Ever wondered how to take action? Perhaps you are not sure if you as an individual can actually promote change?
Chris Varney, 20, is the State Chair of World Visions Youth Movement, Vision Generation. He is indeed, a man of talent, wit and compassion. He is currently studying Arts/ Law at University and has been heavily involved in Vision Generation and World Vision for the last 4 years.
Below is his inspiring interview, conducted by ActNow Incubator 5 member, Jen Oswin.
What issues are you passionate about?
Sit down with a mug of hot chocolate to read this, because I am passionate about a lot of things. Where do I start? Young people's journeys. Global citizenship. Advocacy. Equal opportunity. These are the things that give me energy and what I rant about all the time. I am passionate about seeing youth participation invested in, not avoided; for global citizenship to be promoted, not isolated; for advocates to be developed, not undermined and for equal opportunity to be our unifying goal, not a rarity. Being a young person and working for and with young people to bring these visions about is addictive. I am hooked!
Why did you get involved in this vgen?
At the time that I got involved in World Vision's Vision Generation (VGen), I was involved in several different community organisations, but decided to focus on VGen because it was the most fulfilling for me, and it had and continues to have, enormous potential. I have been very fortunate with my opportunities in Vision Generation. I was the 2004 World Vision Youth Ambassador, travelling to Tanzania as an Australian youth representative. Currently I am very lucky to be VGen's State Director where I work with young people to generate advocacy and fundraising initiatives.
How have you taken action on this issue?
There are so many ways to act against poverty. I like to think that I empower young people to think global and act local, listen to their passions and work with them to equip young campaigners with tangible action points. Another action that's easy, and yet effective is to make yourself a part of the change. Looking at how you live your lifestyle, what you waste, consume, recycle, etc. I am working more on practicing what I preach...living in a family of six means there's a lot of negotiation involved!
How did you feel when you were taking this action?
Sense of fulfilment. I guess I love undertaking challenges...it's what I thrive on! Not so much physical challenges - have never been very athletic except for walking and tennis, lol. But conceptual, organisational and social challenges. I like biting off more than I can chew and then eating it a day at a time.
How did you feel after you completed the action?
Another challenge with poverty reduction is measuring effectiveness. I can say that actions I've made against poverty in a personal and professional sense have been rewarding and empowering, but in a broad sense the 'action' is as Jeffrey Sachs entitled his novel - "The End of Poverty." I just hope I live to see its end, then I'll know how I will feel. I guess I'll feel pretty good.
Do you think your role is making a difference?
Yes. Everyone should envy my life - the inspiration I feel from the people around me in World Vision is daily. I am a part of an amazing team of campaigners that put everything in perspective. I just hope I'm giving back to these people what I take. I have that common feeling, "they're just saying that to be nice!" But nice, yet untrue comments still give the ego a boost hey!
What have been some of the barriers to taking action on this issue?
Self- doubt. I think we all feel this to some extent, perhaps even weekly. Questions to ourselves like, "But I can't do this", "why should they listen to me?", "what do I have to offer?" are natural. We just have to look at what we're doing and how our example can influence others to feel renewed in our abilities and self-confidence. Once you develop a vision for yourself and others, I think you're unstoppable - you realise the only thing stopping you is yourself.
You are a role model to many people, who are your role models??
Again, I could write for ages. Young people with the will to act. VGen members. My grandparents and parents. My mentor Paul, my godmother Julie and my teacher Christine.
