Youth Empowerment & Employment
Q&A WITH HEDLEY Lead singer Jacob Hoggard, from Canadian pop-rock group Hedley, talks about the importance of community, and charity work.
Mediaplanet Not only are you a singer, but you work alongside an international charity that seeks to empower youth. What drove you to work with children?
Jacob Hoggard I think we personally are in sort of a leadership position. Considering that, you know, I was playing in a band just as a guy, and all of a sudden got to a point where I realized we had influence over people — positively or negatively, musically or creatively — we had an opportunity to have a positive impact on our community globally and locally. Growing up where that [influence] was absent, that was what I noticed was missing. So early on, I realized I had that opportunity to be an active member in making positive change.
MP What are some barriers to empowerment youth are facing around the world?
JH You know, I think there some obvious ones... human rights, the lack of access to fresh water, literacy. On a smaller scale, I think where they really lack is, ironically in an era of connectivity, a deeper understanding of being connected to community. Without community, they don’t have access to support groups that encourage their ideas. I think that really comes from this practice of togetherness. There’s always a collective.
MP What would help these children overcome these barriers?
JH From my perspective, what I feel really helps is making
“We’re so caught up in Western society and don’t truly understand what it means to be a global community.”
the time to be ambassadors of a cause that enforces the idea of empowerment and really encourages responsibility for themselves and for their community. And I think that reinforcement and empowerment will totally flip the scale and be that tipping point.
MP What has been your most memorable experience in charity work?
JH Oh man, I mean, it’s taken me to some incredible places. I’ve met some very special people, and I think having spent time in some very different places in the world that are so radically different from our Western culture has been one of the most eye-opening opportunities. It gives you that extra breath to be okay with what we have here and [realize] the world needs so much more… I got to meet a group of thirteen-year-old girls, but they didn’t actually know how old they were! They never had birthdays; there they were on the side of the road where they were just working away. And what really hit me was that we just had to walk away. We couldn’t just kidnap them to safety, and [that’s when] I realized that there’s greater issues we struggle with as a global culture. We’re so caught up in Western society and don’t truly understand what it means to be a global community.
MP What would you suggest to someone looking to make a positive difference for youth?
JH For as much as it’s important to be aware of, you know, poverty rates in Central Asia, or child labour-issues, don’t overlook the importance of taking care of what’s in your own backyard. Not just nationally, but locally in your neighbourhood. You notice such powerful things around. If I can encourage anyone to get involved, it’s to reinforce the idea that social media is a step away. It’s that easy. There are people who are like-minded, and around you is the best place to begin. Short answer: use the internet.