youthinaction

Security Notice: Unauthorized Access and Misuse of Accounts

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:16:03 GMT

Security Alert

I am formally reporting an incident involving unauthorized access to my personal email and social media accounts, through which explicit and inappropriate content was disseminated to individuals within my network without my knowledge or consent.

The incident appears to involve a malicious breach of account security, resulting in the misuse of my identity and communication channels. Initial indications suggest that approximately 300+ contacts may have received such content.

Upon becoming aware of the breach, I initiated immediate steps to secure all affected accounts, including password changes, session terminations, and activation of additional security measures. Efforts are also underway to notify affected individuals and prevent further dissemination.

This report is being submitted to document the incident, support any necessary investigation, and initiate appropriate legal and platform-level actions against the responsible party or parties.

All available evidence, including account activity records, alerts, and communications from affected recipients, is being preserved and can be provided upon request.

I affirm that the dissemination of this content was entirely unauthorized and constitutes a violation of privacy, digital security, and applicable laws.

Reported by:
Bijaya Pokharel
519 280-7788
April 17, 2026

The Paradox of Funding

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:58:05 GMT

Funding is not merely support;

it is the invisible engine of impact

A Conversation We Need to Have More Honestly

In the nonprofit world, funding is often spoken about in ways that feel practical, necessary, and

familiar—but rarely in ways that fully capture its true significance. We talk about funding gaps,

funding challenges, funding shortages, and funding needs. We describe it as something

organizations pursue when resources are stretched, when uncertainty rises, or when new

initiatives require external support.

There is truth in that language, but not the whole truth.

What often goes unspoken is that funding is not simply a response to difficulty. It is not merely a

mechanism for filling shortfalls or sustaining operations at the margins. For mission-driven

organizations, funding is one of the essential conditions that allows purpose to become practice,

vision to become structure, and commitment to become continuity.

This is where the paradox begins.

Funding is often treated as though it sits outside the mission—as though it is something

administrative, external, or secondary to the “real work.” Yet in reality, funding is one of the

forces that makes the real work possible in the first place.

Why the Usual Framing Falls Short

When funding is framed only as need, it can unintentionally narrow how we understand

nonprofit work. It can suggest that organizations seek resources simply because they lack

something, rather than because they are carrying something important. It can make funding

sound reactive, when in fact the best funding is deeply enabling.

Every serious institution depends on resources that allow it to function, adapt, and endure.

Schools require infrastructure. Hospitals require equipment, systems, and staff. Public

institutions require operating capacity, governance, and continuity. Nonprofits are no different. If

anything, their work often demands even greater intentionality, because they are addressing

social, civic, educational, and human realities that are rarely solved by market logic alone.

Funding, then, should not be understood as a side concern. It is part of the architecture of impact.

It supports people, systems, governance, relationships, coordination, learning, and accountability.

It allows organizations not only to act, but to act with consistency, credibility, and care. It is what

gives mission the practical means to endure beyond aspiration.

Beyond Scarcity, Toward Institutional Seriousness

There is a meaningful difference between seeing funding as relief and seeing it as resourcing.

Relief implies temporary response. Resourcing implies the deliberate enabling of responsibility,

quality, and long-term contribution. That distinction matters.

Organizations working for the public good are not simply delivering activities. At their best, they

are building trust, strengthening belonging, widening participation, nurturing leadership, and

creating conditions under which communities can become more resilient, inclusive, and future-

ready. These outcomes may not always be immediately measurable in narrow terms, but they are

among the most important contributions any institution can make.

Such work cannot be sustained through goodwill alone.

It requires stable support, thoughtful investment, and the operational foundations that allow

meaningful work to deepen over time. Funding is what helps move an organization from

episodic effort to sustained presence. It is what allows purpose to become institutionally credible.

To speak openly about funding, then, is not to diminish mission. It is to take mission seriously

enough to acknowledge what it requires.

The Public-Benefit Difference

Nonprofits exist because there are areas of life where public good cannot be left to chance, to

profit, or to occasional acts of generosity alone. They exist because communities need

institutions that are willing to hold long-horizon commitments—especially in areas such as youth

development, inclusion, civic participation, community well-being, environmental responsibility,

and democratic life.

The value of this work often appears gradually rather than instantly. A stronger sense of

belonging. A young person who begins to see their voice as legitimate. A community partnership

that grows in trust. A pathway that opens where previously there was fragmentation or exclusion.

A deeper sense that participation in society is possible, meaningful, and shared.

These are not minor outcomes. They are foundational ones.

And yet they depend on resources that are often far less visible than the outcomes themselves.

That is part of the paradox. What communities may see is the program, the gathering, the

workshop, the dialogue, or the publication. What they may not see is the infrastructure beneath

it: the planning, facilitation, administration, relationship-building, mentorship, governance,

compliance, evaluation, and stewardship that hold the work together.

Funding sustains this unseen layer. It is often quiet, but never incidental.

Youth Are Not the Future - They Are the Architects

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:03:50 GMT

Why trusting youth with decision-making today strengthens our communities tomorrow

The Region of Waterloo is often celebrated for its culture of innovation. We pride ourselves on experimentation, collaboration, and preparing for what comes next. Yet, one of the most powerful opportunities for innovation in our community remains surprisingly underdeveloped: trusting young people with leadership today.

We speak often about youth engagement. We encourage young people to volunteer, to share ideas, to sit on panels and advisory groups. These efforts are valuable but they are not the same as leadership. Too often, youth are invited to contribute without being trusted to decide.

If we are serious about building a resilient and inclusive future, we must move beyond participation toward shared responsibility.

Young people are navigating a world shaped by climate uncertainty, rapid technological change, economic disruption, and global interconnectedness. They are not waiting on the sidelines for adulthood to begin engaging with these realities. They are already adapting, organizing, questioning, and imagining solutions. When communities fail to recognize this, we risk designing systems that are out of step with lived experience.

Meaningful youth leadership begins with a simple but transformative principle: youth voices must shape decisions, not merely inform them.

A truly youth-centred approach prioritizes young people’s needs, interests, and perspectives not as an afterthought, but as a starting point. When youth are involved early and meaningfully, they develop a sense of ownership, accountability, and purpose. Leadership becomes something they practice, not something promised later.

Equally important is how youth leadership is held. Youth-led does not mean youth-alone. Strong communities are built through intergenerational dialogue spaces where experience and fresh perspective meet with mutual respect. When young people and adults learn from one another, leadership becomes more balanced, grounded, and sustainable.

This kind of collaboration requires courage. It requires openness to uncomfortable conversations, to questioning assumptions, and to listening without defensiveness. Growth, both personal and collective depends on our willingness to be challenged and to revise what we think we know.

In recent years, young people have led some of the most honest conversations in our society—on reconciliation, equity, climate action, and belonging. These conversations are not easy, but they are necessary. Creating space for them strengthens relationships and deepens understanding across communities.

Why Democracy Needs Young People - in the U.S. and Across the World

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:41:17 GMT

Why Democracy Needs Young People - in the U.S. and Across the World

Democracy does not endure on institutions alone. It is sustained by people — by those who pay attention, participate with care, and take shared responsibility for the future they are helping shape. Among those participants, young people matter immensely.

Too often, youth are described only as the leaders of tomorrow. But young people are not simply waiting in line for their moment. They are already living within the consequences of public decisions made today. They are navigating the realities shaped by policy, politics, economics, technology, conflict, climate, and culture. Their lives are already being affected. Their voices already matter.

That is why youth participation in democracy is not symbolic. It is essential.

Democracy Is More Than Election Day

Voting matters deeply. It is one of the clearest ways citizens influence leadership, direction, and public priorities. But democracy is not something that lives only on election day, nor is citizenship fulfilled once every four or five years.

A healthy democracy asks more of its people. It asks them to stay informed, to think critically, to question responsibly, to engage across differences, and to remain present long after the headlines fade. For young people, this means democracy is not simply about casting a ballot. It is about helping shape the civic culture that surrounds public life.

When young people participate seriously, democracy becomes more representative, more responsive, and more future conscious.

Why the U.S. Election Matters Beyond the United States

Some elections carry implications far beyond national borders. The U.S. election is one of them.

Because of the global influence of the United States, decisions made through its democratic process can affect climate commitments, economic priorities, migration debates, international partnerships, technological regulation, security choices, and the broader tone of democratic leadership worldwide.

For this reason, U.S. elections are watched closely across the world. Their outcomes can influence the political and moral environment in which many other societies, institutions, and young people are trying to build their futures.

Recognizing this does not mean imagining that one election can solve every global problem. It means understanding that leadership choices in major democracies can either strengthen or weaken the conditions for cooperation, accountability, stability, and shared progress.

Young People Are Not Only the Future - They Are the Democratic Present

One of the most persistent mistakes in public life is treating young people as though they matter later, but not fully now.

In truth, young people are already part of the democratic present. They are often closest to the pressures and possibilities that will shape the future: rising costs, changing labour markets, digital transformation, climate anxiety, social fragmentation, inequality, and questions of belonging and trust.

Because of this, youth bring something vital to democracy. They bring urgency. They bring lived perspective. They bring long-horizon thinking. And they often bring the courage to ask whether current systems are truly serving people with fairness, dignity, and wisdom.

Societies that fail to listen to young people do not simply overlook one group. They weaken their own democratic legitimacy.

Voting Matters - But So Does What Happens Between Elections

Voting remains one of the most important acts of democratic participation. But it should never be the ceiling of civic life.

Democracy also depends on what happens between elections: how people stay informed, whether they resist disinformation, how they treat one another in disagreement, whether they hold leaders accountable, and whether they remain committed to the common good even when political moments become frustrating or divisive.

For young people, this broader form of participation matters enormously. Democracy is shaped not only by elected officials, but also by the habits, values, and civic character of the people around them.

This means youth participation is not only about choosing leaders. It is also about helping build the democratic environment in which leadership is judged, challenged, and renewed.

A Global Citizen Perspective

A global citizen understands that democracy is no longer a purely domestic concern. In an interconnected world, the consequences of public decisions travel. Climate change, war, displacement, digital influence, economic instability, and democratic erosion do not remain neatly within borders.

What happens in one influential democracy can affect public trust, policy direction, and civic confidence elsewhere.

This is why youth democratic participation deserves to be seen through a wider lens. When young people engage seriously in public life, they do more than shape one country’s future. They help defend the deeper principles that democracy depends upon: accountability, inclusion, dignity, justice, responsibility, and stewardship of the common good.

In this sense, democratic participation is not merely procedural. It is also moral. It reflects whether citizens are willing to care not only about power, but about the quality of the society and world that power helps create.

A Message to Young People

To young people in the United States, your participation matters because the choices made in your democracy carry weight far beyond your borders.

To young people everywhere else, the message is just as important: democracy also needs you. It needs your attention, your integrity, your questions, your participation, and your courage.

The future should not be shaped without those who will live in it the longest. Nor should democracy be left to habit, cynicism, or the assumption that others will protect it on our behalf. Every generation inherits public institutions, but it must also decide whether it will strengthen them, neglect them, or renew them.

Young people are not too inexperienced to matter. They are not too late to contribute. They are not outside the democratic story. They are part of it.

Closing Reflection

Democracy needs young people not only at election time, but in the long, ongoing work of civic life. It needs them as thoughtful voters, informed citizens, constructive participants, principled critics, and stewards of a shared future.

The U.S. election matters because leadership matters. But the deeper lesson extends far beyond one country and far beyond one electoral cycle. Democracy is strongest when young people do not simply witness history, but help shape it — with responsibility, wisdom, and hope.

Bijaya Pokharel

Youth in Action

Originally published before the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election | Updated on March 14, 2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:12:36 GMT

Youth-Led Reconciliation

For young people to truly believe in reconciliation, the government must take concrete and meaningful actions to enhance the lives of Indigenous Peoples.

On this Truth and Reconciliation Day , we face the painful truth of residential schools and their enduring effects on Indigenous communities. For Canada’s 7 million youth, this day is more than just reflection—it's a call to action.

Reconciliation is not about finishing a checklist; it’s a long-term commitment to recognizing and addressing both historic and ongoing injustices. Significant changes are still needed to undo the harms of racism and colonialism that linger in Canada.

Youth in Action holds the firm belief that reconciliation and decolonization are responsibilities shared by all Canadians. Our collective efforts must be grounded in Indigenous experiences and sustained through everyday actions. This isn’t just an Indigenous issue—it concerns us all. Miguel de Cervantes’ words, “The worst reconciliation is better than the best divorce,” remind us that the pursuit of unity, however difficult, is always worth the effort. This sentiment underscores the need to stay committed to reconciliation, even when the road is hard.

We wholeheartedly support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Call to Action #66, which asks the federal government to provide long-term funding for youth organizations to lead reconciliation efforts. It also promotes building a national network to exchange ideas and best practices. At Youth in Action, we are dedicated to helping create a future of healing, mutual respect, and understanding.

Many young Canadians feel disillusioned by the slow pace of government progress on reconciliation. The failure to meet past promises has led to mistrust. If young people are to believe in reconciliation, the government must take real, tangible steps to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples. Youth want to see a plan that is both measurable and meaningful, with

Indigenous communities actively involved in shaping these solutions.

Education is the cornerstone of reconciliation. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into school curriculums can help raise a generation that understands and respects Indigenous cultures. Schools and communities should work together to create spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth can connect, share, and learn from each other. Young Canadians have the potential to drive real change. Their energy and ideas can help build bridges and close the divide that has long separated Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation Day, we recognize how much work still lies ahead. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires the dedication of all Canadians, with youth leading the charge. By supporting young leaders and empowering their initiatives, we can move closer to a future where all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can thrive together in harmony.

As we honor those lost to residential schools and stand with the survivors, let us remember that reconciliation, no matter how challenging, is always preferable to continued division and estrangement. Together, we must work toward healing, understanding, and a just future for everyone.

Summit of the Future and Role of Youth

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:00:17 GMT

The Summit of the Future, Youth for a Sustainable Tomorrow, and Pact for Future

Summit of the Future (SoTF)

At a pivotal moment in history, the Summit of the Future (SoTF) stands at the crossroads of unprecedented challenges and opportunities as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformative change. The Summit comes at a critical juncture where climate change, technological advancements, and socio-economic inequalities are reshaping our world at an accelerated pace. The SoTF is an opportunity to redirect our course towards a more effective and equitable future. It should address current and future global challenges, renew trust and solidarity, revitalize multilateralism, forge a new,

more inclusive and effective approach to global governance, with a focus on sustainable development, peace, and security.

This Summit introduces and agrees on the groundbreaking Pact for the Future , a concise, action-oriented outcome document, developed by consensus through intergovernmental negotiations and endorsed by Heads of States. The Pact should be an inter-governmentally negotiated document with chapters on sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance. The Summit should reaffirm essential commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Charter while tackling both current and future issues, strengthen global cooperation, renew trust and solidarity strengthening global cooperation.

Youth, United Nation, and Key Reforms

The decisions made today will have far-reaching consequences for generations to come. It is imperative that we include the voices of the youth in these discussions, as they bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. There are about 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24, making up 16% of the global population. By 2030, this will rise to nearly 1.3 billion. With 1.8 billion people aged 10-24, this is the largest generation of youth in history. Their involvement in global decision-making, like at the Summit of the Future, is vital for a sustainable and equitable future. The Pact also focuses on digital cooperation to bridge the digital divide, ensuring youth access to technology for education, employment, and social inclusion.

Young people are not just passive recipients of the future; they are active architects of it. Young leaders are proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the youth are uniquely positioned to leverage these tools for positive change. The Summit of the Future must prioritize digital literacy and ensure that young people have the skills and resources needed to navigate and shape the digital landscape.

The appointment of Dr. Felipe Paullier from Uruguay in October 2023 by the United Nation as the first-ever Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the United Nations, making him the youngest senior appointee in the organization’s history at the age of 32, symbolizes a shift towards a more inclusive and representative UN. By appointing a young leader to such a high-ranking position, the UN is sending a powerful message about the importance of youth involvement in global governance.

Key Reforms at the United Nations

To truly amplify youth voices, the Summit of the Future should play a key role in establishing Regional Youth Advisory Councils, set global standards for youth engagement, and invest in youth-centric research. Inclusivity is key, ensuring marginalized communities from the Global South are heard.

The UN should empower the next generation to actively participate in shaping their future ensuring these standards are adopted by all UN member states is another important step. By implementing these reforms, the UN can ensure that young people have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their future.

In conclusion, the Summit of the Future is not just about envisioning a better world; it is about taking concrete steps to build it. By empowering the youth and ensuring their active participation, we can create a future that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and equitable for all.

The Summit of the Future is a critical moment for shaping a sustainable and equitable future. The Pact for the Future has the potential to drive significant progress and ensure a better world for all. This global summit is more than a convergence of ideas; it is a clarion Call to Action for leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to invest in youth empowerment and to create spaces where young voices can be heard and heeded.

Bijaya Pokharel

Executive Director

Happy International Youth Day - Aug 12, 2024

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:09:30 GMT

Happy International Youth Day 2024!!!!

On this International Youth Day, we honor the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people across Canada and around the world. It highlights their issues, challenges and recognizes their essential role in building today’s global society. Youth are a powerful force for positive change, innovation, and progress. This year’s theme is:

"From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development "

Today’s youth are driving digital innovation and championing social causes, impacting every aspect of society. Despite the need for better digital inclusion, youth are seen as digital natives, leveraging technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 SDG deadline nears, their role in digital innovation is vital for tackling global issues.

We are pleased to receive and share a Statement from the Honorable Marci Ien , Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, highlighting the incredible contributions of Canadian youth in building a sustainable and inclusive future. From leading environmental initiatives to driving social change, young people are at the forefront of creating a better world for all.

Through Youth in Action (YIA), we aim to cultivate a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and positive youth development (PYD), nurturing every aspect of their lives to help them reach their full potential and contribute positively as global citizens. The YIA engages youth in diverse activities and initiatives designed to foster goal setting, resilience, and perseverance

Honoring Kendal Netmaker

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 03:58:27 GMT

HONORING KENDAL NETMAKER

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, previously known as

National Aboriginal Day, is celebrated annually on June 21. This

day honors the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and significant

achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples, including the

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Each of these groups, while sharing

many similarities, has its own distinct heritage, language, cultural

traditions, and spiritual beliefs.

It is a time to reflect on our collective history and on how each one

of us can support reconciliation efforts. Knowing and

acknowledging the past and its ongoing impacts is the first step

towards healing and reconciliation.

Today, Youth in Action would like to honor Kendal Netmaker , an

award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur, author, and gifted

keynote speaker who is on a mission to empower and motivate

people worldwide. Despite growing up on the reserve surrounded

by poverty and few chances for opportunities, Kendal managed to

enact change.

He is a master storyteller who weaves his real-life experiences into

motivating lessons that everyone can use in their own lives. His

heartfelt stories are impactful, and he speaks professionally to

thousands of people each year on resilience, leadership, and the

power of telling your story.

Kendal lives with his wife and two children in Saskatoon, SK,

where he continues to run his company. He delivers virtual and in-

person keynotes, and provides consulting services to a select

number of organizations.

What our Youth can learn from Netmaker:

Resilience: Kendal grew up in challenging circumstances but

didn’t let that define his future. He used his experiences as

motivation to create a better life for himself and others.

Entrepreneurship: Kendal is a successful entrepreneur who

started his own company, Neechie Gear®. This could be inspiring

for those interested in starting their own business.

Giving Back: Kendal’s business isn’t just about profit; it’s about

giving back to the community. A percentage of the profits from

Neechie Gear® goes toward funding underprivileged youth to

participate in sports.

Motivational Speaking: Kendal uses his life experiences to

motivate and inspire others. His ability to connect with people

through storytelling could be appealing to those interested in

public speaking or motivational speaking.

Success Against Odds: Kendal’s journey is a testament to the fact

that success is possible regardless of one’s starting point. His

story could be inspiring for individuals facing their own

challenges.

We must remember, everyone’s path is unique, and what works

for one person might not work for another. It’s important to find

your own passion and purpose. Kendal Netmaker’s story is

inspiring, but it’s essential to forge your own path based on your

personal experiences and aspirations.