Youth Leadership – Gagan Ganger & Nikki Brar

Living in a society that focuses heavily on mainstream culture, we begin to see ourselves conform to what is expected of us. In today’s world, we see the power leadership has and youth are no exception to that. The message is being carried through to young minds that nothing is impossible and there is no age limit to making change. Gagan Ganger and Nikki Brar, members of Oliver’s Youth Care group, are amongst the many young minds that hold a strong belief in being the change.

Both Gagan and Nikki have been members of youth cares, a local group for youth volunteerism, since grade 5. “ I wanted to be apart of something, At that age ( grade 5 ) there is nothing that allows you to feel apart of something,” says Gagan. Both agreed that they wanted to make a difference in our community and furthermore our world and youth cares was an avenue to doing so. Youth Cares was created in 2007 and in their first year, they had received the Spirit of Oliver group award and the following year completed their efforts to fundraise $8,500 to help build a school in a third world country through Free the Children Charity. Some of the groups highlights for 2011 have been volunteering at the triathlons put on by Outback events, their annual move a ton, and taking part in Free the Children’s Vow of Silence.

These young leaders have found that leadership is a quality that consists of hard work and dedication. Being leaders of Youth Cares, along with Navneet Mann, for the last 2 years has opened up their eyes to an entire different level of leadership. “ When you’re a member you don’t realize how much effort goes into planning, organizing and the responsibility that comes along with everything,” explains Gagan. Nikki adds that “ being a leader and a member are somewhat similar, your still improving and learning each and every day just as every member is.” Both believe that they want to empower every member in Youth Cares to do their best, they do not want to delegate but rather want development and collaboration. “ If we did all the work, it’s nothing but fun for them( the members), but we want them to develop their own opinions and have fun,” states Nikki. Both girls have a quality of leadership that is extremely unique.

The question of time management comes into mind when considering Gagan is in grade 9, and Nikki in grade 10. Both are active in sports ranging from soccer, field hockey, and basketball; candidates for the 2011 ambassador program, which demands 5 hours a week plus community events; academic students with honour roll marks; and volunteer with coaching soccer weekly. Youth Cares is clearly a priority to both Gagan and Nikki. Gagan stated that she took her time when deciding if she wanted to take on the leadership role,“ I knew what I was getting into and I determined this is what I wanted to do.”

When I look at these two amazing individuals I see two humanitarians in the making. Their personal drive to be apart of Youth Cares and everything else they do that gives back to our community, nation, or international family, comes directly from their hearts. Smiles and kind people are outputs they want to see from their volunteer work and continue to make that one of their goals. If you see Gagan and Nikki around the community, take a minute to introduce yourselves and have a chat with them- I can promise you will be touched and moved by the determination, motivation, and kind hearts.

article and pictures by Nav Gill

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