Mission Statement
VOICE OF THE YOUTH (VOTY) is about encouraging Filipino Youth to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference in our country the Philippines. They create environments where people are exposed to new thinking, a diversity of voices, and new opportunities. Driven by youth, their goal is to foster a sense of leadership, participation and social entrepreneurship through the innovative use of technology and media, creating meaningful experiences for the youth in the Philippines.
Description
VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK FRAMEWORK MABUHAY!! Welcome to the new virtual base of the VOICE OF THE YOUTH Network brought to you in partnership with TakingITGlobal, Global Youth Action Network and International Youth Foundationsà ¢à  à  YouthActionNet. TIG, GYAN, IYFà ¢à  à  s YAN and the VOTY Network are working to connect a growing community of young people on-line and off-line, and together provide resources to inspire, inform, and involve a generation in creating a better nation. The VOICE OF THE YOUTH Network is a growing collaboration among youth organizations in almost 78 provinces in the Philippines, providing resources and recognition for positive youth action and facilitating intergenerational partnership in national decision-making. VOTY Network enables communication and resource-sharing among youth organizations to maximize the collective effort and significant impact of their work for a better Philippines. Why? While acknowledged as being the hope of our nation by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, the majority of young people believe their voices have not been heard and no impact in society. Several youth organizations have been created, but there is inefficient sharing of information among youth organizations and individuals, resulting in duplication of effort. VOTY Network provides the necessary framework for local, national and international collaboration and cooperative youth-adult partnerships. Where? VOICE OF THE YOUTH Network headquarters are located near the University of the Philippines Diliman, in the nations capital. Fifteen regional networks are being developed nationwide. The goal is to expand, linking youth organizations in every provinces and regions to assure that youth voice is heard and giving them the opportunity to connect, participate, and take action. We strive to be the advocate of change for the betterment of the nation. Towards this end we uphold the values of universal human rights, preservation of heritage, human rights economic and social justice, environmental sustainability, and a lasting culture of peace. The Voice of the youth is based on the principles of: à  à · Equity and balance in participation à  à · Democracy and participation of all people in decision-making à  à · Inclusion of youth from all regions, especially indigenous, marginalized groups à  à · Honesty, openness, and transparency à  à · Creativity, especially a commitment to remaining imaginative, fun and open-minded à  à · Simplicity and sensitivity of language in communication à  à · Flexibility of structure for growth and ability to adapt culturally à  à · Respect for the individual identity of each organization and individual involved We do not endorse violence or hatred towards any person or institution and will not affiliate with those of that behavior.
