Count Me In (movement)

Count Me In is the largest youth-led movement in North America.^[1][2] The organization, based in Toronto, Ontario, 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]

Count Me In Leadership Summit

The Count Me In Leadership Summit is a 4-day program. They welcome youth delegates who represent a diverse mix of leadership styles and backgrounds. Following the summit, all participants receive a certificate of completion and join the alumni family. The Count Me In Leadership Summit provides delegates with the opportunity to learn from expert facilitators and keynote speakers, and explore their individuality through interactive panels, breakout sessions, and team-building activities. Over the course of four days, delegates gain new perspectives on the world around them, so they can take their potential to the next level and accomplish meaningful things.^[7]

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 and Melinda Shankar, rap sensation Lil Jaxe, and Canada's Got Talent finalist, Shale Wagman,^{[8][8][9][10][11]} Founder of Raise Your Rag, Ryan Porter. Author of “The Ultimate Guide to Teen Life”, Yahya Bakka, Pop sensation, Megan Nicole, upcoming global pop star, Francesco Yates, Youtube sensation, Hunter March.

References