Purpose of the Activity: The Activity was meant for a workshop that was being facilitated by YouthCaN (YC) students. The participants of the workshop are either new to YC or have never known of, and want to find out about it.

Overview of the Activity: This activity incorporates the idea that interactive workshops are more fun and educational than lecture –style workshops, and will get the participants talking and active. This will keep the participants engaged, which will help them understand the basic purpose and functionality of YC.

Dividing the audience into smaller groups symbolizes the community groups that participate in YC. They are essentially isolated until they meet online and when the YC Conference brings them together. There they share ideas and experiences, which they may use in their own efforts.

Prelude to the Activity: Explain the activity, and the requirements. Here is a sample explanation:

"Okay everyone. We are now going to make this a bit more fun by giving you an activity. This activity is collaborative, so please on my mark divide yourselves into X to Y people per group. Start off by choosing a leader for the group. This person should make things go smoothly, and make sure that no one is talking for too long.

First you will each take a turn describing an environmental issue in your community. Second you must, as a group, choose ONE of the issues. Third, collaborate and speak about how, as a small group, you can solve the issue, or at least make it better. Fourth prepare it for presenting to the entire audience (not just your group, but all the groups). Fifth, choose one or two people to present your dilemma and solution. Sixth, support the presenters by applauding. This is not a debate."

• After giving them a general introduction, have them divide themselves into X to Y people groups. The X and Y amount should be calculated, depending on the amount of participants, the amount of space the groups will have to sit/stand and work with and any other considerations. Tell them to choose their leader.
• Then, tell them the First step: Take turns briefly describing each individual's community issues among themselves. Take this time to go around the groups and clarify any questions, and make sure they are moving along at a good pace.
• Calculate how much time each step 'should' take. Occasionally interrupt by just saying "you should now be up-to this part".
• The Second step of the activity is to choose an issue that was just discussed in the 'go-around'. This could be done by having the group members vote.
• The Third step is to brainstorm some solutions to solve the issue. And as a group come to a conclusive solution.-The Fourth step is to choose one or two representatives from the group to present the environmental issue and solution to the rest of the groups when called for by the facilitators (you).
• Warn them that they have Z amount of minutes left. Count down the minutes. Then, get their attention and bring them back into 'workshop mode'. You could do this by asking "so how did it go?" they might laugh in response--that's a good thing.
• Then ask for some groups to volunteer their representatives to present their work and discuss it with the rest of the groups.

Wrapping-up the Activity: Once the selected groups have presented, make sure you thank them for their work. Consider this a Microcosm of YouthCaN, because that is what we do. Groups from all over the world do their own thing trying to make a difference to help the World. YouthCaN brings them together to share their experiences and inspire others. This activity symbolizes what YouthCaN is. You could point this out.