People who believe in a better world are often criticized for being idealists. They’re told that they don’t understand the issues enough and that it’s unrealistic to achieve large dreams. But, in the words of Steve Jobs, “The ones who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world, are the ones who do.” Daniela Spagnuolo, a high school senior, is one of those individuals. Over the past few years, she has committed herself to volunteering with Free the Children (FTC), a children’s rights and youth empowerment organization. The non-profit organization has helped shape who she is, and what kind of life she wants to lead.
In 2009, Daniela learned about the (Mob)ilizer Program, FTC had recently launched. The Mobilizers, also known as “the Mob”, are groups of high school and university students across North America who fund raise and create awareness for various issues. She joined a year later and found a community of like-minded people who motivated her to be herself and to stand up for what she believes in.
This year, Daniela is one of the main organizers for the Downtown Toronto Mob. She’s responsible for managing a team of volunteers, and organizing events and campaigns. Since September, Daniela and her Mob have had a profound impact on communities locally and internationally. For the Halloween for Hunger campaign, where you trick or treat for food instead of candy, they collected over 19,000 items, all of which were donated to local food banks. And for the Vow of Silence, FTC’s annual campaign for children’s rights, they held a demonstration in Dundas Square to raise awareness. As she takes part in these initiatives, our philosophy that anyone can make a change shines through.
When asked who motivates her, she replied “it’s not [just] the Spencer West’s, or the Craig and Marc Kielburger’s, but rather the everyday people I’ve met through FTC such as Jobin Sam, a Mob coordinator, whose compassion and wisdom inspire me every day.” While Daniela didn’t develop a close relationship with him, he has changed her life. In December 2010, Jobin moved to India to pursue his dream of working directly with development projects and by witnessing him follow his dream, she is determined to strive for hers.
Daniela plans on studying International Development at university next fall and hopes to one day work for a non-profit overseas, focusing on education. With her passion for social change, she’s bound to achieve her aspirations. And as we encourage in making choices to make a difference, she is taking those steps to maintain her enthusiasm in her belief in a better world.
