Arab Youth: Definition and impact [Archives:2007/1055/Community]
Ahmed Hezam Al-Yemeni
[email protected]
No doubt that 9/11 has turned the whole world up side down; creating new socio-political interactions and an unknown frontline – leaving the Arab and the Islamic World wondering and questioning their basic values and goals. Thus, the Arab youth activists and workers as one of the main component of their societies and communities found themselves standing in front of a tempest. A huge earthquake hit the towns of their minds questioning their paths and approaches that “signify nothing”. They started redefining themselves and their role. They started to reread world history in their words and passion.
The concerned Arab youth rediscover that in order to play an active positive role within their surroundings they have to implement and think seriously of Community Youth Development.
The youth, who enjoy that glorious era of their lives; of marching, acting, creating, participating, and involving rapidly and positively, are those who are absent from the scene as key players. They aren't those who are between 15 and 35 as some may be more or less being very energetic and giving; full of spirit, visions, and innovativeness.
Community Youth Development is about individuals who found common interests and grounds among themselves to formulate a unity of/for hopes and positive development. They are equipped, before any thing else with that eagerness to serve to help and to work voluntarily and voluntary in favor of their society.
They are creative walking angels, who know only the joy of sadness, the limitless endings and “the second coming”. They might have some skills in public relations, focus group work, campaigning, and/or management tc. But they may as well have no distinctive skills at all except those sharp eyes, white heart, and promising attitude of those clean minds of understanding the other being as responsive as possible.
Such groups may be interested in cultural projects, arts touches, music tones, political impact and changes, economic prosperity, and/or tangible development…etc. but they are all sharing that day of better future that yet to come.
They may start networking with other similar groups close and around them, coordinating and supporting each other. But in order for them all to change and exchange reaching the best outcome and concrete results the leadership has to be there. There must be first(s) among equals. A he or she or a he and she to lead, to guide, to enlighten, to instruct, to conclude, to chair, and to initiate.
Yet, their example of a great act of leadership may come out of no leader at all. A small heroic student in school, a handicapped champion, a fireman responding to a scream of help or an anti-terrorism racisms or Semitism is the page they have to read. Their example is that moment of creativeness and invention. Their example is the successful story of a small blind girl. Their motivation is world leaders and elites who make peace for better life for their generation and generations to come.
Youth involved in all sorts of fields and at all levels have to direct their march for the widest audience and the longest sustainable positive social impact. So, either they work in development or economics or whatsoever they do recognize that shortest way for tomorrow is the sociopolitical field. Their demands, their achievements, their social services have all to be shaped in forms/norms of rights and duties. They know that the call for democracy and human rights in terms of theories and practices has to be screamed and responded to.
The search for ideologies and laws in terms of leftism and justice within and under the bigger umbrella of liberal democracy is the road for tomorrow, for youth positive participation and distinctive leadership, and for a wider Community Youth Development – so help us Lord.
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