Update on the Youth Campaigners TO

Boy, did you let me have it. You really let me have it. And by that I mean: did you ever let me have...your full-blown ideas and valuable feedback to support the emerging Youth Campaigners Toronto meet up group.

Making public an idea fresh from its genesis was accompanied by more than its fair share of hand-wringing. But I was feeling unnecessarily paranoid and should have trusted my gut implicitly: I couldn't count on a more receptive audience out there. Much is owed to the kind souls who took the time to walk through the concept with me. (I don't particularly want to name names here as I didn't clear it with any of you prior - but y'all know who you are!)

Amidst all the goings-on, yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a pre-NetChange session, where some of the brightest minds (a slightly daunting thought as one enters the room) of wired Toronto connected around the table to hash out possible events to round off the NetChange agenda.

Ideas and enthusiasm flowed, and eventually those with similar interests and mandates gravitated towards one another. I found myself In the company of individuals with a deep interest in building a solution to the digital divide in Toronto - with one of the focus aspects being the connectivity of youth in the community.

And while it's too soon to identify anything concrete (the brainstorming continueth) it remains to be seen if YCT fits within the scope or not. Nevertheless, my head's already buzzing with excitement about the viable collaboration I foresee with these passionate visionaries. [Quick plug: If you're in the Toronto area and have an interest in social change and social technology, register for NetChange week, hosted by SIG@MaRS, and taking place on June 8-12.]

So, armed with possibilities, we march on. Next is time and energy devoted to moulding this mass of clay into a smoother shape - identifying clear vision and objectives; giving YCT a home (still in the TBD category, though I'm strongly leaning towards a TIG page to draw youth in, and a Google group for online discussions); reaching out to possible collaborators; the critical youth outreach, etc....etc....

My hope is that soon you'll start to see more of YCT out there. If you're in the Toronto area (or beyond - hey, collaboration should know no bounds) and would like to get involved in this initiative, by all means drop me a line at romi.oliverio [at] gmail.com. Let's talk.

Trust me to check in again soon.

Now, time to get working...