, Syria.  Many people mistake refugees as those living in sprawling tented camps in rural areas.  The reality is that more than half of the 10.5 million refugees in the world today live in towns and cities across the globe.  The video link will give people the ability to hear from refuges and learn about their histories and struggles.

Refugees face incredible challenges, wherever they may be.  Studies show they live with higher rates of mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, flashbacks from traumatic events in their past, as well as physical ailments from wounds or malnutrition. 

In accordance with international treaties that mandate certain countries receive a “quota” of refugees, Canada accepts thousands every year, even though far more (25,000) apply for refugee status.  Only about 40% of refugee claims filed in Canada are accepted.  Although a multicultural country, many refugees struggle with their new lives in Canadian society, and while the federal government provides assistance, much more must be done.

This isn’t to say that many don’t succeed here in their new land.  In fact, contrary to myth, refugees who come to Canada contribute very positively to our economy.  Many have post-secondary degrees, and those who come to Canada offset our declining birth rate and aging population.

On World Refugee Day, we acknowledge the long and difficult quest of more than ten million people around the world to one day live in a country they can truly call home.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Recognizing Those Without a Country of Their Own appeared first on Making Change Now.

Can you feel that sense of warmth in the air?  I can, too.  That’s the feeling of summer.  The favourite part of the year for kids everywhere is about to begin.

After a very busy schedule this year, I’m taking a bit of a break.  It’s important to give yourself a chance to “recharge your batteries,” so to speak.  As I wrote in the second part of my book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, you need to give yourself a tune-up whenever you feel run down, to rejuvenate yourself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.

As I wrote: “You are made up of more than just your physical body.  Your mind also needs rest and rejuvenation, and so does your soul.  You need to find the time to rest, relax and, most importantly, to laugh.  Find that place that gives you energy, and take the time to go there an visit ‘with yourself.’  Discover ways to be a human being, not just a human doing.”

I find the best way to do this is to treat yourself to the outdoors.  Go for more walks and bike rides.  Go camping.  Pick up a new sport.  Or my personal favourite, take a swim.  Especially in this hot summer weather, I’ve found that a pool is the best remedy.

Summer is also a time of trying out new things.  If you have some time on your hands throughout July and August, why not donate more of it to a charitable organization?  There are plenty of organizations that need your help.  Go online and look up an issue you care deeply about.  Is it the environment, human rights, poverty, animal rights?  Soon enough you’ll learn about a group in your area that shares your interests.  Everyone is too busy in September to start anything new.  So now is the time.

Canada Day was this week.  July 1st is a day that allows us to recognize how lucky we are to live in a free country.  It also renews our commitment to making Canada – and the world – a better place.  In a society like our own, we are so empowered with the ability to make change in our communities and throughout society.  It would have been a waste to let another Canada Day go by without giving something back to the country that has given so many of us so much.

At the beginning of every school year, I plan out the next nine months and the goals I want to accomplish.  Why not do the same for summer?  We only have two months, and we should use them to the best of our ability.  Who says we can’t beat the summertime blues?  There’s so much to do, and time is far too previous to waste during those warm days and nights of summer.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make a Difference”

The post Summer is a Time for Fun – and Making a Difference appeared first on Making Change Now.

Twenty-one years ago this month, tragedy took place in Beijing, China.  Thousands of citizens, calling for freedom, human rights and democratic reform, were murdered by the soldiers and tanks of the government’s armed forces.

What started out as a peaceful demonstration two months earlier ended in bloodshed, with the dreams of hopes of an entire generation of young people crushed by the powerful hands of tyranny.  This month, we remember the events of 1989 in China and the brave souls who dared to demand freedom.

They assembled in the centre of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, a plaza first built in 1651.  Meaning “Gate of Heavenly Peace” in Chinese, it has been the site of momentous periods throughout the country’s history.

1989 was no different.

It all began quite humbly in April 1989 with just a few thousand people.  By late May, hundreds of thousands of students, farmers, workers, intellectuals and journalists, inspired by the overthrow of Communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, gathered in Tiananmen to call for democracy.

On May 30th, one of the most memorable icons of the protests, the Goddess of Democracy, a 10-metre statue created by local art students, was unveiled in the square to a rousing ovation.  Yet on June 4, 1989, the so-called “People’s Liberation Army” invaded the square and opened fire.  It is difficult to know exactly how many deaths took place.  Some say a few hundred, other sources say as much as 7,000.  The violence continued for days, with many of the organizers of the protests being arrested, killed or forced into hiding.

A day later on June 5th, another unforgettable event took place.  A young man walking on Chang Avenue in downtown Beijing, just a few blocks away from Tiananmen, distraught and fed up with what was taking place, decided to take matters into his own hands.  He unexpectedly walked into the middle of the road and blocked the path of a column of government tanks that were on their way to the Square.  The so-called “Tank Man” is still unknown to this day.  Experts say he either died in the ensuing violence or survived and is still in hiding.  Others say he escaped to Taiwan.

Maybe we’ll never know what happened to that brave person, but we know that the ideals he and millions of others in China hold, such as freedom, human rights and democracy, are alive and well.

The problem today is that the Chinese government has successfully whitewashed the events of May/June 1989.  It has become a forbidden subject to talk about, and the government has prevented it from even being mentioned in history books or the media.

It’s almost impossible to read about the events on the internet in China since so many websites are banned there.

We therefore have a duty to remember those protests and the millions of people who risked their lives to make change not only in China, but in countries all over the world.  Democracy isn’t handed down from above, it is created from below.  And those of us who live in free countries like Canada have the opportunity to help those around the world still struggling for economic security, human rights and liberty.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Remembering Tiananmen Square appeared first on Making Change Now.

Options are running out for our friends south of the border trying to stop the largest oil spill in U.S. history.  For the past five weeks in the Gulf of Mexico, up to 100,000 barrels, or 16 million litres of oil per day, are gushing into the sea, creating untold environmental, biological and economic devastation.

It all started on April 20, when an oil wellhead under the Deepwater Horizon exploded and led to a massive fire, causing eleven deaths and seventeen injuries.  The oil spill area has become just as shocking.  Currently, it has fouled 125 miles of Louisiana’s coast, washed up on the Mississippi and Alabama coasts, and is within a few hours of the pristine Pensacola, Florida beaches.

This isn’t exactly the best way to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), taking place this week.  WED was started by the United Nations in 1973 and is hosted every year by a different city, aiming to stimulate discussion and awareness on environmental issues all over the world.  This year’s theme is “Many species.  One planet.  One future.”   

Ironically, there are many species of wildlife under attack in the Gulf of Mexico.  400 of them that live in the islands and marshlands of the region, including the already endangered Ridley turtle, are at risk.  Experts say that upwards of 34,000 birds are threatened, and that it could take the ecosystem decades to recover from such an infusion of toxic chemicals from the oil and gas.  In addition, the spill has caused massive oxygen depletion within the ecosystem.

Blame is being put on the companies responsible, British Petroleum (BP) and Transocean, as well as years of environmental deregulation and lax standards by the federal government.  But the most important issues right now are how to clean it up and ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again.  The first issue is difficult to handle, and the second may be even harder.

To date, BP engineers have attempted almost a dozen techniques to control or stop the oil from gushing from the well leaks, all of which have been unsuccessful.  Some leading experts now say it might actually be impossible to stop it – until, of course, the entire well is depleted.  The cleanup efforts throughout the Gulf have also run into serious problems.

The only fact is that no one really knows what the full damage of this environmental disaster will be.  What we do know – and have known for years – is that if we invest in environmentally-friendly forms of energy, such as geothermal, solar and wind, and start using energy more wisely, we can steadily reduce our dependence on oil, especially that which comes from highly sensitive ecosystems.

The United Nations Environment Programme, which administers World Environment Day, already estimates that the cleanup of existing pollution throughout the globe, above and beyond that in the Gulf of Mexico, will cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

Believe it or not, this environmental disaster may actually lead to something good: greater awareness about the dangers of offshore oil drilling and a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability.  

Only time will tell.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Confronting Disaster on World Environment Day appeared first on Making Change Now.

I want to thank each and every one of you who kicked off your shoes and made 2010 Barefoot Challenge a HUGE success.  Thousands of people worldwide got involved and helped raise awareness about the very important issue of child poverty.  It’s people like you who make the world a better place!

I received plenty of messages from participants throughout the globe.  Glen, a teacher from Brunei, says: “Our class did the Barefoot Challenge today and then spent our English lesson coming up with lists of things children needed to be healthy and happy.  Thank you for inviting us, and we hope to make it school-campus wide next year!”

The City of Peterborough and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield both proclaimed June 1, 2010 Barefoot Challenge Day and the Challenge got tremendous media attention in such countries as England, New Zealand, India, Australia, Korea, United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Four months ago, I also promised to have my head shaved on behalf of the school that raised the most funds for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.  My school, Lakefield College School, took that goal to heart and accomplished it, and yesterday my schoolmates witnessed my head shaving.  So besides going without shoes, I went without hair as well!

I was also able to participate in an interview with the BBC about the Barefoot Challenge and International Children’s Day.  You can listen to it here. 

Free trip to the Arctic

Last year, I was fortunate to have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I received a Brita FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant and spent two and a half weeks in the Canadian Arctic, learning about climate change, Inuit culture and so much more.  My online journal captures some of the most memorable expedition moments.

This August, Brita has brought back its FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant Program! Brita is looking to send three of Canada’s most promising young environmentalists on an amazing educational expedition to the Canadian Arctic with the award-winning organization Students On Ice (SOI).  

The deadline for submissions is June 6th.  If you are a high school or university student or know of someone who would be interested, please get the submission in before this date.  To learn more or to apply for an Eco-Challenge grant, please visit FilterForGood.ca.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Thank you for Going Barefoot and Making Change! appeared first on Making Change Now.

What an incredible start to the 2010 Barefoot Challenge!  As you already know, June 1st is International Children’s Day, and to celebrate the occasion, I’m asking thousands of people around the world to go barefoot that day – whether to work or school – to raise awareness about child poverty in the developing world.

The town of Peterborough and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield (where my school is located near) have both proclaimed June 1, 2010 Barefoot Challenge Day.  We are also waiting to hear back from the City of Toronto.

Students throughout the country are getting involved, and over 400 people have signed up to the Facebook Event Page, and that’s only after one day!  I’m also already scheduled for interviews with media in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. 

A big event takes place next week at my school, Lakefield College School.  In front of the entire student body, I will have my head shaved to raise awareness about the Challenge and the struggles faced by children around the globe today.  That’s right, the hair is coming off – fauxhawk and all.  I hope they’ll be gentle with me!

Anyway, I want to thank those who have signed up and will take part on June 1st.  I can’t wait to kick off those shoes.  Speak to you soon!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Barefoot Challenge Update appeared first on Making Change Now.

This coming June 1st, I’m participating in a very important initiative I started last year called the Barefoot Challenge.  International Children’s Day takes place on the first of June each year, and to celebrate the occasion, I will live life without shoes.  You heard me right, I will go to school, play sports, hang out with friends – and do everything else I usually do – completely barefoot. 

Last year, hundreds of people from dozens of countries – especially youth – kicked off their shoes and participated.  I am asking Canadians to do the same on June 1st to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world. 

I had the opportunity to participate in over 60 media interviews with newspapers and radio and TV stations Canada, the United States, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, India, Switzerland, South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, and I plan to do the same this time around.  This Barefoot Challenge is going to be bigger than ever before!

A few years ago, I visited Tanzania and Malawi in Africa and met with hundreds of children who walk miles every day barefoot to fetch water, work on their farm lands, or go to school.  I watched as they played soccer on the hard, rocky sands of central Africa, and it made me think of what life would be like to live without something we take for granted.

But the Barefoot Challenge is about much more than just shoes.  It’s about building a world where all children can go to school, have a home to live in, drink clean water and see a doctor when they’re sick, one where children can grow up and be whoever they want to be in life.

I remember the strange looks I received from people when I walked barefoot down the streets of Toronto last year.  And when they asked me why I didn’t have shoes, I reminded them that too many children around the world didn’t either!

So I am urging you to participate in this year’s Barefoot Challenge.  Ask your teacher if your classroom can go barefoot for an afternoon and discuss the important issue of child poverty.  Even better, speak with your principal and ask if the entire school can get involved.   I am happy to announce that my school, Lakefield College High School, is also taking part in the Challenge.

You can get family members, friends and neighbours to be a sponsor.  Whether they promise five, ten, fifty or a hundred dollars, every effort counts.  And if you get your class or school to participate, just image the difference we could make!

Once money is collected from your sponsors, you can donate to organizations like UNICEF by going to their WEBSITE (which is what I do), or the World Partnership Walk (organized by the Aga Khan Foundation).  You could also donate to the children’s organizations of your choice as well. 

In addition, participants could also help out locally in their community.  This is your chance to think creatively and come up with your own fundraising ideas, too!  By going barefoot, we have a huge opportunity to raise awareness about children’s rights.  Like each of you, I believe that children throughout the world deserve equality and justice.

There’s a video on my YouTube page about the Challenge located HERE.  In addition, you can go to the official Barefoot Challenge Facebook page by clicking HERE.  And by all means, email me at media@makingchangenow.com and tell me about your experiences.  I would love to hear from you.  So go barefoot this June 1st, and good luck!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan 

“Together We Can Make A Difference” 

The post Go Barefoot on June 1st to Help Children Throughout the World appeared first on Making Change Now.

When one is asked about the qualities of our country, many things come to mind.  Freedom, democracy, universal health care, and a commitment to global peace are all institutions associated with Canada.  Another important value, multiculturalism, is also seen as a major benefit to our society.

We really don’t know how good we have it.  I can travel into a city like Toronto with my friends and watch a movie made in India, eat Asian food, dance to African music, read books written by South American authors and buy clothing made in Europe.  Canada really is a nation of nations.  Taking a journey through our country is like seeing the world.

This week, Citizenship Day is being celebrated in Canada.  First observed in 1950, it occurs every year in late May on the Friday before Victoria Day.  This week we remember Canada’s role in the world, its democracy, history and multiculturalism, and reflect on the rights and privileges we have as Canadians.  I also believe it’s a way to welcome and acknowledge those who live in Canada but haven’t become citizens yet.  This is their day, too.

Hundreds of thousands of people come to this country every year for a better life.  This isn’t to say it’s perfect.  There are still many challenges we face as Canadians: environmental harm, child poverty, a troubling economy, and national unity, to name a few.

We also can’t forget that those who come to Canada still struggle through serious challenges.  Many immigrants and New Canadians face discrimination in hiring and on the job.  Others may not speak English as a first language and have to confront communication barriers.  Many who have outstanding education credentials and work experience in their former countries still cannot get recognized by employers in Canada.

Why is it that doctors and medical scientists who come from other countries around the world can’t practice medicine in this country, for example, and have to wait years until their licences are “updated” by our government?

On Citizenship Day, we recognize the enormous benefits that immigrants and New Canadians bring to our country.  In fact, it’s almost impossible to imagine what Canada would be today if it wasn’t for immigration.  And whereas some say that multiculturalism is about recognizing our differences, it’s really about working and living together in harmony, regardless of who you are or where you are from.  That is the real meaning of a free and socially just society and the essence of being a Canadian citizen.

Citizenship Day may not be as popular or celebrated as Victoria Day or other holidays throughout the year.  And it doesn’t even come close to many of the national holidays in the United States, which burst with national pride and patriotism.  But maybe that’s what being Canadian is about: quietly acknowledging how fortunate we are, humbly celebrating our unique cultures, admitting our errors, and looking forward to a better future for everyone.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Citizenship Day in Canada appeared first on Making Change Now.

There is a month long celebration taking place in Canada every May that some of you may be aware of.  South Asian Heritage Month acknowledges the history and culture of those in Canada with family roots from the countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan, among others.  It also includes those South Asians who eventually came to Canada through the Caribbean, South America and central and southern Africa.

Our history here goes back much farther than many Canadians might realize.  The first South Asians began coming to our country as early as the late 19th century, although the first major influx of immigrants from South Asia began in the early 20th.  Yet due to strict, race-based immigration laws, the numbers were still very low.  In fact, between 1909 and 1943, only 878 were legally permitted to enter Canadian borders.

The discrimination faced by Asian Canadians was overwhelming.  Take the now infamous “Komagata Maru” episode of 1914, where a boat carrying 376 prospective immigrants of East Indian decent – mostly Sikh veterans of the British Army, was halted in Vancouver.  Although as British subjects they had the right to enter Canada, they were refused and forced to wait for two months in appalling conditions while the federal government did virtually nothing.  Instead, only twenty passengers were allowed to stay, with the rest being forced back to India in the Fall of 1914.

Thankfully, people don’t have to tolerate these kind of racist immigration policies any more, largely due to generations of South Asians and millions of other visible minorities who for decades, worked together to confront discrimination in Canada.  It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t come about overnight, but we have made incredible strides in the struggle for racial equality and social justice.

Our history throughout the world is a proud one.  Soldiers of South Asian descent fought bravely for the Allies in World War I and especially World War II, when they joined both British and Canadian armies in the Pacific against the Japanese Empire.  In addition, South Asian immigrants living in South Africa throughout the 20th century, some of whose descendants live in Canada today, played a crucial role in overthrowing Apartheid, working alongside the African National Congress and other organizations to eventually create a free, democratic society.

As for the celebration of our heritage in Canada, it was not until the 1980s that public events began to take place.  In 2001, the Legislature of Ontario passed an act which officially recognized May as South Asian Heritage Month.  This year, there are events taking place in every major city throughout the country, and there is even a Facebook group commemorating the celebration that users can join.

Today, South Asian Canadians make up approximately 7 percent of Ontario’s population, and our history, music, film, fashion and literature – among many other of our cultural achievements – are deeply engrained in the Canadian mosaic.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month appeared first on Making Change Now.

The term “May Day” is usually something overheard in movies where pilots are desperately calling for help on their radios as their plane spirals towards the ground.  Yet for hundreds of millions of people around the world, the real meaning of the term is something completely different.  The first of May, otherwise known as International Workers Day, celebrates the rights of workers and the gains they have struggled for and won over the past century and beyond.

The Day is the commemoration of the terrible Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, when police fired on workers who were striking to establish the eight hour work day, killing several demonstrators.  The eight hour work day is commonplace in Canada in 2010, but over 100 years ago, it was pretty radical stuff. 

Each year, holidays are held in most countries throughout the world.  Although in Canada and the United States, we celebrate a similar holiday on Labour Day on the first Monday of September.  Nonetheless, the vast majority of countries in the world, including Pakistan and India, hold the event on May 1st.  Millions of people join parades in the streets and call for strengthening workers’ rights, social justice and equality for all.

And considering that there are still approximately 158 million children aged 5 to 14 working for a living worldwide, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), workers’ rights are inevitably children’s rights.   In countries like ours, however, there are age restrictions to enter the labour force, which are usually 15 or 16 years of age, depending on what province you live in.  But this couldn’t be said of dozens of other countries, where children work in terrible conditions.

It’s important to note that things weren’t always so good in Canada.  Workers had limited rights, and things like health and safety laws and workers’ compensation were only a dream.  If a worker was injured on a job, he or she would be fired and left with nothing.  Child labour used to exist here as well.  But for decades, people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds across our land decided to work together for positive social change, and we abolished child exploitation and other labour abuses.

Rights for workers are already relatively weak in much of the developing world, but being a child worker is even more challenging.  Many children don’t want to work but feel they have to in order to survive, yet everyone knows they would be much better off, in both the short term and long term, going to school.  Thus, the most direct way to abolish child exploitation is to end child poverty and help provide education for youth everywhere. 

This can be done.  We now live in a world where there is easily enough wealth to provide every child on earth with education, food, clothing and shelter.  But this will depend on people all over the globe, no matter where they live, to work together in building a world where exploitation no longer exists.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make a Difference”

The post Celebrating International Workers’ Day appeared first on Making Change Now.

Next week marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, first founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970.  Back then, 20 million people participated in small events throughout the country.  Today, it is a Day celebrated by an estimated one billion people in almost every nation on the planet. 

This year, the Earth Day Network will observe the 40th anniversary by creating multiple global initiatives, such as increasing green investment and building a more environmentally-friendly economy, having Olympic athletes and other celebrities speak out in favour of environmental protection, and bringing on board hundreds of arts institutions and artists to help raise awareness.

In Canada, more than 6 million people, and almost every grade school in the country, stage events and projects to address important environmental issues.  The Day has actually evolved into Earth Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the huge growth of programs that take place every year.  In Toronto, there are literally dozens upon dozens of events.  It’s almost impossible to open your local newspaper without reading about something that is happening in your area.  These include walks, public forums, fairs, conventions and fundraising activities. 

Earth Day Canada, the organization that promotes the celebration in our country, organizes a variety of projects that take place throughout the month.  These include the Community Environment Fund, which provides grants of up to $20 million to support local environmental initiatives, Eco Action Teams, which help people all over Canada reduce energy and water use, and EcoKids, which helps teachers and schools educate students about the environment. 

There is also the Hometown Heroes Award Program, which recognizes environmental leaders who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action, and EcoMentors, which provides the opportunity, training and resources for youth to be active in promoting positive environmental change.  There’s information on how to apply for these programs, and other activities, at www.earthday.ca. 

There are literally hundreds of ways to get involved.  You can go to the website and click on “Events” to see what is happening in your area.  If you are unable to participate in them, then why not do something closer to home?  You can form an environmental committee with friends and neighbours to clean up parks and other areas of your community that day.  It’s a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the spring weather.

Still too busy to get outside?  Then how about doing something in your own home, like reducing energy usage.  You can use less water, buy energy-saving light bulbs, and turn off the lights when you leave a room.  Simple things like these can go a long way in helping the environment.

Earth Day teaches people that our planet is more fragile than we think, and we need to create new ways of thinking and doing things to ensure that clean air and water won’t be a luxury some day.  As the ancient Native American proverb says, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Happy Earth Day appeared first on Making Change Now.

Tonight I was in Baltimore, Maryland to receive the 2010 Changing Our World/Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The award, named after AFP co-founder William R. Simms and sponsored by Changing Our World, recognizes service by an individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

It is an incredible honour to receive this award.  William Simms lived a remarkable life in which he gave so much to the community.  He had a profound impact on fundraising, and I hope I can live up to his high standards in helping those in need and making a difference.  It was such a pleasure to speak to the leadership and members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals earlier tonight.

The AFP represents 30,000 members in 207 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.

I couldn’t have done this without help from each of you, my friends and family, who have given me such incredible support throughout the years.  Once again, thank you!

Warm Regards,  

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Accepting the 2010 Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy appeared first on Making Change Now.

In a recent opinion poll, Canadians were asked to choose the one symbol or achievement that best represents their country.  Things like the maple leaf, hockey, cold weather or even donuts may come to mind, but they didn’t make the top spot.  The winner, you may ask?  Our public, universal health care system.

Canadians really do take things for granted, and health care is certainly one of them.  Sure, there are always problems.  Waiting lists for some services are still too long, but by and large, we enjoy perhaps the most advanced and cost-effective medical systems in the world.  It wasn’t always this way, however.  Former Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas founded the first universal health insurance system back in the early 1960s, and it was only a few years later that the first national system was created by the federal government. 

South of the border, special congratulations should be given to President Barrack Obama for finally establishing long-overdue health care reform.

The rest of the world isn’t so fortunate, and developing countries struggle every year to provide their citizens with health care coverage.  In fact, sixty years ago this week, the World Health Organization celebrated its first World Health Day, an annual celebration that takes place every April 7th.  The goal of the event is to create awareness about health care issues throughout the world. 

Each year has a different theme, and this year’s is called “1,000 Cities – 1,000 Lives.”  It focuses on opening up public spaces to health, such as parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.  It’s a way of cleaning up our cities and making them healthier places to live and work.  It’s an example of taking preventative action to ensure people don’t get sick in the first place, which is real health care in action (as opposed to “sick care,” which rehabilitates people only after they have an illness).

Cities all over the world are creating “car-free zones” to allow bikers, pedestrians and families to enjoy the beautiful spring weather outdoors without the traffic jams and the resulting noise and air pollution from automobiles.    

But focus should also be placed on the hundreds of millions of people around the world, many of them children, who cannot afford to see a doctor or go to a hospital when they’re sick.  Perhaps the saddest fact is that diseases which are entirely preventable, such as malaria and diarrhea, lead to millions of deaths every year.  These could easily be prevented by providing communities in the developing world with basic medical care and committing greater resources towards clean drinking water and proper sanitation.

Canadians may not have to worry about issues like these anymore, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have a responsibility towards helping others throughout the planet have the kind of health care we do.  If we work together, we can eradicate preventable diseases so that some time in the future, the annual World Health Day event may become unnecessary. 

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Ensuring Health Care for Everyone appeared first on Making Change Now.

I have always believed that volunteerism is the lifeblood of any decent and caring society.  The work that volunteers do and the miracles they perform not only positively affect those around them, but literally millions of other people around the globe as well.

I call them “miracles” simply because the results of volunteerism are nothing less than miraculous.  The changes that volunteers bring about are astounding, and the time and effort they give to causes around the world are truly the difference between despair on one hand and hope for a better future on another.

They say that kids are the leaders of tomorrow.  I actually disagree with this statement, because it assumes that youth have to grow up first to make a difference.  They don’t.  They can start right now.  This is why I recently started an exciting new program throughout Canada that I know will spur tens of thousands of young people into action.

Last year, I established an endowment fund at my school from the advance of my best-selling book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever.  Each spring, the student who completes the greatest number of hours of community volunteer service receives a special award provided by the endowment fund and is recognized by his or her teachers and principal at graduation.  It created a lot of buzz at school and had a huge impact on the community.  Young people who never even thought of volunteering before suddenly became inspired and realized how much fun it really can be.

Based on this success, I’m in the process of starting similar student volunteerism programs in middle schools across the country.  It will act not only as a catalyst to propel young people towards volunteerism, but will reinforce positive behaviours early in life and illustrate the importance of community involvement.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Albert Einstein once wrote that “The significant problems we face in the world today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”  And to make a difference, we have to think outside the box and do something that has never been done before.  That’s where student volunteerism comes in.

Young people today enjoy a level of freedom and individual empowerment that kids throughout the centuries could have only dreamt of.  It wasn’t too long ago that adults regularly believed that young people should only be seen in public, and not heard.  Thankfully, we’ve moved beyond these outdated forms of thinking, and young people around the world are taking action like never before.

As young Canadians, we have the power, and we have the opportunity.  The choice between the world we have and the world we want is in our hands.  When young volunteers come together, give their time and work for a common cause, nothing – absolutely nothing – can stand in their way.  We have a new world to win for ourselves and generations to follow.  Let’s get started.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Encouraging Student Volunteerism Throughout Canada appeared first on Making Change Now.

Racism is perhaps the most shameful and destructive aspect of human history.  Not a recent phenomenon, racism – the belief that one particular group of people is superior to another – has existed for thousands of years.  Taken to its illogical conclusion, perhaps the two most barbarous examples are the period of European Colonialism and Imperialism, spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries, and the Holocaust during World War II, where six million Jews died at the hands of the Nazis.

This week, the world will celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in late March.  Exactly fifty years ago this week in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people in Sharpeville, South Africa who were demonstrating peacefully against racial apartheid.  The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to strengthen its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

What was to become known as the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa acted as a turning point in the country’s history and brought about almost universal condemnation of the government and its apartheid policies.  Yet it would be another three decades until people of all races in South Africa had attained free speech and the right to vote.  As many in the American Civil Rights Movement used to say, “It’s a long road to freedom.”

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is remembered throughout the world with elected officials, community groups, labour unions, and non-governmental organizations working together to raise awareness about racism and build a world where, as Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “people are not judged by the colour of their skin but on the content of their character.”

Our own federal government in Ottawa participates as well.  Each year, it holds the popular “Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition,” which mobilizes thousands of youth across the country to create their own videos that express their feelings about eliminating racism.

What is most peculiar about racism is how profoundly illogical and unscientific it really is.  Decades of genetic research illustrate that all humans evolved from one origin tens of thousands of year ago, and that any differences in skin tone or hair colour, for example, are simply a product of geographical placement.  In fact, many scientists today refuse to believe that races even exist, and that only ethnic groups can be categorized within one, single human race.

During our current period of globalization, the transfer and exchange of people, cultures and knowledge are working to finally put racism into the dustbin of history, but even this won’t happen on its own.  It’s going to take the same kind of efforts it took to overthrow other forms of oppression throughout history.  But by working together, we can celebrate our diversity and embrace our differences, so that the “long road to freedom” might be just around the corner. 

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Fighting Racism Around the World appeared first on Making Change Now.

An epidemic of immense proportions is taking place in Africa that takes the lives of millions of people every year.  HIV/AIDS, which is the leading cause of death today in the continent, kills more people than any natural disaster, war, famine, illness or disease.  Yet whereas fighting droughts and bringing military conflicts to an end are fairly difficult, the spread of AIDS could be radically reduced through some relatively inexpensive measures.

The facts are overwhelming.  Inhabited by just over 14.7% of the world’s population, Africa is estimated to have more than 60% of the AIDS-infected population.  In countries like Tanzania, where I visited three years ago, almost 9% of the entire adult population is living with AIDS.  While in Swaziland, a small country located just to the east of South Africa, an incredible 61% of all deaths are caused by HIV/AIDS, and have lowered life expectancy from 61 years in 2000 to only 32 years today.

These deaths don’t only cause incredible suffering, they are eliminating an entire generation of teachers, farmers, scientists and most importantly, parents.  This is leaving millions of children without families to fend for themselves, pushing more young people into poverty.

The best way to reduce the spread of AIDS is three fold: education, education and education.  We may find a full cure for the AIDS virus one day, but until then, we have to take preventative measures, and this means teaching young people what AIDS is, how it spreads and what actions they can take to avoid catching the disease, and this means education.

Uganda is the leading success story when it comes to AIDS prevention and education.  In the early 1990s, almost 15% of citizens were HIV positive.  That number is now about 5%.  The country accomplished this through a massive awareness and education programme started by President Yoweri Museveni and the Ministry of Health.  

Lack of resources is an obvious challenge for many developing countries, although a great deal of aid is distributed throughout developing countries with high HIV/AIDS rates.  Every dollar counts, and it is amazing what just a little bit of money can accomplish. 

I am currently applying for the Do Something Award, a highly popular, American-based charitable award that provides the Grand Prize Winner $100,000 to spend on their own initiative.  I passed the first phase of the application and I’m currently preparing my application for the second and final stage.  My project calls for teams of young people from Africa to teach AIDS prevention and education to children throughout the continent. 

Students always respond more to young people their own age, and that’s the key to this project and its success.  I believe that this kind of education will engage and influence young people in Africa like never before, and lead to a sustainable decline in the AIDS epidemic throughout the continent.  For the last three years, I have spoken to dozens of organizations throughout Canada, raising funds for this program.  I firmly believe we will be able to start the project in Africa very soon – before it’s too late.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post AIDS Education in Africa appeared first on Making Change Now.

Just three years ago, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice, which will be observed for the second time in 2010.  Although not a controversial subject, the term “social justice” means different things to different people.  Generally speaking, the concept refers to policies that ensure equality and fairness to all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, economic class, nationality or religion.

It also includes every individual’s right to speak out, vote, participate in the political process, and join an organization of their choosing.  Social justice also entails economic rights for all people, including the right to a good-paying job, health care, education, housing and an overall decent standard of living.

Sounds almost impossible, doesn’t it?  But for many people in Canada and other countries around the world, many of these rights have generally been achieved.  It certainly didn’t come about overnight, and there’s a lot more work to do right here in Canada with regards to issues like equal rights, homelessness, and poverty, but just think of the huge progress we’ve made over the 100 years, or even 25.

On this World Day of Social Justice, states around the world are invited to devote this day to the promotion of concrete national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development.  As recognized by this Summit, these goals aim to build solidarity, harmony and equality both within and among countries throughout the world.

To achieve “a society for all,” governments make a commitment to the promotion of social justice at national, regional and international levels.  They also pledged to promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equality and opportunity for all.  This is especially important.  Since World War II, the world has become a more unequal place, not only within countries, but between the wealthy “North” and the Global South.  Certain policies have made these problems even worse, and only recently have governments acknowledged this problem and have begun to work together to find solutions.

Governments have also recognized that economic growth should promote equity and social justice, and that a “society for all” must be based on respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The observance of the day should contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment, decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

What is most interesting about this struggle for social justice is how similar it is throughout the world.  Whether you live in Scandinavia, the Middle East, or South America, all people want to be treated fairly.  Everyone wants to live in a decent society, where children can go to school, where people can access health care, and where citizens can vote freely and participate in the role of government.

This may sound like a dream.  But as we see from history, by working together, dreams can come true.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post The World Day of Social Justice appeared first on Making Change Now.

Lakefield College High School, and especially Headmaster David Thompson, really showed their leadership and compassion this week for their massive initiative towards the Haitian relief efforts.  Lakefield is a real leader in the community and has a long history of supporting very important charitable initiatives.

Being a UNICEF Child Representative and Ambassador, I launched a fundraising challenge last week to all youth and schools throughout Canada to raise funds for the Haitian relief efforts.  Called the “Help for Haiti Challenge,” I’m asking each student to raise a minimum of $100. 

I know this may sound like a lot, but five years ago, I issued the “Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge,” where I urged children to each raise the same amount for the Tsunami relief efforts taking place in south-east Asia.  The results were incredible – youth raised millions of dollars, which were later matched by the Canadian government. 

If mainly grade school children could raise that much money, I think high school students today can do even more.  As Winston Churchill once wrote, “You make a living by what you get.  But you make a life by what you give.”  Most of the funds raised will go to help young Haitians.  We have to remember that nearly half the population of Haiti is under 18 years of age, and almost 40% are under the age of 14. 

With ongoing relief efforts made possible by your generous donations, there are incredible stories of children being rescued, even three weeks after the earthquake.  Tens of thousands have received water, food and medical treatment.  All this would be impossible without your support.

To add some incentive, I have agreed – after quite a bit of thought – to have my head shaved in honour of the school that raises the greatest amount of funds.  You heard me right!  The students from the top fundraising school throughout Canada will hold a public event where they will participate in shaving my head, faux-hawk and all. 

However, I won’t be the only one going bald.  Our very own Headmaster Thompson has agreed that if Lakefield College can raise at least $35,000 – or about $100 per student – we will get to shave his head right here on campus.  Not many Headmasters, principals, or Heads of School could show this kind of spirit.  He really is a lot of fun!

Lakefield has already taken action on this challenge and has begun actively fundraising.  This week, we’ve dressed down to casual clothes.  Using another innovative approach, the school had everyone eat soup for lunch one day, and the savings from this went to the Haitian relief efforts.  Lakefield has also developed other bold fundraising plans for the coming weeks.  Headmaster Thompson’s leadership was a key factor in the fundraising efforts.

I spoke to Lakefield students earlier this week.  Check out the video clip HERE!

UNICEF has achieved much in helping the children of Haiti.  To date, 13 plane-loads have landed with life-saving supplies for more than 250,000 children.  More are on the way this week carrying tents, sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. 

Although this is remarkable, it still isn’t enough.  There are still many young children who are waiting for your help.  The people of Haiti have already suffered through decades of political disharmony and poverty.  It has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world, and education and health care are luxuries to hundreds of thousands of people in the country – and this was before the earthquake.

There’s a saying in Haitian Creole called “Men anmpil chay pa lou,” which means “Many hands make the load lighter.”  So I ask each and every one of you today to make the load lighter.  You can go to my UNICEF fundraising webpage by clicking here and make a donation to the Haitian relief efforts right now.  Let’s not wait any longer.  Let’s take action now and help heal a nation.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Help for Haiti from Lakefield College High School appeared first on Making Change Now.

As you already know, the recent earthquake tragedy in Haiti has devastated the lives of millions of people.  Possibly 300,000 individuals have died, with hundreds of thousands of more injured, and relief workers are doing all they can to provide shelter, food and medical treatment to those in need.

As a UNICEF Child Representative and Ambassador, I am launching a fundraising challenge to all youth and schools throughout Canada to raise funds for the Haitian relief efforts.  I am asking each student to raise a minimum of $100.  Please get your schools involved now in helping the people and – especially the children – of Haiti.

To have a little fun, I will shave my head in honour of the school or student that raises the greatest amount of funds.  That’s right.  I’m going to shave my head, faux hawk and all!  There are a thousand different ways to raise funds.  So get together with friends and start brainstorming for those unique ideas that are sure to make your school the leading fundraiser. 

Also, you can go to my UNICEF fundraising website by clicking here and make a donation to the Haitian relief efforts right now.  You can even start your own or your school’s fundraising webpage here.   You can then send this link to your own contacts to donate and keep track of your fundraising progress.  So please don’t wait another minute.

I want to thank you so much for helping to save lives.  And remember, “Together We Can Make A Difference.”

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

The post The 2010 UNICEF Help Haiti Challenge appeared first on Making Change Now.

Throughout the history of our world, there comes a person every few decades or so who challenges traditional values, breaks through barriers, brings people together, and helps creates a better world.  Dr. Martin Luther King was one of those people. 

This week we celebrate what would have been his 81st birthday.  Dr. King’s accomplishments speak for themselves.  Borrowing from the ideals of Gandhi and other human rights leaders, he helped create the U.S. Civil Rights movement, promoting equal rights between peoples of all colours and religious backgrounds.  Along with labour unions and other equal rights organizations, he led the March on Washington in 1963, where hundreds of thousands of people listened to his dream for a better America.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  I have a dream today!”  This wasn’t just a speech.  It was poetry.

A year later, Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination.  He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and a national holiday was established in his name in 1986.

It is important to realize that the Civil Rights Movement didn’t start with the March on Washington.  Believe it or not, it began with very small groups of people in Church basements in the U.S. South, which really goes to show that it only takes a handful of people to start a movement that can change the world. 

Also important are the other values that Dr. King stood for, many of which are ignored or forgotten by historians and journalists.  First and foremost, he believed in peace and was a rigorous opponent of the Vietnam War.  One doesn’t have to be a history professor to realize what he would have thought of the Iraq War if he were alive today.  King also believed in the rights of workers and the poor, and that everyone should have access to a good paying job, health care, education, housing and other necessities of life.  As the Civil Rights leaders used to say in the 1960s, let’s keep our eyes on the prize.

Today, King is considered one of the greatest Americans in history.  Yet during his life, he received criticism from people in positions of power and privilege, many of whom labelled him “radical” or “revolutionary.”  Sounds familiar?  It’s some of the same rhetoric thrown at President Barack Obama, an advocate for social justice and equality in his own right. 

The link between Dr. King and President Obama today is very strong.  As one writer put it, “Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King Jr. could march so Obama could run so the children of tomorrow can fly.”  It illustrates our need to continue the work of Dr. King and all those who came before him so that one day, we really will see his dream become reality. 

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King appeared first on Making Change Now.

With the New Year and a new decade just days away, it is time to take stock of what we have accomplished over the past year and set goals for the near and long term future.

As for me, I had a very eventful and enjoyable 2009.  Firstly, I want to thank each and every one of you who have helped me make it such a successful year.  I also want to thank those throughout Canada and the world who have given their time, resources and energy to make change.  You are the true unsung heroes who make the world a better place.

In 2009, I held the “Barefoot Challenge,” where I lived life without shoes for seven days during National Volunteer Week, from April 19 to 25.  Thousands of young people from more than 25 countries around the world kicked off their shoes to better understand the struggles faced by poor children in underdeveloped countries, many of whom cannot afford shoes, let alone other basic necessities.  When people asked me why I didn’t have shoes, I told them because millions of children throughout the world didn’t either.

During the summer, I had the honour of traveling to South Africa to meet with Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  We spoke about so much that is happening in the world today, and how young people can work together to create a better world.  I also had the opportunity to meet some incredible students at schools throughout the country. 

In August, I participated in a scientific expedition in the Arctic called “Students on Ice,” where 75 young people and 30 scientists from all over the globe learned how increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are affecting the rest of the planet.  I also continued on a very busy speaking tour for my book, Making Change: Tips From an Underage Overachiever, and was the focus of a story on CNN.

Yet all this activity took a lot of planning months earlier.  In fact, I have already begun planning for my short and long term activities over the next year – and the next decade.

In the second part of my book, there are worksheets that will help you plan your next twelve months.   They ask you to list spiritual, personal, educational, community service, financial and even fitness goals.  There are also weekly and monthly goal lists that will help you stay on track throughout the year.

The worksheets also ask you to list your strengths and most importantly, your personal mission statement, so that you can utilize what you do best in order to live 2010 – and the next decade – to the fullest.  The best way of doing that is to realize what your dreams are.  After all, dreams are simply your goals being fulfilled. 

So start dreaming and realizing your potential.  Here’s wishing you the best in 2010 and beyond.  Keep on making change, and Happy New Year! 

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Welcoming the New Decade appeared first on Making Change Now.

Last night, I carried the Olympic flame through the streets of Toronto!  My journey started at Sick Kids Hospital with thousands of onlookers and media.  It was a bit chilly, but the incredible Olympic spirit kept everyone warm and in a celebratory mood.  It was so great to share the moment with my parents and friends who were present. 

I can’t begin to tell you how much of an honour this really was.  I am one of more then 12,000 torchbearers who are carrying the flame throughout our great country.  The Olympics has such an important message of international peace, unity and friendship, and I think the spirit of these games will inspire people of all backgrounds to work together in creating a better world. 

Thanks again for all your support.  Talk to you soon!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Holding the Olympic Torch High in Toronto! appeared first on Making Change Now.

Today was my last day of school at Lakefield College in 2009.  Actually, it was my last day of school for the entire decade.  I started Grade 9 at Lakefield in September and it’s been an incredible first term.  It’s a great school to learn and meet new friends.

Our Headmaster, David Thompson, surprised everyone today by dressing up as Santa Claus and wishing the students well as they packed and went home for the holidays.  It shows that educators care deeply about both the education and well-being of their students.

A team also went from class to class, signing Jingle Bell Rock, which got everyone in good holiday spirits.  The last four months have gone incredibly fast, which is a sign that I really enjoyed it!  When I return in early January, it will be a new year and a new decade.

What’s great about Canada – and Lakefield College as well – is that we are so culturally diverse, and people from all over the world come here and are free to celebrate and practice their religious beliefs.

I want to wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Marry Eid and Season’s Greetings to everyone who will celebrate the holidays in their own unique ways with friends and family.

And once again, I wanted to remind you that I’ll be carrying the Olympic Flame in Toronto on Thursday, and I hope you can attend this celebration with me.

My segment of the relay will start at approximately 6:25 pm at the back of Sick Kids Hospital on Elizabeth Avenue (a block south of College Street, just east of University Avenue) and turn right along Elm Street, then turning right on University Avenue to the staff entrance of Sick Kids Hospital.  I hope to see you all there!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Happy Holidays! appeared first on Making Change Now.

The Winter Olympics are just a few weeks away and Vancouver is preparing to organize a remarkable cultural and physical phenomenon that has become an international symbol for the betterment of humankind in winter sports.

I am honoured to tell you all that I have been given a unique opportunity to participate in this upcoming Olympics.  On December 17th, I will be carrying the Olympic Flame through the streets of downtown Toronto.  One of the sponsors, the Royal Bank of Canada, asked me and I was overwhelmed and humbled to be one of the 12,000 torchbearers chosen.

I ask for all your support to attend this celebration with me when I carry the torch.  My Olympic torchbearer number is OTR049-254 and my segment of the relay will start at approximately 6:25 pm at the back of Sick Kids Hospital on Elizabeth Avenue (a block south of College Street, just east of University Avenue) and turn right along Elm Street, then turning right on University Avenue to the staff entrance of Sick Kids Hospital.

The Olympic Games are really one of the few international events where people from throughout the world can come together in the spirit of good sportsmanship and citizenship and just have fun.  I hope to honour and celebrate this spirit with all of you on December 17th in Toronto when I carry the Flame and again, thank you for all your support.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Carrying the Olympic Flame appeared first on Making Change Now.

I am happy to announce that I received the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Toronto.  This year, the AFP chose seven award winners, and I attended with my Mom and Dad.

Recipients included Joseph and Sandra Rotman (Outstanding Philanthropists), John Hunkin (Outstanding Volunteer), CIBC (Outstanding Corporation), The Counselling Foundation of Canada (Outstanding Foundation), Shawn St. Michael (Outstanding Fundraising Professional), and The Redwood and Station Gallery (co-recipients of the Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising).

The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support made by organizations and individuals, who have set excellence benchmarks in encouraging the spirit of giving.

I want to thank each and every one of you who has worked with me in raising funds over the past few years.  I share this award with you!  Thank you!

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

With my Dad

The post Receiving the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award appeared first on Making Change Now.

International Volunteer Day takes place on December 5th each year and is celebrated in a majority of countries throughout the world.  Its main goal is not only to thank volunteers for their efforts, but to encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.

The day has been observed since 1985, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution marking the global celebration.  For the past quarter century, governments, businesses and non-profit organizations have contributed to International Volunteer Day through a host of activities, including community projects, parades marches and rallies, award ceremonies for volunteers, and of course, volunteering activities.

Many counties have also utilized International Volunteer Day to focus volunteers’ time to help achieve the targets of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which aim to combat hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women.  Representatives from the media and academia, faith groups and even sporting and recreational organizations are often involved as well.

This makes International Volunteer Day sound like a celebration where only the big players are involved.  But don’t let this stop you from getting together with your friends and volunteering or holding an event in your own community, because the bulk of the day’s activities really take place at the local level.  Small groups of people all over the world will be volunteering their time in a variety of activities.

How about yourself?  What will you and your friends and family do this December 5th?  Volunteer with a local non-profit organization, a hospital, or environmental group?  Hold your own event to raise funds and awareness about an issue you care deeply about?  There are a number of groups in your community that need your help.  They’re just a phone call away.  If you’re not sure who to contact, simply go online and look up some of the non-profit organizations in your town or community.   

In fact, why stop on December 5th?  For young adults, there are opportunities to travel abroad and work with non-governmental organizations and charitable groups.  I have had the pleasure of travelling and volunteering in places like Latin and South America, south-east Asia and central Africa.  And believe me, it is a pleasure.  You’ll have the chance to take on once in a lifetime experiences and meet people from all over the world.  What else could you ask for?

This year’s International Volunteer Day has a very special theme.  Just two weeks from now, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss solutions to global warming, air pollution and other serious environmental problems.  Recognizing this, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is inviting everyone to join the “Volunteering for Our Planet” campaign and volunteer their time this December 5th to help clean up the environment.  There is more information about the programme at www.sealthedeal2009.org/unv.

As I’ve written many times before, volunteerism shouldn’t really be considered “work,” mainly because it’s so much fun!  So start making plans for December 5th and get ready to make a difference.  

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

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During the current economic crisis, Canada’s education system is facing serious challenges.  With large government budget deficits mounting, cutbacks to important social services are on the way.  Our schools are no exception.  This is coming at a time when schools have already seen their budgets trimmed during the last decade and a half.  Boards will have to make some very difficult choices, and most experts agree that Canada’s reputation as having the best education system in the world will be under threat. 

Everyone knows that education costs money, but what if there was a way that students could learn while actually bringing money INTO the system and enhancing their own education?  Now, there is.  

CooKids, which stands for Contributing, Organizing and Outstanding Kids, is a program that allows students throughout Canada to raise funds for their own schools while learning important organizational, administrative and communication skills.

In 2004, I had the idea of selling cookies at my school in Aurora, Ontario to raise funds for the citizens of Haiti, who were devastated by a recent hurricane.  At first, I was only given a few boxes, but after a lot of planning, marketing and hard work, my friends and I ended up selling over 1,000 of them and raised more than $6,000 for the relief efforts.

It was the start of something big, because if a small group of kids at one school can do this much, imagine what tens of thousands of students across Canada can do.  I recently set out to create the basis of a cookie sales program that school boards can use throughout Canada.

Most importantly, I’ve also applied for an Aviva funding grant for the program, which will help get CooKids off the ground and into thousands of schools across the country.  The thing is that to be selected, people have to go to the Aviva website and vote for it.

So please click here and cast your vote today!  It will make a huge difference.  I really appreciate your support. Thanks.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

The post Cast Your Vote for Better Education Today! appeared first on Making Change Now.

Halloween is a holiday that kids throughout the western world look forward to every autumn.  Like many 13 year-olds, I love trick or treating with friends and collecting candy.  But this year, like many before, I will also be raising funds for children in Africa through the Trick or Treat Program of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an organization founded in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to kids in countries that had been hurt in World War II. 

Being a UNICEF Children’s Ambassador, the Trick or Treat program means a lot to me.  It first started in Philadelphia almost sixty years ago, and to date, young people in Canada alone have raised almost $100 million through the program.  Just imagine how much of a difference this has made in the lives of kids around the world.

Children in underdeveloped countries are in dire need of help.  The United Nations states that one in three children will never see the inside of a classroom in their entire lives, and almost 60% of these out-of-school children are girls.  At the same time, tens of millions of kids around the world can’t read because they never had a chance to learn.  Imagine not being able to email one of your friends, read one of your friend’s messages, or read a website or a book from your favourite author.

Thankfully, young people in Canada will again have the opportunity to make a difference this month and raise millions of dollars for children around the world.  Leading up to Halloween, participants can sign people up for pledges after school, which could be $10, $25, $50, or whatever they can give.  The kids will then bring their pledge sheets and the money they’ve raised back to school by October 31^st.

The monies go directly to UNICEF, the building of schools and the provision of education to children in the African countries of Rwanda and Malawi, which I visited two years ago, and where rates of child poverty are among the highest in the world. 

The program has a great website at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca.  When you log on, you can find out more information about UNICEF and the program.  There’s also a games page and in the media room, a video message from Nelson Mandela, the former President of South African who I had the pleasure of meeting in June 2009 in Johannesburg. 

The former secretary-general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, once said: “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.  Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace.  Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.” 

Each of us has this opportunity, and I am absolutely positive that through the UNICEF Trick or Treat program, we will make the best of it.  Here is our chance to help children in central Africa and really make a difference for those who have so little.  What is collecting candy and pledges for us means building a school for them.

Warm Regards,

Bilaal Rajan

“Together we CAN make a difference”

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