Breanne is 22 years old. She recently completed her Bachelor's degree in Human Rights at the University of Winnipeg. This September, she will be studying law at McGill University. Breanne is a member of Plan International Canada's Youth Advisory Council and the first Canadian to ever sit on Plan International's Global Youth Advisory Panel. 

When I was younger— and I say that almost facetiously as if 22 isn’t young— I wanted to change the world. I didn’t exactly know what my game plan was going to be, but I knew that I wanted to make a substantive difference in the lives of people. I have always loved writing and I thought that, if I was good enough, maybe I could write something that would change the world. Like George Orwell, Simone de Beauvoir, or even JK Rowling. However, as I transitioned from a teenager to a young adult, I realized that the world is more complex than I had originally thought. I realized that writing can change ideas, but without action, ideas alone can’t change the world. The social, political, economic, and cultural diversities that simultaneously perplex and enhance humanity are all necessary factors to consider when we talk about changing the world. For better or worse, our world has become increasingly complex. Now more than ever, taking action requires boldness.

Changing the world isn't complicated

As a member of the Plan International Global Youth Advisory Panel, I recently attended Plan International’s Global Leadership Conference – a conference that brings together leaders from all of Plan International's offices around the world, as well as youth advocates. Through panel discussions, workshops and working groups, I experienced exactly how complex changing the world actually is. Plan International’s global Chief Executive Officer, Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, made a great statement that really resonated with me. She said: “Development is not complicated, it’s complex.” There is so much truth in that.

Changing the world isn’t complicated, it’s complex

When something's complicated, it usually means it's confusing or lacks clarity. On the other hand, when something's complex, it's not necessarily unclear – it often means there's more to consider; many layers or factors; much more than meets the eye. We know what humans need to lead a life of dignity, and for the most part, we can identify the challenges that can impede the development process. Yet, changing the world is complex because people are complex. Whether from a developing or developed country, people are more than their needs, and they are certainly more than the barriers, problems, or oppression they face. 

Engage youth, embrace complexities

At the Global Leadership Conference, I noticed how the complexities of people influenced discussions and meetings between Plan International’s staff – at times, causing some confusion and impacting decision-making. Interestingly, I didn’t notice this in the meetings between the members of the Global Youth Advisory Panel.

"Young people can play a valuable role in teaching the important lesson of minimizing life’s complications and embracing complexities."

Perhaps it’s because as young people, we weren’t discussing budgeting or finances. Alternatively, perhaps it’s because as young people we don’t yet have an overcomplicated view of our lives, development or the world. For this reason, I think young people can play a valuable role in teaching the important lesson of minimizing life’s complications and embracing complexities. I’ve learned that changing the world can’t be reduced to a combination of words and sentences. Changing the world requires action. However, it doesn’t need to be a grandiose feat. Changing the world can be as simple as leaving an encouraging note for your neighbour, picking up litter in your community, or taking the time to listen to a friend. The ripple effect of a small action can make a big difference. Go say hello to a stranger and change the world— it’s not complicated. Featured photo credit: Sweetie187 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 

You can change the world!

Each of us can play a role in changing the world, and creating a future we can all be proud of. To help you find a global justice cause that matters to you, we created a fun quiz that’ll get you ready to champion change.