WHAT IS GYL
Global Youth Leaders is an organization founded by Dr. Raymond Cho and Charles Kim in 2009. It is an organization that dedicates time to train future leaders by giving youth opportunities to volunteer, and to work on their leadership skills. Since its inception, GYL has helped various communities around the world in many different ways.
Founder & Chancellor : Dr. Raymond Cho Secretary-General: Charles Chang
MISSION STATEMENT
The goal of GYL is to inspire and empower youth to become socially responsible leaders in their home, community, country and around the globe in order to create a just and sustainable future.
GYL VISION
Strive for education and skills training to develop the potential of each and every member.
• Build social awareness and compassion for issues that impact the lives of all living things through a loving and caring attitude.
• Encourage community services that address the needs of at-risk members of the society.
• Promote cross-cultural and ethical discourse, understanding and cooperation.
• Achieve strength and integrity of character to become a role model for others within our local and global communities.
GREETINGS
Message from Hon. Raymond Cho
I founded Global Youth Leaders in 2009 with a singular hope: to help promising youth throughout the GTA engage with their communities while developing their leadership skills.
It has been an honour and a pleasure to see how the organization has grown over the years!
We have been blessed at GYL to have received support from our parents, directors and all the members who have contributed to the betterment of our communities and the world. I want to particularly thank our Secretary-General, Charles Chang, for his unswerving leadership.
Thank you to all of the youth who, over the years, have seized the opportunities offered by outreach activities and volunteer work, both locally and around the youth. I am so proud of the civic-mindedness and practical skills you have shown.
Canada is the greatest country in the world. To you we pass the task of building upon the lessons learned, and to continue to build a more inclusive community that appreciates the strength that our diversity offers, while ensuring that all voices are heard, and valued.
I am confident that you will be a great force of good in our world. I am hopeful that GYL can be an important stepping stone for you as you continue to grow and learn.
You are the leaders of tomorrow, and you also have an opportunity to make a difference today. The challenges ahead will not be easy, but I know you are up to the task!
Together we can help create a more peaceful, loving, and compassionate world for all to live in. With youth like you participating, I know we’re in good hands!
Dr. Raymond Cho
Founder & Chancellor of GYL
Message from Charles Chang
As the Secretary-General for Global Youth Leaders (Canada), it has been my honour and privilege over the years to watch our members grow into their roles as current and future leaders in our local, national and international communities.
Effective leadership is not something that just happens. In addition, great leadership comes in many different forms and is not the exclusive domain of the most popular or the most visible people. Indeed, some of humanity’s greatest leaders were also the humblest of people and sought neither accolades nor the limelight.
That said, the best leaders share similar outstanding attributes, including, without limitation, dedication, bravery, intelligence, empathy and humility, but the greatest among these is integrity.
The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army or in an office. — Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Global Youth Leaders (Canada) provides our members with resources to learn and develop strong leadership skills, together with various opportunities to take what they have learned and apply those skills in service of others. From tutoring young students to providing companionship to the elderly and infirm, our members’ commitment to our community has long been well received and well recognized. During my tenure as Secretary-General, I am proud to have been able to graduate from our program some of the finest young leaders that I have had the privilege of working with.
To see how you can benefit from programs and opportunities that Global Youth Leaders (Canada) has to offer please email us as Global.Youth.Leader@gmail.com.
Charles Chang
MESSAGE FOR 10TH FORUM
Message from the Prime Minister
April 27, 2019
Dear Friends:
I would like to welcome everyone to the 10th General Forum of the Global Youth Leaders (GYL).
Since 2009, GYL has given young people in the Greater Toronto Area an opportunity to engage in local and international leadership training and volunteer programs. This annual event brings participants together to share their experiences and celebrate their accomplishments.
I would like to thank everyone involved with GYL for encouraging young people to become leaders in their communities. You can take pride in knowing that your efforts are helping young Canadians reach their full potential.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and productive forum in Toronto.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Message from the Premier of Ontario
April 27, 2019
I am pleased to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the Global Youth Leader’s(GYL) 10th General Forum.
I believed it’s important for our future leaders to learn to develop a guiding vision, to set goals and to inspire cooperation. When young people develop good work habits and leadership abilities, they can lay the foundation for success in their studies, in their future careers, and in their personal lives.
I want to thank the hard-working team behind this forum. This is a great opportunity for young people to share their experience in their schools, communities and wherever their abilities take them.
Best wishes for a productive afternoon.
Doug ford
Premier
Message from the Mayor
It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone attending the 10th Global Youth Leader Annual Forum.
Best wishes to all participants who are taking part in this forum. I commend the Global Youth Leaders for seeking opportunities to volunteer in our city through their homework club and summer camps.
The City is proud of organizations and individuals that are committed to making a difference. I thank everyone participating in Global Youth Leaders for your contributions to the well being of our communities.
On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an informative and enjoyable event.
Yours truly,
John Tory
Mayor of Toronto
HISTORY
July, 2009
Initiated a Community Clean-Up led by Toronto City Councillor Raymond Cho during the 2009 summer Garbage Strike where we collected over 300 bags of garbage from seniors or residents with physical challenges of Ward 42 in Scarborough.
July - August, 2009
Provided a free summer camp to children from low-income neighborhoods in Scarborough
August, 2009 & 2010
A BBQ for Korean-Canadian Seniors was organized during the summer of 2010 at Christie Pits Park to encourage connections between youth and seniors in the Korean-Canadian community
September, 2009
Travelled to Jamaica in the winter of 2009 to visit the Dare to Care Children’s Home for orphans who are victims of HIV/AIDS and also volunteered at the Golden Age Senior’s Home.
Oct. - November, 2009
Raised funds to assist typhoon victims in the Philippines.
December, 2009
Organized a Christmas party for children of single parents.
Nov., 2009 to Present
The Homework Club at 20 Sewells Road offers students from grade 1-8 free tutoring and assistance with homework to encourage the development of good academic habits every Saturday; Also a Homework Club for the Korean-Canadian community provides children of single Korean mothers with free tutoring and assistance with homework to encourage the development of good academic habits every Friday.
November, 2011
Six GYL members went to Jamaica on a volunteer trip for the second time. They reunited with children born with HIV/AIDS and enjoyed music and games. Additionally, they re visited a senior’s home in Jamaica. Many seniors recognized the GYL members from the past year and thanked for their commitment and caring.
December, 2011
GYL participated in numerous events at Castleview Wychwood Seniors’ Home. GYL members volunteered at a bazaar where all proceeds went to Castleview’s efforts to provide better care for residents. Also, many members volunteered at the Senior’s Christmas Party. GYL Orchestra, as well as talented individuals, played music at a special GYL concert. GYL also hosted a Christmas party for single-parent households in the Scarborough area.
January 7, 2012
Created the Speech Class to help the GYL members improve their presentation skills, public speaking, and leadership skills. This program teaches our students many valuable qualities that are essentials of a great orator.
April 14, 2012
Participated in the Annual/Spring Summer Community Clean-up in the neighbourhood of Scarborough Rouge-River.
April 27, 2012
Hosted the GYL Ensemble Concert at the Castleview Wychwood Seniors’ Home – a place where they have been volunteering weekly to assist seniors. Our talented youths performed music and shared love.
April 29, 2012
Hosted the 3rd Annual GYL Forum, which was an opportunity for the youths to reflect on their past involvements with the GYL and share its positive influences on their lives.
May 12, 2012
Planted approximately 500 trees close to the Toronto Zoo, as part of Dr. Raymond Cho’s annual initiative that began 19 years ago to protect the environment.
June 9, 2012
Held the monthly GYL General Meeting at the North York Civic Centre, where they also competed in the moot court. GYL members proudly demonstrated their advanced knowledge, and persuasive writing and oral advocacy skills before a judge and many lawyers.
June 8-9, 2012
Participated in the overnight Toronto Zoo Camp, which allowed the youths to have the full experience of nightlife under the starry sky.
June 18-22, 2012
Travelled to the Philippines to build houses as part of the relief effort for victims of typhoon. This marks the second GYL volunteer visit to the land, which has been frequently devastated by natural disasters.
July, 23-29, 2012
Visited South Korea for the Gangneung Camp.
July 28, 2012
Volunteered with the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. Worked to disseminate critical knowledge on the risks and treatment options associated with the Emerald Ash Borers, an invasive insect that rapidly kills ash trees.
September 1, 2012
Held the Annual Picnic at the Bloor-Christie Park for the seniors. Played music, shared stories and served lunch for the seniors.
September 15, 2012
Volunteered for the North Korean Refugee’s Group Wedding Ceremony at the Council Chamber of the Toronto City Hall.
October 21-24, 2012
Participated in the 2012 Gangneung Inter-city Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN) Conference, where they successfully represented Canadian culture before many dignitaries who visited from around the world.
December 1, 2012
Welcomed the inspiring speech of Senator Paul Shin (Washington States, USA) with 260 guests who attended the GYL General Meeting.
egan the Weekly English as a Second Language (ESL) Program to teach the North Korean refugee children at the Alpha Korean United Church.
December 14, 2012
Hosted the Special Concert, organized by GYL Ensemble and Samulnori, at Castleview Wychwood Seniors’ Home – a place where they have been volunteering weekly to assist seniors.
December 22, 2012
In cooperation with H-Mart, held the Making Kimchi with Love Event and delivered 200 cabbages of Kimchi to the Sharon Nursing Home while performing a concert.
January 13, 2013
Participated in the Gangneung Inter-city Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN) Conference, where they successfully represented Canadian culture before many dignitaries who visited from around the world.
March, 2013
Hosted the 4th Annual GYL Forum, The Honourable David Zimmer was a key note speaker and special video message from The Honourable Yonah Martin. The performers graced the Forum, as we showcased the highlights of the 2012 GYL activities.
April, 2013
Members of GYL planted approximately 500 trees at 1156 Sewells Rd, as part of 20 years anniversary of protecting the environment hosted by Dr. Raymond Cho.
July-August, 2013
2nd visit by members of GYL Korea, from Gagneung, South Korea, made a week-long visit to Toronto. Together, GYL members of Korea and Toronto as sociated to attend many events such as bush camp in the Toronto Zoo.
August, 2013
Initiated six-week long GYL leadership camp program to help all the GYL members improve their leadership skills.
November, 2013
Initiated GYL essay contest to bring recognition to student writers, the purpose of the contest is to create greater interest in the writing.
December, 2013
Member of GYL hosted The Making Kimchi with Love Event with H-mart and delivered cases of Kimchi to the Sharon Nursing Home.
Members of GYL volunteered to host an Ensemble Concert and Samulnori for the seniors in Castleview Wychwood Senior’s Home.
February, 2014
Initiated various GYL clubs (Sports Club, Baking Club, Movie Club, Issue Club, etc) to learn important leadership and management skills. All the activities were introduced every month and it encouraged students to join the clubs.
March, 2014
Special March break event – Invited by Toronto International Film Festival to tour and watch movies.
April, 2014
GYL received an Annual Volunteer Recognition award from Castleview Wychwood Senior’s Home. GYL was acknowledged as the organization that provided support to seniors through various activities.
May, 2014
Annual Tree Planting Event.
June 6th, 2014
The introduction of 30 new GYL members.
July, 2014
Two parents of students and 11 students, and Councillor Raymond Cho embarked on a journey to the Philippines to deliver funds and help construct houses for the victims of the typhoon.
The students of GYL Canada participated in an international camp hosted by our friends and family at GYL Korea. Together, around 50 students participated to learn more about traditional Korean culture and learn more about leadership and character.
December, 2014
With the help of the Canadian-Korean supermarket H-mart, the GYL students created 400 cabbages worth of kimchi to donate to the less fortunate communities.
The students of GYL regularly host a movie night for the seniors of the CastleviewSeniors Home. As a token of appreciation for accepting us into their community, the students organized a Christmas party with performances from the GYL ensemble, and the GYL Samulnori (traditional Korean instruments). Food and drinks were provided by the GYL community as well.
A homecoming party was organized to connect the current GYL members with the members who have graduated and have gone to university. The university students mentor the current GYL members and speak to them about the struggles of university and tips about getting into the university of their choice.
January, 2015
Resumption of the Castleview movie night, and homework club programs. The Castle view program has been going on for the past five years, while the homework club has been happening for 3 years.
In collaboration with the Muslim Welfare Centre, GYL has contributed to the creation of another well in Pakistan, our second contribution after a well was created in May 2014
February, 2015
GYL members donated 800 Korean books to the North York Library.
March, 2015
The GYL members created sandwiches to distribute to the homeless.
May 3, 2015
Hosted the 6th Annual GYL Forum, The Honorable Senator Yonah Martin and The Hon orable Walter Stechel, Consul General of Germany in Toronto were the keynote speakers. The performers graced the forum as we showcased the highlights of the past year.
May 9, 2015
Annual Tree Planting Event.
May 23, 2015
The GYL bazaar took place. The proceeds went to purchasing goods for typhoon victims in the Philippines, low-income neighborhoods, and flood victims.
July 31- August1, 2015
Participated in the overnight Toronto Zoo Camp, which allowed the youths to have the full experience of nightlife under the starry sky.
September 14 2015
Held the Speech Club to help the GYL members improve their presentation skills, speaking, and leadership skills.
September 26, 2015
GYL Bazaar was organized which raised funds for GYL.
September 26, 2015
Members of GYL volunteered to host an Ensemble Concert for the seniors at Rose of Sharon Retirement
November 7, 2015
Participated in packing supplies such as winter clothing etc. for Syrian Refugees at the Muslim Welfare Centre.
November 11, 2015
Held the GYL Essay Contest to bring recognition to student writers. The purpose of the contest is to create greater interest in the writing.
November 27, 2015
Hosted the GYL Ensemble Concert at the Castleview Senior’s Home– a place where they have been volunteering weekly to assist seniors.
December 5, 2015
Members of GYL hosted the Making Kimchi with Love Event with H-mart and delivered Kimchi to the Nursing Home.
December 28, 2015
Hosted the GYL Year-end Party with former GYL members.
January 16, 2016
Held Candlelight rally against the experimentation of hydrogen bombs, appealing the release a Pastor Lim from North Korea, and the comfort women issue.
March 21-22, 2016
Participated in Korean Canadian Student Scholarship Foundation Leadership Camp.
April 30, 2016
Participated Habitat for Humanity on GTA Build Day.
May 14, 2016
Tree Planting at Casebridge Ct., Scarborough
May 21, 2016
The 7th GYL Forum at KCCA
Creation and circulation of the GYL newsletter
June 7, 2016
Orientation for the new GYL members at North York Civic Centre
July 29, 2016
GYL Bush Camp at Toronto Zoo
August 29, 2016
Castleview Senior Home Orientation
September 3, 2016
Organize weekly Homework Club at North York Civic Centre
October 2, 2016
Visit to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice at Brampton which visit is being hosted by the Honourable Justice Ricchetti
December 2, 2016
Christmas party at Castleview Wychwood Towers
December 3, 2016
Kimchi making in coordination with H-Mart, Richmond Hill and donates 50 boxes to Rose of Sharon Senior Home and Rainbow Information and Social Services
December 11, 2016
GYL Scholarship award presentation at North York Civic Centre
December 28, 2016
GYL Christmas party at KCCA
May 6, 2017
Annual Tree Planting Event
May 20, 2017
GYL 8th Forum
June 17, 2017
GYL Annual General Meeting
August 27, 2017
Pow Wow Festival (First nations reserved area in Hamilton)
September 2, 2017
GYL Picnic at Bruce Mill Conservation Area
September 7, 2017
Orientation for volunteering at Cummer Lodge Long Term Care Nursing Home
September 8, 2017
Orientation for volunteering at Castleview Seniors Home
September 16, 2017
GYL General Meeting at Queen’s Park
October 8, 2017
Corn Sale fundraiser for Rose of Sharon
October 14, 2017
GYL Garage Sale & Corn Sale funraiser for Rose of Sharon
October 23, 2017
Helping seniors at Korean Canadian Alzheimer’s Society & Donation Made to Rose of Sharon
November 18, 2017
GYL General Meeting at Queen’s Park
December 1, 2017
Christmas Party for Castleview Senior Home
December 3, 2017
We One Festival (North York Civic Centre)
December 11, 2017
Christmas Party for Cummer Lodge Nursing Home
December 16, 2017
Kimchi Making for Rose of Sharon Senior’s Home
December 28, 2017
Christmas Party for GYL Members
January 20, 2018
GYL Annual General Meeting
April 28, 2018
9th GYL Annual Forum
May 12, 2018
Beare Road Landfill Tree Planting
September 14, 2018
Orientation for volunteering at Castleview Seniors Home
September 16, 2018
GYL General Meeting
September 17, 2018
Orientation for volunteering at Cummer Lodge Long Term Care Nursing Home
October 14, 2018
GYL Garage Sale
November 4, 2018
Garage Sale Donation
December 3, 2018
Christmas Party at Castleview Seniors Home
December 7, 2018
Christmas Party at Cummer Lodge Long Term Care Nursing Home
December 8, 2018
Kimchi Making
December 27, 2018
Christmas Party for GYL Members
February 9, 2019
Lunar New Year Celebration Performance.
March 16, 2019
General Meeting
March 30, 2019
Music without Borders Fundraising Performance
April 27, 2019
10th GYL Annual Forum
May 11, 2019
Point Rouge Trail Tree Planting
May 25, 2019
GYL First General Meeting
August 14, 2019
Ontario Court House Visit
August 17, 2019
GYL Introductory Picnic
August 30, 2019
Orientation for Volunteering at Castleview Wychwood Seniors Home
September 16, 2019
Orientation for Volunteering at Cummer Lodge Long term Care Nursing Home
October 13, 2019
GYL Garage Sale
December 2, 2019
Cummer Lodge Christmas Concert
December 8, 2019
Castleview Christmas Concert
January 25, 2020
Sunnybrook Concert for Veterans
March 1, 2020
GYL Second General Meeting
September 13, 2020
GYL General Meeting
November 22, 2020
GYL General Meeting, High School Success Seminar, University Preparation Seminar