Youth in Action: How Three Boys Inspired Me to Bring Change
(Original)

Anna Keene-Winsor
(Age 23, USA)
Lewis and Clark College

Inspiration to create positive change comes from unlikely places. I was enjoying my dinner at an outdoor restaurant in Vientiane, Laos when three young boys sauntered up to our table and asked if we could spare some bread. I would guess these boys; with their dirt stained faces and ripped clothing, were between the ages of eight and thirteen. With their cute smiles, infectious laughter and arms around each other; what “rich” foreigner could say no? It was a rare opportunity to have a conversation with locals so we jumped at the chance and agreed to buy them dinner. To our disappointment, they were not interested in conversation: as soon as the food came out they gobbled it down and were on their way. Later that night as we strolled back to our hostel, we saw these three young boys lying in the street. They were curled around each other with one small blanket to keep warm.

As I looked at these three innocent, homeless boys, I was filled with an overwhelming feeling of guilt and realization. Only a few hours earlier I had been selfish enough to be irritated because they weren't interested in talking to us. Now, looking at this tragic situation, I was hit with a reality that made me sick to my stomach. How could I be so blind? I was traveling in a country where poverty is a daily reality and only now did I begin to open my eyes wide enough to truly see it. I decided then and there that it was my responsibility to do something about it.

I am now living in the United States and am working at a fine dining restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Everyday, I see people wasting expensive food and spending incredible amounts of money on what seems to be more a show then anything. I am not condemning the restaurant or even the consumers, but I can’t help to notice the wasteful lifestyle we all lead here in the US. I truly believe that if we are all aware of the reality that so many people, like these young boys are living, we will start living a more sustainable lifestyle. When this increased awareness happens, we will come together to lessen the impact of the global food crisis.  Each and everyone can make a difference!

I believe in action. I am organizing a youth summit on the global food crisis this coming August 12th which is also international youth day. The youth summit aims to create a forum where young leaders can discuss the current global food crisis. The focus of the summit is to equip young leaders with action tools and skills such as advocacy, fundraising, media publicity, and community partnership. In the end, these young leaders will develop and implement action projects. Long term change starts with the youth and I am determined to enable these young leaders to gain the skills they need to make real change possible.

Forging partnerships are crucial to the outcome of my project. I have successfully invited internationally renowned speakers including, Oregon Food Bank’s CEO Rachel Bristol, Focus The Nation’s founder Dr. Eban Goodstein, and Mike Hiland from Bread for the World.  Currently, I am in the process of inviting Time Magazine’s Foreign Correspondent Vivienne Walt, US News and World Report’s Correspondent Kent Garber, and Bob Davis, Correspondent Wall Street Journal.

Mobilizing the community for action is another important aspect of my project. I am involving the local community by requesting co-sponsorship from businesses such as Fred Meyer, Safeway, Stump Town Coffee Roasters, Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza, New Seasons Market and Whole Foods Market. I am working with local radio stations and local television networks to inform the public about actions that can be taken to fight the global food crisis. This will also be used as a tool for publicizing the event. These collaborative partnerships will enable a successful youth summit.