Apathy really is boring: just ask Ilona Dougherty. Not content to allow adults to make decisions that might affect her future, she decided to get involved and got involved in a big way. She co-founded one of the most successful youth-run, non-partisan organizations in Canadian history, Apathy is Boring, to educate her peers about our democracy and the importance of voting. Today, as a social innovator, Ilona is still working to advise businesses, civil society and governments on how they can tap into the unique abilities of young people. As the co-creator and managing director of the Youth & Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, it’s fair to say that no one understands youth better than Ilona. She has received numerous awards for her work and was named as one of the 100 most powerful women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network.
We sat down with Ilona for a fascinating conversation on politics, the power of youth and life lessons learned.
What do you think?
- What did you takeaway from Ilona’s story?
- Do you believe that your voice matters?
- Do you understand your power to impact our world?
- Are you engaged in the political process? How might you get more involved?
- What more can you do to model good citizenship?
More on Ilona
Watch her TEDx Talk: Wired for Innovation
Read her article: Three ways young changemakers can have a greater impact globally
Watch the Video: Youth & Innovation Project, University of Waterloo
Favourite Book: Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer
Favourite Podcast: Canadaland
Favourite Program: Apathy is Boring
