My passion for youth development and my disgust at youth advocacy goes hand in hand and here is why. Over the last two weeks, there has been a number of revelations, launches and uncovering of ‘youth advocate’ groups that were hidden so well that not even Sherlock Holmes or our beloved Former Snr Supt Renato Adams could find them. Tucked away behind God’s back were these advocates … advocating. Advocating on our behalf for a government minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange to get the boot for the neglect of her portfolio responsibilities with concern to the youth population.
All that advocacy aside, it boils down to the real issue. You cannot be an undercover advocate in a country where, the last time i checked, more than half the population were young people. A louder voice and more action is needed to stir the pot and light the candle that will provide light for us to write policies and find the powers that be and demand more of them. There is no two ways about. It’s either you advocate or you shut up and give space to the people who are really passionate. Passion cannot be turned off as i recently found out, thanks to my co-worker.
Here is how it work, advocacy is seeking to bring to the forefront issues that will stimulate people, and in turn, drive them to action. With or without the public attention and fanfare there MUST be an avenue for young people to develop ideas and initiatives (think Facebook and Twitter) that will turn heads and will eventually get the nods of approval from the media and the elderly.
Interesting also, is that after much bru ha ha and calls for the minister to get the boot it took one closed-door meeting with the minister’s appointee for those chants to disappear quicker than how Kartel sells the cake soap idea. So much for the grand plan to press the point home and be a martyr for the cause. I guess, after all, we are still young and politics and politicians run the likkle island so we have to secure the succession of that overpaid public office.
To my fellow youth, and by definition or not, Advocates, I say press the point home in whatever direction you see fit. Be it your tails between your legs or with the showing of those white, chalky enamels. Just keep in mind that with the showing of the white, chalky enamels a little foaming at the mouth won’t hurt.
Advocate, advocate, ADVOCATE
Here are the stories:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110123/lead/lead1.html
http://ruthibelle.blogspot.com/
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=25987
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