Having learned about Me To We through our school's dedicated involvement in the movement, I made a point of attending a CD launch party for Me To We's Louise Kent. I also learned about their Take Action Academy which took place this summer in Toronto and four other cities in North America. It is incredible to witness the extent to which Me To We has empowered the youth in our community as well as abroad. This is why I plan to join the Me To We committee at my school and hope that I could be so lucky as to attend We Day 2010. This event will ring in a new year of change through their We Schools in Action program. And as usual, they will kick off this year-long event with a bang! Take a look at who will be joining Craig and Marc Kielburger:

Wangari Maathai, Green Belt movement founder and Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Deepak Chopra, award-winning author and physician

K'naan, Canadian poet, rapper and musician

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first female President

There are also two fantastic lineups in the works for the Montreal and Vancouver events, too, which include the likes of Martin Sheen, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Hedley, Mia Farrow and more.

Here is the press release I received early this morning:

* SAVE THE DATE *

World renowned activists, speakers and entertainers ignite passion for social change in 18,000 youth at Free The Children’s We Day

Toronto, ON (August 5, 2010) – From Africa’s first female president to chart topping musicians, on September 30 the world’s largest youth empowerment event of its kind – We Day – is back at the Air Canada Centre bringing together leading activists, performers and speakers with thousands of passionate student leaders representing hundreds of schools from across North America.

Throughout this youth-driven rally for change, students will hear about some of the most pressing issues of our time and will learn that despite being young they do not have to wait until they have grown up to make a difference. They have the power to affect positive change in the world now.

The best part about We Day is the event itself is only just the beginning of a larger youth-driven movement creating systemic change around the world. Students and educators leave We Day with fresh inspiration and passion to make a difference and are provided with the tools necessary to make this change a reality. Throughout the school year these students will organize and activate their own action plans for change both focused on local and global challenges and will be able to see the positive results of their efforts.

We would like to invite you to join us at We Day to capture the energy and enthusiasm of 18,000 youth, inspiring speakers and rockin’ live performances.

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010

Where: Air Canada Centre

            40 Bay Street
            Toronto, Ontario
            M5J 2X2

Who:  This year’s event will include powerful speeches and performances from the following speakers and entertainers:

o    President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Africa's first female President

o    Wangari Maathai – Green Belt movement founder and Nobel Peace Prize Winner

o    K'naan – Canadian poet, rapper and musician

o    Craig and Marc Kielburger – Co-Founders of Free The Children and international children’s rights activists

o    And many more to be announced!

* We Day is a Free The Children initiative. The event is made possible at no cost to students and schools through the sponsorship and support of numerous companies and organizations.

About Free The Children

Free The Children is the world's largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded in 1995 by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has a proven track record of success. Through the energy and passion of youth, Free The Children has built more than 650 schools around the world, providing education to over 55,000 children every day. The organization has received the Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school boards and Oprah’s Angel Network. For more information please visit www.freethechildren.com.