Name: Lindsay Logsdon
When it began: started project at age 15
City: Amherstburg, Ontario
Website: Youth for a Better World
Lindsay Logsdon of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada started Youth for a Better World with her sister Brittany in September 2000 when she was 15 years old to help solve problems that they saw all around the world. Youth for a Better World has organized fundraisers for the local battered women's shelter and a food bank and collected toys to send to a children's hospital in East Timor. Lindsay is now a violinist teacher and has shared her story with EcoKids.
What inspired you to start Youth for a Better World?
I had been aware of environmental issues from a very young age, thanks to my parents. As I got older and started digging deeper into issues, I discovered a lot of horrible stuff – factory farming, sweatshops, product testing on animals, domestic violence. The issues all seemed connected in some way or another. Factory farming has a horribly negative effect on the environment. Links have been found between the abuse of women and the abuse of animals. Environmental issues are intertwined with animal rights issues and human rights issues. The more I found out, the more upset I got, and I soon decided I needed to do something about it.
When you first got started, what kind of challenges did you face and how did you tackle them? Were there any specific challenges you faced because you were a kid?
Getting people to listen to me was a challenge. In the beginning I was on my own with my younger sister and brother, but soon I had other kids involved in the issues I was trying to raise awareness about. In our first year, we decided to throw a Halloween party for children living at our local domestic violence shelter. Renting the hall was a bit challenging because of our ages, but after sitting down in a meeting with the event hall co-ordinator and explaining what we wanted to do, we were able to go ahead with the hall rental and threw a great party.
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishments?
Speaking out was and is very important to me. There have been times when the opinions or reactions of other people have temporarily silenced me, but I’ve always found the strength to keep speaking my mind. Being true to myself at all times is a huge accomplishment for me.
Is there someone you admire, or something that inspires you everyday to continue your work?
David Suzuki is my guiding light. When I start to think things are hopeless, I watch a David Suzuki program or read an article he has written to remind myself that people everywhere are making changes to save our mother Earth and every action counts. I also find inspiration in my family and loved ones, especially in my youngest sister (age 12) who still has a lot of growing up to do. Having such amazing people around me all the time definitely keeps me going.
What advice would you give to our EcoKids who are itching to do something just like you did?
Get out there and do it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and if your heart is really into something you can always make it work. There’s nothing worse than sitting back and doing nothing, so take the first step. Each step that follows will get easier. Believe in yourself even if it seems nobody else does, and believe in your cause.
