VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

-Welcome to the VOTY Dispatch!

-500,000 Members strong

-A Chat with a VOTY Chair

-50 Things About VOTY

-New Events and Opportunities:

Youth Power 2005

Convergence2005

TAYO

-Oriental Mindoro Youth action Forum: A step in making a difference





VOTY DISPATCH 2.1



Welcome to the VOTY Dispatch!!

2005 marked another year in the Philippines, a brand new start. Such was a momentous year for all of us, another year to face. It was more likely to be regarded as another chapter in our lives. We will be taking our first steps to situation adjustments.

Various memorable events had happened last year, not only here in the Philippines but in the whole world that changed the lives of many people. Those horrifying calamities, innumerable deaths and scandalous controversies created fears to many. But are you there to help? Are you there to make a difference? To change the world? Or are you one of those who lose hope?

This year is different from the past but it should have something to give us. There are many opportunities that lie ahead. We can do something if we set aside our fears and inhibitions. We are free to continue and make our dream a reality.

Facing a new year, a bright new start would mean a new dream, a vision, and a mission. If you want a new world, a better one, then start with yourself.

2005 is a challenge. 2005 is hope. 2005 is for VOTY. VOTY is YOU!!# (Racquel G. Garcia)



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500,000 Members Strong!

This month, we celebrate the occasion of having reached 500,000+
members in our community! Armed with a diverse and youthful staff at
our Manila headquarters and nationwide, we are determined to enhance
the usability of the site as we expand our online network.

We thank you for joining us on our ongoing journey, and look forward
to engaging many more members with your help. Read on, and stay
connected!

Remember, you can help to promote VOTY by:

Telling your friends: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/voty/
Linking to VOTY: www.voty.org

~ by forwarding this dispatch to everyone in your mailboxes
~ by submitting announcements, stories, how-to's, pictures, or
anything related to youth issues and events to emails: info@voty.org
~ by registering a Filipino Youth
~ by sending all the email addresses that you have to info@voty.org
~ by applying and becoming a VOTY Network Official School or
University Coordinator
~ by registering your organization so you can submit
~ by inspiring, informing and involving other Filipino Youth!



50 Things About VOTY:

1. Youth organization

2. Hears the voice of the youth

3. inspires people

4. involves the youth

5. informs young people

6. empowers the hopeless

7. gives opportunities

8. founded by Pocholo Gonzales

9. has 500,000 members

10. scopes 78 provinces

11. friendster member

12. helps the needy

13. has a website: www.voty.org

14. no political inclination

15. multi-awarded organization

16. internationally recognized

17. organization in action

18. not financially solvent

19. compassionate

20. competitive members

21. two years in action

22. environmental-friendly

23. talented advocates

24. has 18 directors all over the country

25. gives chance to the deserving youth

26. National Youth Parliament member

27. International Youth Parliament Member

28. has successful activities

29. Trendsetter

30. computer geniuses

31. condemns dirty politics

32. social conscious

33. TV personalities

34. determined to move the world

35. optimism is our guideline

36. has nine regional coordinators and volunteers

37. VOTY people are flexible

38. has nineteen area coordinators

39. VOTY people are interactive

40. has three intelligent advisers

41. the only youth org with youth-oriented radio program

42. if you cannot reach VOTY, VOTY will reach you

43. has an office located at Pansol, Quezon City

44. a member of G7

45. connecting people

46. breaks traditional events, offers innovative affairs

47. VOTY people are hardworking

48. simply amazing

49. responds to urgent challenges of our times

50. VOTY IS YOU!!!





A CHAT WITH THE VOTY CHAIR



I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to talk with the noble founder of VOTY-Oriental Mindoro Chapter, none other than Emilson A. Goco. Here our interview goes…



RGG: Good Morning Emil! It seems like you are very busy today. Thank you in advance for sparing your time for this interview



EAG: Not a problem.



RGG: Ok, let’s start when you began to think to establish a chapter of VOTY in Oriental Mindoro. Can you tell us the whole story?



EAG: It was October 2004 when I was looking for a connection where I can attend an International forum or congress. In the search link, I found Pocholo Gonzales’ name. I texted him immediately, expressing my interest to be a part of the Voice of The Youth Network. He responded and told me to fill up the coordinators’ form and the website of the organization. One of the challenges I had experienced is thet, he told me that if I really want to be a coordinator, I should prove that I can make a chapter here. Barely three weeks after (November 19, 2004), the chapter of the org was formed. And the rest were written in history.



RGG: Whoa! That was amazing.. so you are really determined huh?!



EAG: Well, it’s nice to be challenged!

RGG: Did you do this for your benefit or for something else?



EAG: Yes and No.



RGG: What do you mean by that?



EAG: Yes because, before I joined the organization, I was looking for an international youth-related opportunity. No, because I think if you serve and empower the youth, not expecting anything in return, all opportunities will follow.



RGG: We all know that you have a job, isn’t it a hindrance to implement and attend your projects and VOTY’s programs?



EAG: Not at all.



RGG: Knowing your busy schedule, how come you still have time to organize and continue the mission of this organization?



EAG: It’s about time management. And the good thing is, it is inclined with my work as I am in the Research, Planning and External Affairs Office.



RGG: That’s nice! Anyway, how do you deal with the VOTY people?



EAG: I treat them as fellow youth advocates with the mission, that is to empower the youth.



RGG: Don’t you find it hard to do these things, knowing that you are in the province, and the main office of VOTY is in Manila?



EAG: Well, it is hard. Really hard. But thanks to the advancement of technology. We are still updated with what is happening in the National Office.



RGG: There are many youth organizations in the Philippines, why did you choose VOTY?



EAG: Upon exposing myself to the vision, goals and activities of the org, I saw that the org sees the youth affairs as very holistic. Although it is opening all kinds of opportunities and activities, where the youth will benefit and empowered!



RGG: Have you experienced great opportunities with VOTY?



EAG: It is coming.



RGG: Uh! I am intrigued!! What is it?



EAG: I don’t want to preempt that opportunity. With God’s help, it’s on its way..





RGG: I am excited.. Hahaha!! Ok, Last question, How long do you think you will serve your fellow youth?



EAG: It is an infinite question, with an infinite answer. As long as I feel that I am a youth which is not bounded by time, I will be here. After all, I don’t want to leave the organization only by myself. What matters is the impact and the development the chapter is doing for the empowerment of the youth after I founded the organization.



RGG: Thank you very much Emil! I hope you serve as an inspiration and a model for every youth. I really had a great time talking with you..



Well, talking with him is really fun and I can’t deny the fact that I was inspired by his words. I just hope many of our youth today has a determination like him. Unfortunately girls, this good-looking man is already taken!! (Racquel G. Garcia)





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New Events and Opportunities:



JOIN Youth Power 2005!!

Dear friends,

Warm Greetings!

In response to the challenges that the Filipino youth are facing today, the Next Step Events Planner in partnership with the Philippine Youth Sphere Group of Networks is holding the Premier Youth Event of the Year dubbed as YOUTH POWER 2005 Conference and Expo. This is happening on February 4-5 at the World Trade Center.

The event highlights plenary sessions that will talk about the Value
of Education, Leadership, Community Development, ICT and Digital
Opportunities, Politics and Governance, Entrepreneurship, Career in
Media. Also in the conference are different academic tilt that include
interpretative song and dance competitions, essay writing
contest, modern-cultural dance Fest, debate and barkada challenge.

For the expo, we are expecting more than 20,000 visitors and at least
50 donors to exhibit. This will be a strategic venue for the youth to
directly interact with corporate personnel of different companies and
a place to get closer to employers.

Pre-registration is required. So plese download the application form
at www.youthpower.tk and send it back to us via email
youthpower2005@gmail.com

Should you have any questions, please call us at 8130148 or via fax
8939996.

Let everyone know about this event. Please pass the message to as many
people as you know. Its high time that we realize our vital role in
nation building. Let us establish a connection now...

Since registration is for FREE, we expect you to see you there!



WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

VISITOR’S PROFILE

• Filipino Youth

• College and High School students ages 13-25 years old

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

• Youth Leaders, Govt. and Non-Govt. Org. Leaders, Educators and Professionals ages 17-30 years old.



THE CONFERENCE: "Face the Challenges of Tomorrow"

In any given society, the youth are destined to be the hope of the Motherland. Simply, it is because of their potentials and their ability to revolutionize things. Ironically though, such sector is seldom recognized and worse, they are seen as "problems" rather than solution to the problems.

The challenge now is simply to showcase what the sector can really offer and how far can they go about making a difference. Regardless of social status, initiative, participation and cooperation now become the name of the game.

With more than 2,500 youth of diverse walks of life coming from different schools, Colleges, Universities, communities and youth organizations in the country joined by other young people from the International Communities, the conference serves as a venue to rediscover the best in the Filipino youth and redefine their commitment in nation building.

A premier youth event, it is highlighted by plenary session, satellite workshops, simultaneous lectures, open forum and presentation of a common youth agenda graced by outstanding resource speakers coming from different field of discipline whose success in life has inspired their community and touched the hearts of young people.

Youth Power 2005 responds to this urgent challenge of our time helping the youth to face the challenges of tomorrow.



THE EXHIBITION: Reach Over 20,000 visitors

Confused but potential, powerful but vulnerable, the best-untapped resources, market and missing link in nation building; the force that can change the course of history of today's generation. This is the Filipino youth.

With different identities and given clash of classes of the sector from the "haves" to the "have nots" come different approaches. The more they become sophisticated, the more they open their minds to breakthroughs and changes; the more they experience comfort and development, the more they challenge production, and the more they feel in need, all the more they need you.

Think you are here talking to them. Say that you are guiding and reaching them out. Imagine you are in the Exhibition.

Unlike others, YOUTH POWER EXPO portrays non-traditional exhibition crating an interactive venue for the participants, exhibitors and visitors where programs and youthful activities happen simultaneously.

A ground-breaking-trend-setter event, it bares mini-orientation seminars, fun games, launching of youth-oriented magazine talks from the experts in the industry, open forum, on-site public lectures, dance competitions, interactive booths and other surprise numbers.

Make their learning fun. Help them. Win them








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CONVERGENCE 2005

2nd National Campus Journalism Conference
Theme: “Reach Each One in Bringing Developmental Journalism on Page One”



By Lloyd A. Luna

Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines


Rationale



Year 2004 has been another year of division for the Filipino nation—GMA versus FPJ, the pullout of Filipino troops in Iraq, the solution to fiscal crisis among others. Sad enough, division meant a further hurdle that brings the Filipino people to confusion rather than united eye of the solutions; misconception rather than appreciation; apathy rather than sympathy; skepticism rather than trust and confidence and; vulnerability and desperation rather than hope.



On the other end, media that is often referred to as the fourth state has always been part of these struggles. As the supposed mirror of the society’s concerns and interest, their credibility didn’t escape, too, from scrutiny of the people. They must have something to do and some more to say.



And for young people, confusion meant hopelessness. Knowing not who is saying what, they feel being left behind, neglected and set aside. The largest untapped resource of any nation, according to the studies of Untied Nations, inability of the State to fully recognize their potentials makes the sector feel worthless. They really can’t do much. They don’t care about the country’s leadership and they see no hope at all.



The same is true with young people and truer with campus journalists. They are the most precious underutilized, if not unutilized wealth of institutions of higher learning that is repeatedly judged as problems rather than solution to the problems.



These and many other predicaments including weak support of the State, misunderstanding with school administration, insufficient grassroots journalism trainings, lack of leadership courses, absence of network and proactive organizations and inability to recognize their skills, talents and potentials as future media practitioners in the country make campus journalists chase different directions with far various values and ethical standards.



This is the birth of CONVERGENCE 2005.


Background



As 2004 marked its offing, year 2005 presents challenges as well as opportunities for campus journalists are foreseen. Question “Are campus journalists capable to deliver positive results and impact to the society?” is no longer a matter of argument but a resounding statement that needs to reaffirm.



Thus, the Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP), Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and the Ugnayan of Adamson University partnered to organize CONVERGENCE 2005.


Goals and Objectives



Convergence 2005 is the Philippine national Campus Journalism Conference aimed at gathering campus journalists around the country and providing them an interactive venue to:



· Review the history of campus journalism in the Philippines

· Identify its present situation and rediscover their values and attitudes as leaders

· Redefine its vital role in nation building and commitment to ethical standard

· Revive the spirit of volunteerism and service above self and

· Espouse the proliferation of developmental journalism



Specifically, the conference aims to:



· Provide student-journalists a venue to share their sentiments and views on issues affecting their performances

· Build camaraderie and establish strong network among themselves

· Understand diverse culture of student publications

· Craft Manila Declaration on Sustainable Development of Campus Journalism and Commitment to Ethical Standard

· Come up with a resolution requesting the President of the Republic of the Philippines to declare Campus Journalism Month

· Create strategic local action plans, programs and projects

· Promote the essential role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in providing equal opportunities for young journalists



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3rd TAYO Search





Has your organization done a great project this year, one you really are proud about?

Do you hear a lot of the people around you (friends, program beneficiaries, teachers, etc.) telling you that you and your organization has accomplished something great?

Was your organization's project relatively easy to do, and you could actually see it being implemented in other areas with similar problems?

If you answered "yes" to all or any of the questions above, I strongly encourage you to join the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations this year.

A grand prize of P50,000 awaits the lucky organizations chosen. You will also have the chance to interact and share your stories with the representatives of the top 20 youth organizations in the country.

- Accomplished Entry Form
- Certification from School or Community head attesting the existence of the organization and the veracity of the information submitted
- Letter of Recommendation from an upstanding member of the community
- Profile of the organization (not more than 3 pages, short bond paper size, containing a brief description of the organization, background, programs and track record)
- Profile of the project entry (not more than 1 page short bond paper size, containing project description, site, timetable, resources used and level of community involvement)
- Photo documentation (not more than 3 pages short bond paper size)
- Registration to the Youth Organization Registration Program or YORP (YORP and TAYO documents may be processed at the same time)

Deadline for submission is 31 January 2005.

We hope that you take the chance and see if your organization has what it takes to be part of TAYO.

TAYO na!





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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Only Open for youth in provinces of Rotary District 3860 includes Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Davao, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Siquijor

Rotary's training program for young leaders, emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.

RYLA aims to:

· Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;

· Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;

· Encourage leadership of youth by youth; and

· Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.



Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people ages 18 - 25 chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event's curriculum. Join us

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

 Bona Fide student of any university

 Ages 18-25 years old

 Officer/member of any youth organizations

 Non-member of any rotary/rotaract club

Be among the delegates to represent dumaguete city in the two-day leadership camp on February 2005 at Cebu City, only one will be chosen as the most outstanding rotary youth leadership (RYLA) awardee for District 3860*. Prizes await the winner.

Email for more information: mayetbriones@stadi-cebu.com



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Oriental Mindoro Youth Action Forum: A Step in Making a Difference





Inspire. Involve. Inform.



Three ‘incredible’ men stepped in the island of Oriental Mindoro to establish a chapter of Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network and Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP) at the Divine Word College of Calapan Gym, Calapan City, November 18, 2004.



The event was dubbed “Oriental Mindoro Youth Action Forum.”



Youth serving youth. Voice of the Youth Network (VOTY) is an organization aiming to empower the Filipino youth and tell the world that the youth has a voice that should be heard.

Emilson A. Goco, Regional Task Force Convenor of the National Youth Commission-National Youth Parliament-MIMAROPA, was inspired by the organizations’ goals and principles. With the help of technology, he invited the noble founder of VOTY, Pocholo “Choy” Gonzales to establish a chapter in Oriental Mindoro.



Together with Rommel Brillantes, Provincial Chairman of VOTY Quirino Province Chapter and Al Ian Barcelona, one of VOTY Directors, they selflessly accepted the invitation without expecting for fee and extravagant accommodation. They did not mind the bad weather, instead struggled the typhoon Unding just to reach Calapan City.

Being hospitable hosts, the organizers of the forum, Ruel D. Quinzon, Provincial Youth Development Council Chairman; Rene M. Colocar, DWCC Research, Planning and External Affairs Coordinator, Kathlene Cyrele Cuyas, Or. Mindoro SK Federation President; Emilson A. Goco, NYP Regional Convenor; Larsie Mañibo, Polytechnic College of Calapan Student Council President; Leiffrey Z. Gargullo, The DWCC Gazette Editor-in-Chief; Racquel G. Garcia, The DWCC Gazette Associate Editor and Harvey Pinohermoso of DeMolay, welcomed the three in a casual and simple party.



They enlivened the night with their inspiring yet humorous stories and jokes. Choy, Ian and Rommel said that they are also ordinary young people who enjoy parties and recreations. What made them extraordinary was their genuine intention of serving the youth.



Mission Accomplished. Two hundred fifty (250) Mindoreño youth filled the DWCC Gymnasium on the next day, November 19. They came from different secondary and tertiary schools in Oriental Mindoro but gathered for a cause…for a mission.



“The world is small and life is short. Touch your fellow youth’s heart and feel the spirit within you,” says the noble founder of VOTY, Choy.



He also said that VOTY was created for the youth and to serve the youth because he believes that the meaningful youth participation is about recognizing and nurturing the strengths, interests and abilities of young people by providing them with real opportunities to become involved in decisions that offers young people a chance to develop important decision-making and problem-solving skills, develop meaningful relationships and bolster self-esteem.



Rommel, on the other hand, inspired the participants more by sharing his unforgettable memories and the grandiose opportunities he experienced in VOTY.



In addition, Ian gave emphasis to the present situation of the youth, how they deal with the deteriorated society and their involvement to some unwanted activities. But youth organizations such as VOTY and NCJP can make a difference though they cannot totally stop the youngsters from doing such awful things.



He also introduced the Network of Campus Journalists of the Philippines (NCJP) which is founded by an awarded young journalist, Lloyd Luna. He stressed the organization’s goals and objectives and its activities.



Ian and Choy tickled the audience with their talents as they imitated past presidents such as FVR, Erap and GMA and also famous personalities like FPJ and Miriam Defensor Santiago that undoubtedly spiced up the event more.



The event was highlighted by the election of officers of the Chapter. Emilson A. Goco was appointed as the VOTY Chairman while Leiffrey Z. Gargullo was elected as the NCJP Chairman.



The forum aims not only to establish network in Oriental Mindoro but also to promote awareness of the present situation of the society, which the youth currently faces, that needs to be saved and changed.



The success of the affair could be seen in the faces of the participants as they walked out the gymnasium.

The sparks in their eyes say that they were inspired.

The smile on their lips says that they were informed.

The wave of their hands as they bid goodbye to the speakers and organizers says that they were involved.



The experience was really memorable especially for the speakers (Choy, Ian and Rommel). They were trapped in the island because of the typhoon and they were not able to go on the day of the scheduled departure.

Works were pending.

Meetings were postponed.

And angry girlfriend. (Right Kuya Choy?)

But still, these did not matter. The mission was accomplished anyway! Definitely, that was an unforgettable trip.



Beginning the action. The establishment of the chapter of the two organizations in Oriental Mindoro is just a beginning. After the successful yet tiring forum, the group talked about their plans and projects for the future. This is not just a beginning but the intensity of the flame burning inside their hearts will keep on growing and nothing can stop them.



What make these two organizations different from the others is its non-political inclination and the sincere heart for the youth. The enumerable awards they received here and abroad proved that the two youth groups really act.



We can always make a difference.

Whoever you are.

No matter how far you came from.

The threat of the dreaded society is scary and the world needs you.

Let your voice be heard.

Keep inspiring, informing, empowering and involving the Filipino youth.





VOTY-NCJP-ORIENTAL MINDORO CHAPTER