Justine Wiltshire / UBC Grad
Rebecca Slate / UBC Grad

www.youthmillennium.org

Innovative projects build confidence in our youth.

Innovative projects build confidence in our youth. UBC grads Justine Wiltshire and Rebecca Slate never imagined that a campfire discussion about world issues and the millennium would result in 5,000 young people supporting community projects. But that's just what happened. The two women founded and operate the Youth Millennium Project-an initiative that invites youth around the world to discuss issues important to them and carry out a local plan of action. In Vietnam, kids are raising money for school supplies. They're cleaning up a village in Estonia. And in Vancouver students are recording books on tape for blind children in Guyana. In all, 63 nations are participating, with more on the way. Aided by UNICEF and UBC's Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues, this innovative idea has developed into a massive international movement promoting youth-empowered global change.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Travelling and working with children around the world has been a tremendous source of inspiration.

What keeps you going?

The wonderful letters and pictures from kids all over the world. They let us know that we've touched people's lives.

Any advice for future innovators?

It's not always easy to do something new. It takes a lot of courage. But, when you do take that leap of faith, it can be incredibly rewarding.

How do you define success?

For us, it's really all about happiness. When you find fulfillment in all the different areas of your life that matter to you, then you have happiness.

Credo:

Justine's credo: Never underestimate the power of an idea.

Rebecca's credo: Self-confidence is earned through successfully meeting challenges.