Resource Profile: Taking IT Global

Here is an example of a great organization/portal that encourages youth from around the world to get involved in issues that matter to them:

Taking IT Global - http://www.takingitglobal.org/
This site is all about youth empowerment, connecting youth from around the globe, helping them to express themselves, build networks, get informed about issues, start projects, etc. It uses a widerange of technologies to bring people together, and thereis a HUGE community of youth already involved, so it’s obviously working!

The site includes:

Making Connections - blogs, discussion boards, find other memebrs, e cards,groups, member stories, newsletters
Take Action - workshop kits, action guides, projects, open forums, and Voice(a set of tools to help youth participate in decision-making processes at manylevels
Browse Resources - events, organizations, professional opportunities,financial opportunities, toolkits and publications
Express Yourself - artisitic expression, online publications,
Understand Issues - information to help you understand global issues and featured themes
Explore the World -interactive map that allows you to see where countries stand on a broad range of stats
AND: games, resources for educators….. this site has got it all

Here’s what the website says about Taking IT Global:

“TakingITGlobal is an international organization - led by youth and empowered by technology.TakingITGlobal connects youth around the world to find inspiration, information and get involvedin improving their local and global communities.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a growing worldwide presence, the organization’s flagshipprogram’ TakingITGlobal.org, serves as the most popular online community for young people interestedin connecting across cultures and making a difference, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month.
TakingITGlobal works with global partners – from UN agencies, to major companies, and especially youthorganizations – to build the capacity of youth for development, artistic and media expression, makeeducation more engaging, and involve young people in global decision-making.
Here you can learn about our programs, get information on our organization, and find ways to get involved.”

Every time I check out this site I’m surprised at just how much is going on, and how comprehensive it is. So many issues are covered, in so many ways, and there are so many ways for youth to get involved! And if you ever start feeling like you’re alone and no one else cares about the issue you’re worried about, check out this site and you’ll find you’re probably wrong - there are probably tons of amazing youth around the world worried about it too. And if there isn’t? Well then just post your issue on a blog or discussion board and you’ll soon find someone else who cares!It’s also available in 11 languages, making it one of the most truly international websites I’ve seen.

~Chris