'Global youth movement:' Peace youth group looking to establish Sudbury chapter

A long-running global youth organization is looking to start a chapter in Sudbury, Ont.

Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) is a non-profit, volunteer organization affiliated with the United Nations. It promotes peace, education and cross cultural friendship, for youth ages 11 to 18. The group has been around since the 1950s and has chapters all over the world, including 11 in Canada.

Sudbury resident Jennifer Wakegijig attended CISV activities while growing up in Ottawa. 

She says those experiences had a profound impact on her life and the person she has become. Adding that it even helped her think of herself as a global citizen.

Now Wakegijig wants her two children to experience what she calls a "global youth movement." That`s why she began the process to create a Sudbury chapter.

It would be the first chapter for the group in northern Ontario.

"[The CISV national organization is] quite thrilled to be supporting us to develop a chapter here."

Global, local community

Youth who are involved can be part of international trips or exchanges but Wakegijig says there is also so much to learn at the local level.

"I didn't realize how much I was learning just participating in local activities."

"We just thought we were having a great time, but in fact we were also learning a lot about being global citizens, about managing conflict in our lives, and all kinds of things," Wakegijig says.

"Not only can we enjoy the excitement of being part of a global community, but CISV is also an opportunity to build a really warm and exciting group of friendships, right here in town."

"We really consider it to be a peace education organization that educates and inspires people to act in the world, whether in their local community or around the word for a more just and peaceful world."

Youth delegates, peace bus to stop in Sudbury

A peace bus with delegates from CISV chapters from across Canada will be at Dynamic Earth, Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Those who may be interested in being a part of the Sudbury chapter are invited to the information night.

Wakegijig says she expects many local youth will be interested in joining the local group after hearing from the CIVS youth delegates.

"The true ambassadors are the youth,"

"It's going to sell everybody on, you know, we want this here for our kids too," she says.

Wakegijig hopes to start holding activities for the local chapter this fall.