YLOYR's Youth Network

Charlie Kirk: Shaping Youth Politics in America By: Nina Xu Early Life and Background Charlie Kirk is an American political activist born in 1993 in Illinois, USA. He was interested in politics since he was young and decided to pursue activism instead of attending a traditional college. In 2012, he founded Turning Point USA, an organization designed to promote conservative values and ideas among high school and college students. Through this position, he quickly became a recognizable voice for young conservatives in the United States. Work and Achievement  As the founder and leader of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk hosted campus events, leadership conferences, and campaigns that challenged what he described as liberal dominance in education. He became a public speaker, author, and media personality, using television, podcasts, and social media to spread his message across the nation. By building a large following on various platforms, Charlie Kirk gave young converservaties a platform to express their beliefs and to participate more actively in political dicussions. Impact and Legacy Charlie Kirk’s impact and legacy lie in his ability to engage a new generation in politics. Supporters see him as a trailblazer who gave young conservatives a sense of community and influence. Critics argue that his style of activism often deepened political divisions. Regardless of perspective, his work shows how youth-led movements can shape national debates. His legacy highlights the power of grassroots organizing and the lasting influence of student voices in American politics. The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza By: Tanvi Tigulla Gaza is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent terms. Much of the buildings, including homes, hospitals, and water systems, have been destroyed by the ongoing bombings. Nearly 2.1 million people are experiencing extreme hunger daily, and much of the population includes malnourished children and pregnant women. The hospitals that were left are now closing due to the shortage of necessities, including supplies, fuel, and staff. This outrageous lack of healthcare is leaving thousands without access to medical care, especially during these rough times. The Israeli blockade has severely limited food, medicine, and fuel to go into Gaza. The suffering population has not only been continuously attacked with airstrikes, but also has been struggling with malnourishment. Most recently, Gaza has had the unfortunate spotlight from military operations, further increasing the risk of their lives there. Current Aid Efforts Despite the challenges, international aid organizations are working to provide and support the people of Gaza. The World Food Program, UNICEF, and the International Rescue Committee are currently providing food, water, medical care, and child protection services. Since May 2025, more than 1,800 aid trucks have entered Gaza. But, this is not enough to cover for the destruction made, in fact there should not be a need to cover for Israel's attacks, and organizations should continue to implement plans to help Gaza far more than they are doing so now. Some Western nations have offered to treat patients from Gaza in hospitals in the West Bank and other locations so that at least the hospitals will be in safe spaces to be treated.  Additionally, the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of aid ships, is attempting to deliver supplies by sea from countries like Italy and Spain. UNRWA and other local agencies continue to provide emergency assistance under extremely dangerous conditions, which is always their environment in Gaza. What Gaza Needs Most The people of Gaza urgently need definite and immediate humanitarian access. This includes allowing food, medicine, and fuel to enter the territory without any obstacles and interruptions. A ceasefire that is made to be sustainable, as this is essential for the people so they can be protected and so that aid workers can deliver safely. Restoring basic services such as electricity, water, and sewage systems is immensely important to put a stop to more suffering and diseases. Medical supplies are desperately needed, particularly for malnourished children, those with significant injuries, and pregnant women. It is so important for these people to get the help they deserve as they are humans too and haven't done wrongdoings. Along with the people that need medical attention, there are also mothers in Gaza that cannot breast feed their own babies, because of how malnourished they are. Beyond physical needs, many children and families also require psychosocial support in order to come back from the trauma of the conflict. The Truth About Truth and Reconciliation Day By: Rachel Chung Every September 30, Canada reflects upon one of its greatest sins: the brutal genocide of Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit. In stark contrast to the friendly, accepting image Canadians are associated with, the horrific treatment Indigenous peoples experienced at the hands of the Canadian government are a reminder that appearances can be deceiving.  Children’s dining room, Indian Residential School, Edmonton, Alberta. Between 1925-1936. United Church Archives, Toronto, From Mission to Partnership Collection.  Many are tempted to dismiss the horrors of residential schools as a relic of the past. The truth is, the last residential school closed less than 30 years ago in 1996. The impacts of residential schools have affected thousands of Indigenous families. After undergoing prolonged abuse and so-called education to assimilate into a predominantly European Canadian society, many Indigenous children found themselves unable to speak their language or partake in social and religious customs. Many children died at residential schools, but even those who survived were doomed to live the rest of their lives without a crucial part of their identity.  This September, we wear orange shirts to commemorate the tragedies that occurred within the walls of residential school and the years of mistreatment Indigenous peoples endured at the hands of Canadian settlers. This September, we wear orange shirts to demonstrate our commitment to supporting and acknowledging the vibrant stories and histories of Indigenous peoples, which we once so cruelly suppressed. This September, we wear orange shirts to represent and celebrate the strength and resilience of Canada’s Indigenous population. 

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was created not just to remember the trans people who have lost their lives to discrimination, but to celebrate those who are still here—living, thriving, and being unapologetically themselves. It was started by trans advocate Rachel Crandall 16 years ago, and every March 31st since, people around the world have joined in to honor and uplift transgender voices. Even in 2021, President Joe Biden issued a formal proclamation recognizing the day. That kind of recognition matters. But while we’ve made progress, we’re also seeing some serious pushback. This year, Utah became the first state to ban pride flags—like the trans flag—from being flown at schools and government buildings unless they get special permission from the Republican governor. Starting in May, any government building that flies a non-approved flag can be fined $500 a day. Idaho is trying to follow in Utah’s footsteps, and lawmakers in Florida are also pushing bills to ban pride flags from public spaces. It’s frustrating and honestly ridiculous. A pride flag isn’t a political statement—it’s a symbol of identity, of love, of community. Gender identity isn’t about politics, it’s about who people are. In response, hundreds of people in Utah came together and carried a 200-foot trans flag right outside the state capital. It’s moments like this that remind us we’re not going backwards without a fight. I feel really lucky to be growing up in a generation where celebrities and creators actually use their platforms to stand up for what’s right. Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and so many others speak up loudly in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Even shows for kids are starting to feature characters with all kinds of gender identities. When you grow up seeing people like you on screen, it changes how you see yourself. It tells you you’re not alone. It tells you you matter.  The media is such a powerful tool. It has the ability to shape how entire generations think. That’s why authentic representation is so important. It pushes back against the stereotypes and hate that previous generations have been so conditioned to reinforce. It helps build empathy, and it shows the world that being different isn’t something to hide—it’s something to celebrate.  And it’s not just about being “seen.” Visibility is great, but it has to come with support and protection too. What’s the point of being visible if it means being targeted? When lawmakers ban pride flags or try to erase queer identities from schools, it doesn’t make the community disappear—it just makes people feel less safe. Less accepted. Less human. That’s why TDOV is so important. It’s not just a hashtag or a one-day event. It’s a reminder that trans people exist, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as anyone else. It’s about saying: “We see you. We celebrate you. And we’ll keep showing up for you.” So, let’s keep showing up. Let’s support trans creators, speak up when we hear hate, and keep pushing for policies that protect—not punish—queer people. Let’s keep carrying those giant flags and making noise. Because everyone deserves to live without fear, and with so much pride.

What is Black History Month?  Black History Month is all about celebrating and acknowledging the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians throughout history and in the present. Every February, countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland, dedicate the month to spreading awareness and applause for the important roles Black individuals and groups have played in shaping the past, present, and future. It is also a time for Black individuals to share their stories and visions and voices.  How it all started… Black History Month began in Canada with the creation of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) in 1978. Their founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, prepared a petition. The petition was presented to The City of Toronto and asked to have February officially declared as Black History Month. In 1979, The City of Toronto consented.  In 1993, another petition by the OBHS meant that Black History Month was observed across Ontario. Rosemary Sadlier, the president of the OBHS then proposed that Black History Month be recognized across Canada. The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, loved Sadlier’s idea and introduced a motion to the House of Commons in December 1995, which stated that Black History Month would be celebrated every February, across all of Canada.  Finally, in February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. The adoption of this motion cemented Parliament's position on Black History Month.  How Can I Celebrate?  This February, celebrate the stories and lives of Black Canadians by  • Learning more about Black Canadians and their stories by visiting the Government of Canada’s website  • Visiting The Toronto Black Film Festival  • Participating in Black History Month activities at the Toronto Public Library  • Visiting the Hart House  • Reading about Black Canadians in the Canadian Encyclopedia collection and Library and Archives Canada database  It is of utmost importance that we amplify the voices of Black Canadians for more than just a month. The crucial roles Black Canadians played in the history of Canada, play in the present, and will play in the future have been unacknowledged for far too long. So this February, let’s make every day count by highlighting the impacts Black Canadians have upon Canada.  Written by Rachel Chung