FASS 2006 Distinguished Lecture Series
Education and youth activist, Justin Trudeau has issued a challenge to students. Speaking at the FASS 2006 Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, November 22. Trudeau remarked that the concept of service, to one’s community and country has been lost in recent generations. He encouraged students to harness their idealism and engage in the world through volunteerism, beginning with small, local projects.
To be a productive member of society, all that is required is to be a consumer. Trudeau says this is leading us toward an environmental crises as our rapacious appetites cannot be assuaged by dwindling resources.
It will be those individuals equipped with a broad understanding of the world and the ability to think critically, who will develop the strategies necessary to remedy the coming challenges.
Trudeau encouraged the 350-member audience to consider the impact the decisions they make everyday, such as whether to drive or bike, drink bottled or tap water, has on the environment.
Significant change can begin with the smallest of acts.
Biography: The education and empowerment of youth are priorities that have dominated Justin Trudeau’s professional and personal life. He holds a BA in English literature (McGill University), a Bachelor of Education (University of British Columbia), and is completing his MA in Environmental Geography at McGill.
Justin has been the chair of Katimavik, Canada’s leading national youth volunteer-service program. He continues to work to increase the engagement of Canada’s youth toward their country, communities and environment. He has also spent four years teaching children of all ages in public and private schools, in a range of subjects, which included English, French and Math.