Count Me In (movement)

Count Me In

Current Count Me In logo.
Motto Because youth are not only the future. They are the present.
Formation 2008
Type National non-profit organization and global movement, based in Canada
Headquarters Toronto, Canada
Location
  • Toronto and around the world.
Founder
 Shane Feldman
Website www.cmimovement.com

Count Me In is the largest youth-led movement in North America.[1][2] The organization, based in Toronto, Canada, promotes student volunteerism, and helps connect young people with community service opportunities matching their interests and lifestyle.[3] Count Me In has been recognized as the link between teenagers and the charitable sector. The organization's mission is to inspire community involvement, leadership, and youth-driven positive social change by integrating volunteerism into teenagers' daily routines.[4]

Background

Count Me in was started by Shane Feldman at the age of 13 in 2008. The organization was developed after Feldman experienced a difficult transition into high school. With the help of his guidance counsellor, he got involved in clubs and councils, which inspired him to help his peers do the same. He decided to plan a small school assembly to help students at his York Region public high school, Westmount Collegiate Institute, get involved in the community. By 2010, Shane's dark freshman year had turned into an uplifting national movement, known today as the "Count Me In" movement.[5]

Count Me In Conference

Count Me In is most recognized for their youth-empowerment program, "Count Me In Conference", which inspires local volunteer action.[6] The conference has been recognized by the Canadian House of Commons as the largest youth-run empowerment event in North America.[1] The annual event is organized entirely by a team of teenagers. It is designed as an intimate field trip for Canadian students in grades 7-12 to get inspired by speakers and performers. Following what media refers to as an "inspirational show", the students are then connect with local and international charities and non-profit organizations looking for student volunteers.[2]

Celebrity supporters

Count Me In has gained the support of notable celebrities including two-time nominated Gemini actress, Ashley Leggat, Emmy award winning actress, Kristin Chenoweth, Olympic athlete and world champion, Perdita Felicien, JUNO nominated singer, Victoria Duffield, Star of the Emmy Award nominated series Degrassi, Luke Bilyk, rap sensation Lil Jaxe, and Canada's Got Talent finalist, Shale Wagman.[7][7][8][9][10]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kennedy, John R. (2013-01-09). "‘Degrassi’ star Luke Bilyk to host youth empowerment event". Globalnews.ca. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Luke Bilyk on CP24 Breakfast - "Count Me In" Announcement". YouTube. 2013-04-12. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  3. ↑ "Teens urged to make a difference". Mississauga.com. 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  4. ↑ "Count Me In! - Empowering Youth To Make A Difference Through Volunteerism | THE CANADIAN". Thecanadiandaily.ca. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  5. ↑ Kennedy, John R. (2013-04-01). "Count Me In brings stars, teens and charities together - Toronto". Globalnews.ca. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  6. ↑ "CMIC 2013 Live at Noon on CTV". YouTube. 2013-04-17. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Global News | Latest & Current News - Weather, Sports & Health News". Globaltoronto.com. 2013-09-04. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  8. ↑ "The Canadian Jewish News". Cjnews.com. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  9. ↑ "Count Me In - Kristin Chenoweth". YouTube. 2013-06-01. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  10. ↑ "Count Me In Conference 2013 | The Official Website of Perdita Felicien". Perditafelicien.com. 2013-04-18. Retrieved 2013-10-16.