Last week, WE Day came to Los Angeles California for the first time in its 8-year history. What started as a single event in Canada has evolved into an international series of stadium-level events held across Canada, the US and the UK. The We First team was honored to attend the inaugural Los Angeles event, and were blown away by the momentum, enthusiasm and energy put forth by 16,000 youth who are empowered to change the world – and making real impact.
What is WE Day?
Simply described “WE Day is a celebration of youth making a difference in their local and global communities.” It is a celebration of a yearlong program, that youth participant in through their schools. Where they contribute to making local and global social change. The event brings together notable figures, from singers, songwriters, actors to international public figures and CEO’s, to provide insights, share stories, and recognize the work these young people have done for their communities, and the world, over the last school year.
Why is WE Day important?
Contrary to traditional events or concerts, WE Day does not offer any tickets for sale. Youth that attend have to earn their way in by investing the time, energy and compassion for identifying and creating solutions that help others. This not only creates motivation, but instills a sense of leadership and responsibility at a young age, changing the perception that by doing good and giving back as an individual, you are part of a larger effort and that ‘good’ should be celebrated.
WE Day also shows us that rather than wait for younger generations to enter into the workforce, we can (and should) inspire them to become a force for good in the world. Through local and global activations and programs, they gain hands-on experience and a better understanding of the injustices that others face as well as the impact that can be made when a group of passionate and compassionate people come together.
WE Day is becoming a movement where the outlook of generations to come are rooted in social change and expectations for us all – including business – to create positive change, with many studies verifying this shift.
Why are brands supporting WE Day?
Aside from the masses of enthusiastic youth and the intensely captive audience, brands must ensure their relevancy to and support of future generations’ mindset shift. By supporting movements such as WE Day, your brand not only demonstrates a commitment to championing youth, but also investing in and contributing to a larger conversation around mobilizing those who will lead our future to create positive change around the world.
