When it comes to inspiring youth activism, Dr. Jane Goodall says the secret is getting to somebody’s heart. This path is found not through statistics, but through stories.
The 75-year-old anthropologist and U.N. Messenger of Peace has had plenty of experiences that prove young people can make a difference. In an interview Wednesday, Goodall gave as an example the actions of one girl in a rural U.S. community that led to the creation of a no-kill shelter for stray dogs.
“People actually do listen to kids,” she said. “Very often, it’s one child with a passion that starts a whole movement.”
Goodall was to be honored Wednesday night at the University of Denver for her work helping youth realize social change. She received the annual Citizens of the World Award from Global Explorers, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Collins.
Last year’s winner was Erik Weihenmayer, a blind climber who works with the Global Explorers programs for both blind and sighted children.
Earlier in the day, Goodall also attended the Citizens of the World Youth Service Event at the Colorado Academy. Students of all ages were honored for leading projects to make a positive impact both locally and globally.
The Ponderosa High School PeaceJam Club won the youth service award for their efforts in sustainability that reduced the school’s trash by 70 percent. They also developed an energy management program with the Douglas County School District that cut total energy use by nearly 14 percent.
“Children represent our best opportunity for the future,” said David Shurna, executive director for Global Explorers. “The minute you have kids take an action … it gives them a tremendous amount of hope and inspires them to do more.”
Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program is another group that brings together active youth to show the combined effect of small actions. This keeps kids from thinking about issues on too much of a global scale, which Goodall said can make them feel hopeless.
Children must also have supportive parents who encourage them to take action, Goodall said. The overall goal is to create a youth culture that understands life is more than just about making money.
“It seems to me we’ve lost wisdom. We’re thinking short term in a materialistic way,” she said. “This materialistic lifestyle is not actually what people want. Not really. Not deep down.”
George Plaven: 303-954-1638 or gplaven@denverpost.com
