"Get Involved!" - Advice From Model Student
July 13, 2009
A student in Toronto, Ontario, Daniel Francavilla is a recipient of the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award (2008) and the City of Brampton’s Humanitarian Award (2009).
Passionate about helping those in the developing world, Daniel has been an active volunteer. He has traveled to the Dominican Republic on an exposure trip and founded an organization called ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. to help third world children receive an education.
Daniel also has a passion for graphic design, and won gold in the DPCDSB Technological Skills Competitions and placed in the Ontario Technological Skills Competition. He does freelance web and graphic design projects as Daniel Design, through which he offers tutorials, seminars, workshops and also manages related services.
In addition to founding Speak Up for Change, a youth journalism and blog program about social issues, Daniel has written articles for The Toronto Star through Global Voices. He has been featured in Confidence Bound Magazine, The Catholic Register, The Brampton Guardian, and numerous other papers and radio programs.
Daniel is currently attending the Ontario College of Art and Design for university and hopes to pursue careers in the fields of design, education, and in the non-profit sector.
Here’s what Daniel has to say to JobBug’s student and new grad readers:
Many people see today's youth as apathetic, selfish consumerists, without giving them a chance. The truth is, it's not difficult to get involved, and it benefits you, the local or global community and the reputation of youth in general!
Over the last few years, I've been a part of many inspiring events that I think all young people should attend. The local events I'm referring to are a way to promote youth volunteerism, and allow you to find ways to get involved. These give organizations a chance to showcase their valuable services within your community, many of which you may not have been aware of at all. There’s always a wide variety of organizations – from environmental to health to international aid - available to you.
By volunteering with one of these non-profit organizations, you can become a leader! You will gain new experiences volunteering and connect with great people – benefitting yourself as well as future generations.
In 2006 after an exposure trip to the Dominican Republic, where I witnessed poverty in the Developing World, ACCESS Charity was created. I was inspired to help the underprivileged children get an education, as education is the key to a successful future! Upon returning, money for uniforms was collected at church and I began giving presentations at schools. Now, there is a great team working to strengthen and expand our youth-run organization!
No matter what you’re interested in – activism, community spirit, or the non-profit world, I invite you to Speak Up for Change. This is why we've created Speak Up for Change, a youth journalism blog program, where you can sign-up to contribute your thoughts through articles, videos and blog posts! Learn more at www.speakupforchange.ca and even have the blog sent to your email inbox. Be inspired today by getting involved in local initiatives – you may even start your own!
As you explore various organizations to get involved with, and perhaps have some doubts about volunteering, think of the words of Gandhi: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Remember, it's our world!
To view all of Daniel’s websites and initiatives, visit www.danielfrancavilla.com.