The youth sector, which is the largest sector in Philippine society today, is the least represented in the Coalition for a Citizen’s Constitution (C4CC). For this reason, C4CC has paid special attention to provide opportunities for the youth to better participate in its advocacy. It has initiated various activities to raise their awareness about social issues, develop personal interest in social involvement, strengthen their leadership capabilities and build partnership with fellow young Filipinos. Last June 12-13, 2010, C4CC organized the C4CC Youth Team Building and Planning Workshop in Antipolo City. Attended by 40 youth leaders coming from 14 school-based and community-based organizations, the team building activity provided sessions on developing their leadership and advocacy skills, and awakening in them important values as agents of change.
The Coalition for a Citizens’ Constitution (C4CC) is a movement composed of NGOs and NGO networks that advocates for constitutional reform particularly the strengthening of local governments. It promotes federalism as an appropriate and viable form of government for the country.
The youth sector, which is the largest sector in Philippine society today, is the least represented in the C4CC. For this reason, C4CC has paid special attention to provide opportunities for the youth to better participate in its advocacy. It has initiated various activities to raise their awareness about social issues, develop personal interest in social involvement, strengthen their leadership capabilities and build partnership with fellow young Filipinos.
One of the highlights of the movement’s activities for the youth sector was the C4CC Youth Team Building and Planning Workshop conducted last June 12-13, 2010 at Boso-boso Resort and Convention Center, Antipolo City. It was attended by 40 youth leaders coming from 14 youth groups – 4 school-based and 10 community-based organizations.
The two-day activity aimed to provide opportunities for the young leaders to interact with their fellows from other schools and organizations, draw inspiration from each other, and strengthen their leadership and interpersonal skills. It was hoped that the activity helped awaken in them important values as agents of change, as well as hone their skills in advocacy and in working with teams.
At first, most of the participants were hesitant to communicate with each other and to participate in the activities. But through a friendly environment and motivation by their facilitators, a solid team of learners was established. They learned to accept their individual weaknesses and to harness their strengths, and recognized the importance of trust and patience in building a harmonious relationship. The team-building sessions offered them opportunities to reflect on themes such as leadership, cooperation and teamwork to achieve a common goal.
The youth leaders also discussed the situation of the youth sector in our society today. They became aware of the challenges that confront the Filipino youth. They also began to understand C4CC’s advocacy for the need for constitutional reform to support federalism. These were the bases of their action plans for their respective organizations.
After the two-day activity, the participants came into a realization that there is always a fruitful beginning – beginning of new friendships, new learning, and new experiences. As a saying goes, “talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships”. This saying perfectly affirmed how this team-building activity transformed the attitudes of every participant towards a more mature and socially oriented individual. This activity hoped to be just a first step to forming effective future leaders who will bring reforms in our country. (By Marife del Mundo, C4CC Youth Coordinator).