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On October 10th, 2010, at 10 a.m., I took a positive step forward on the journey towards biodiversity. I walked as a POWER (Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources) Youth Caucus volunteer for the Halton Hills Trek to bring awareness to climate change on 10/10/10, which is a global day of action on the 10th day, 10th month and on the 10th year of the second millennium. This initiative was organized by the Sustainable Halton Hills and POWER.

Harnoor Is Volunteering As Power Youth Caucus At Gerorgetown Markeplace Mall On May 22 2011 1
Harnoor volunteering at POWER Youth Caucus

When I look back from 10/10/10 to 10/10/11, I feel proud of myself for the steps I have taken towards positive changes in biodiversity. Here are some of the actions I have taken:

On May 22, 2011, I spent the day at Georgetown Marketplace Mall celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity. It was a fun and amazing experience. I asked people to sign a petition to support valuable species and biodiversity and also to stop the Quarry from damaging the environment. I handed out baby red pine trees in little environmentally-friendly pouches because they were made out of recycled paper. I also gave children activity books which had 52 actions everyone can do to help the environment. Some of the 52 actions in that booklet included turning your lights off when you are done with them, following the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle, and turning the tap off when it’s not in use.

For those who did not want to sign the petition, I offered them buttons, calendars, and educational brochures that described Canada’s natural forests and biodiversity. I also gave out some youth caucus membership slips for those interested in joining the group and helping the environment.

Teachers were interested in the educational material designed to promote “green actions” in their schools and to discuss these actions with their “green team.” One green action was putting up little signs indicating what does and does not go in the garbage and recycling bin, which would be a tremendous action to boost one’s school’s eco level. Teachers can also have prizes to give away to classes that have the least garbage at the end of the week. These are just some types of green actions that can be done at one’s school.

I volunteer for POWER Halton and Willow Park Ecology Centre. Both groups, like most environmental groups, are always looking for volunteers to help with their organizations. You can volunteer too! It is very rewarding to know you are making a positive change and supporting the environment.  Make your community greener by joining local environmental groups and making small changes in your own life!

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I am in Grade 8 at Stewarttown middle school in Ontario with Level 4 standing participating in the Green Team, Concert band, Games Club, Focus Group and Intramurals for Sports.

Other extra-curricular activities include: Youth volunteer leader at Willow Park Ecology Centre, membership in the local Mayor's Youth Action Committee in Halton Hills, Fundraising for the Milton Regional Spelling Bee, (raising $1000) and Flight Corporal in the 820 Chris Hadfield Squadron of Milton Air Cadets. I demonstrate responsibility, maturity, teamwork, commitment and leadership in all the activities where I participate.

My interest in current affairs extends to such things as preventing the Acton quarry expansion in the Niagara Escarpment because the Niagara Escarpment is the main source for Acton. I am involved with, P.O.W.E.R (Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources) which petitions against it gathering 100 signatures. Authorities haven't made a decision yet, and P.O.W.E.R is trying to stop this from happening.

Recent awards include the 2011 Youth Recognition Award from Halton Hills Mayor's Youth Action Committee; 2011 Halton Regional Chair's Environmental Award; 2011 Milton Regional Spelling Bee of Canada Intermediate Championship; Public Awareness Award with Certificate of Appreciation from the Children's Aid Society and the Certificate of Recognition for the 2011 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award (OCNA) among 107 volunteers by the Georgetown Independent and Free Press.

Read Harnoor's post on the Inspire Me Today blog.

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Wow what an inspiration you are Harnoor!
    I hope lots of kids read this and ask for training in how to contribute their time as volunteer!
    Thanks for sharing with us.

    Peace,
    Madie

  2. Harnoor: It is children like you that gives adults like me a warm comfortable feeling that this planet is going to be in good hands in the future. Continue on your journey and along the way keep inspiring your peers to do the same and in the process may be show us adults the connection to this earth and looking after her is so important.

    We do focus on the future and children are exactly that. Keep up the great work. Good job on the link.

    I am looking forward to drumming and singing with you soon.

    Anthony

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