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2011 James & Eunice Doty PTPI/Congressional Award Scholarship Winners

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
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PTPI offers young people the opportunity to apply for several scholarships each year, either for participation in PTPI programs or in support of study at a college or university. We are pleased to announce the 2011 winners of our James & Eunice Doty PTPI/Congressional Award Scholarship.

The following students were awarded full tuition for participation in PTPI’s Global Youth Forum, an annual conference for young leaders. The scholarship includes all program fees and airfare. See the PTPI website for more details on the scholarship and information on how to apply. Both of these students earned the Congressional Award in 2011.

Zach Oliver

- high school sophomore, member of the soccer team, the student council, the STEM scholars program, and the Model UN program

- has earned the Eagle Scout award from Boy Scouts of America, and the Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award certificates

- was inspired by the community service he participated in through Boy Scouts to pursue  the Congressional Award and increase his level of service, while at the same time increasing his personal growth and development.

“I would like to better understand all the people that I live with and help try to change their lives. By coexisting and helping the people I interact with, I hope to be a mentor to someone who will do the same, and I will have made a small but large impact on our earth.”

Karsyn Robb

- high school junior (planning to graduate one year early), musician with more than 200 songs written, composed, and performed publicly; All-American Scholar, past People to People Student Ambassador to Australia, State Finalist in the Utah National American Miss competition

- has earned the Congressional Award Bronze Medal, along with the Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates

- enjoys the opportunity to help her community through the Congressional Award program, and feels it has helped her grow as a member of society

“I believe even the smallest efforts to help others can make a huge difference in your community and ultimately the world. I have had the privilege to get to know many different people from all sorts of backgrounds and what I have found is that we all have a common desire to lend a helping hand to each other when we are in need of one. What I would hope to gain from my experience at PTPI’s Global Youth Forum is meeting other students who have the same passion for helping others as I do and create friendships that we will keep.”

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

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Global Youth Forum 2011: Reflection on Being a Leader of Today

Thursday, November 10th, 2011
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On the opening night of the 2011 Global Youth Forum (GYF) in Kansas City, Missouri USA, PTPI Board Member Micah Kubic spoke to the delegates about how they are not the leaders of tomorrow – they are the leaders of today. He also emphasized that we all must work together to make our dream of Peace through Understanding a reality. One person cannot do it alone. We asked one of our GYF delegates to tell us how they are going to be a leader of today:

(View more photos from the GYF on PTPI’s Facebook Page)

Micah Kubic speaks to delegates at the 2011 GYF

First of all, we’re going to have to talk about what being a leader even means. As said today in the speeches I’ve heard so far at the GYF, being a leader doesn’t just mean bossing people around or being in charge. It means taking charge. Or at least that’s what it means to me. And what does taking charge mean? To me, it means sticking out, standing up, and speaking out at times where some would be too scared to lift a finger to the issue. Somewhere between peer pressure, confusing politics, and the personal values and beliefs of individual people, it can be hard to take charge, to be a leader, to do the right thing. But if I don’t, who will? To me, a true leader will do what needs to be done instead of putting trust into the hands of strangers without knowing for sure those hands are there.

So, how am I going to be a leader of today? First of all, I will not only be true to myself, I will be true to the people around me. In my lifetime I’ve seen that the best and most admirable accomplishments have been made through honesty. Which isn’t always easy to do…but that makes it that much more honorable. I will stick to my beliefs: that two wrongs don’t make a right; that hate is easy and love takes courage; that love can fix many of the world’s afflictions. Also, I will not be so set in my ways that I cannot take in new viewpoints as well. I will not only listen, but become a better listener as time goes on. I will not only speak out but become a better speaker. I will not become fearless but will learn to step forward in spite of fear. Instead of pointing out the elephant in the room, I will invite her to coffee with the rest of my friends. What isn’t talked about needs to be talked about. When volunteers are needed, I will volunteer.

The best leaders know how and when to follow other leaders, and keep an open mind and open heart. I will learn new things, befriend new people, I will not turn my back to the different, weird, bizarre or fascinating. I will admit when I am wrong. I will forgive those who do wrong, but not to the point of being used. I will be an example to those around me – an example of will, acceptance, understanding and friendship. I will understand that much of what I have written is easier said than done but will make the effort anyway.

-Adrian, Longview, Texas USA

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

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Bringing the World Together at the Global Youth Forum

Friday, July 1st, 2011
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Ask a student who has attended a Global Youth Forum (GYF) in the past about an aspect they most enjoyed and many will mention the International Student Panel (ISP).  Students who serve on the ISP come from all parts of the world. If you are interested in being a part of the ISP, contact Sarah Houston at youthdirector@ptpi.org.

A special session during the GYF gives all of the delegates the chance to hear about daily life in other countries, to hear unique insights on world events, to ask questions, and to gain a better understanding of the similarities that tie all of us together, regardless of nationality.

Full and partial-tuition scholarships for the Global Youth Forum are available. Applicants should submit their applications no later than July 5, 2011.

Saiyuri Pillay of South Africa served on the ISP at the 2009 GYF in Washington, DC. Read about her experience:

Saiyuri with Mary Jean Eisenhower at PTPI's 2009 Global Youth Forum

GYF 2009 was the best experience of my life. I made so many new family members that it broke my heart to leave them, but it’s thanks to PTPI that I met them in the first place!

PTPI and GYF changed me as a person – for the better. In November, in Washington, I learnt the value of humanity, of diverse human culture, and I learnt that despite our different countries and our different continents, all the inhabitants of our earth are in essence the same – we’re all human, and we need to treat each other as such. I came to GYF with preconceived notions about certain countries and the types of people that lived there – and I left with my heart full of love and understanding about the depths of humanity and the similarities we all share. I’ve learnt that physical language is a tiny barrier – the human language is universal.

I learnt a tremendous amount about the value of appreciating each individual for who they are. The people I met at GYF all had similar stories to share – GYF is the one place that youth with a common vision to spread Peace through Understanding throughout the world. It’s where we can meet, relate, develop, love and care. GYF is so much more than just a conference for youth – it’s a life-changing, perspective-altering, mind-blowing gathering of amazing people that are out to change the world.

After just five days with the amazing GYF leaders and staff, and the fabulous and enthusiastic GYFers, I knew my life would never be the same again. Thanks to PTPI, I’ve developed a passion for humanity. I remember thinking on the last day, as I had to say goodbye to the new members of my heart, amidst tears, sobs and desperate last hugs, that this was an experience that left me speechless. GYF is an amazing opportunity that I would encourage any young person to go on – and I can guarantee that they will not return home the same person.
-Saiyuri Pillay

You can contribute to the development of empowered, global-thinking future leaders by financially supporting the Global Youth Forum. Your donation will allow more students to attend this important conference. Your donation is an investment in the future. Donate today at www.ptpi.org. Please note that your donation is for the GYF.

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

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