Y Fest 2006: Consider the Possibilities!

Hundreds of young people. Music, activism and organizations. Fundraising, food and expression. Networking and celebration. On May 13, 2006, in Justin Herman Plaza - a beautiful nook of sunny San Francisco - the world changed, and the possibility for a renewed social unity unfolded before us.

One might call this perspective overly analytical or idealistic, but in a world where 1.2 billion people don't have access to clean water and 1,200 children die every hour from preventable diseases, the stakes are really that high. Youth and adults came together for Y Fest 2006 in a form of social interaction that allowed us all to glimpse into the plethora of possibilities awaiting us if we dedicate ourselves to youth involvement in community and global change.

As a teenager and a staff member of YPW, I have a varied perspective of Y Fest 2006. On one hand, I was unbelievably excited to see hundreds of my peers sharing their diverse interests and contributions to social change with one another and community members. On the other hand, I felt honored that so many incredible organizations came to the event to support youth activism and encourage teenagers to join their work.

Y-Fest was really a unique moment in time. It was one day out of the year for young people to stand front and center, challenging the skeptics who blame the youth for their apathy and laziness. Young people, when supported and encouraged, are incredible innovators of social and political change. At Y Fest 2006, we witnessed a sliver of that collective leadership, as youth from all walks of life showcased their unique ability to use their talents and skills for the formation a better world.

A festival and a demonstration, a celebration and a revolution, Y Fest 2006 showed the world what can happen when young people mobilize and fight against oppression and injustice.

~Amanda Gelender