here - Girls Action Foundation
here - Girls Action Foundation
here - Girls Action Foundation
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vervegirl<br />
http://www.vervegirl.com/ent=/contentManager/onStory_prin...<br />
Which girl SPARKS your interest<br />
04-04-2011<br />
Severn-Cullis Suzuki tells us about her role as an activist<br />
By Vanessa Dullabh<br />
<strong>Girls</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> is a national organization that builds girlsʼ and young womenʼs skills, and confidence to<br />
inspire action to change the world through their ideas. <strong>Girls</strong> <strong>Action</strong> reaches over 60,000 girls and young women and<br />
includes rural, marginalized and urban communities, including those in the North.<br />
March 8, marked the 100th anniversary of International Womenʼs Day. In light of this, the <strong>Girls</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong><br />
launched the LIGHT A SPARK national campaign which works towards harnessing the power of women who have<br />
accomplished their dreams and want to make a difference for the next generation of girls!<br />
Vervegirl caught up with Severn Cullis-Suzuki, environmentalist activist and daughter of David Suzuki. Severn has<br />
spoken around the world about environmental issues, urging people to focus on the future generations and be<br />
responsible. Vervegirl chat with Severn about her initiatives as a mentor for the <strong>Girls</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong>:<br />
Vervegirl: Why is International Womenʼs Day so important to commemorate each year<br />
Severn-Cullis Suzuki: As a woman, I know we all need support and to be role models for others. This day is a<br />
reminder of solidarity between us. We also have to remember the women that have paved the way for our present<br />
and future.<br />
VG: Which woman in your life is your SPARK<br />
SCS: It has to be all the women in my family, but if I had to choose I would say my Mom (Tara Cullis). She has lived<br />
through the feminist era, and we have to thank women like her. I also admire my aunt (Aiko Suzuki) who passed<br />
from breast cancer. She was an artist and well-known within the art community. These women are warriors and<br />
have always been t<strong>here</strong> to support me.<br />
VG: In your opinion, what makes a SPARK<br />
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vervegirl<br />
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SCS: To me, a SPARK is someone original, but can also be a role model.<br />
VG: How has your past influenced you as a woman<br />
SCS: I started as a young environmental activist and spoke with the UN about the importance of these issues. This<br />
point in my life truly showed the world how powerful the youth can be. Everyone wants to make a difference, and I<br />
feel my activism has helped me project this to future generations. This generation has the most at stake, and we<br />
need to have justice for the youth. I have also supported marginalized communities through grassroots<br />
organizations. Each of these experiences has helped me become the woman I am today.<br />
VG: How are you involved with the Day of <strong>Action</strong> campaign<br />
SCS: I have been able to reach out to high schools and talk about social justice. At one high school, I realized how<br />
amazing the youth is because a drama teacher had inspired her students to do a spoken-word performance on<br />
social issues. These girls were so young and they had touched my heart. They are amazing activists, and it makes<br />
me proud to recognize the power of youth. We all need to foster kids and look for that SPARK.<br />
To nominate a SPARK in your life,click <strong>here</strong> and visit <strong>Girls</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong><br />
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