Community, Hope, and the Power to do Good: a Message from the Big 6 Youth Organizations

Young people understand the potential of, and have the power to, do good.
As the Big 6 Youth Organizations worldwide, we know that when the compassion of youth is lit, it is young people that make a real difference, drive change, commit fully, work with passion and their leadership shines.
As young leaders of the world, you have - and will continue to have - a valuable role in the global response to and recovery from the
We recognize that during these challenging times, both as individuals and as communities, we need to take a moment to remind ourselves that it is OK not to be OK. This is a time to care for each other, but importantly to look after ourselves: our own health and our own wellbeing. This period will pass and we will come away from it stronger, a generation of responsible and resilient citizens.
Heroes are born from terms of adversity. The origins of many of the Big 6 member organizations and leaders bear testimony to this. More than ever, we need to exercise deep compassion and lofty hope. As volunteers, by your nature, you are bearers of hope and compassion, willing to make your contribution to society and affecting change through moral influence.
Volunteering is at the heart of community and is perhaps one of the most powerful ways to engage in the life of a community. Through volunteering, we create social connections and develop a sense of belonging, especially in times such as these. Connection is what sustains all of us, regardless of geography, age or gender.
Today, we join you in volunteering and lighting the world with compassion and action. Let us be our best selves in this time - a multigenerational global network of hundreds of millions - doing good together.
Six Tools for Your Community from the Big 6 Youth Organizations
World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCA)
YMCA of the USA put together a
World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
An
World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)
Join a
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
A
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
A
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
About the Big 6
Formed in 1996, the Big 6 Youth Organizations are an alliance of leading international youth-serving organizations that include: World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCA), World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. Together, the Big 6 Youth Organizations actively involve over 250 million young people and more than a billion young people during the last century.