If we’re going to change the world, we’ve got to start here in North America. Changing attitudes. Changing priorities. Changing the way we think about our world.

global change starts here.

At Free The Children, we’re in the business of changing the world. Our programming in North America—which is focused primarily on youth with a strong emphasis on educators, families and the corporate world—is built on three guiding principles: Educate, Engage, Empower. Together, these principles work to change attitudes and priorities here in North America, so we can then reach out to our friends across the globe.

Individually, each of our programs and initiatives work to educate, engage and empower youth and adults alike in unique ways. But together, those components create a holistic learning and action-based experience for all who wish to embark on a journey to social change.

1. Education & Inspiration

We reach youth and adults through one-of-a-kind learning experiences and opportunities to make them more aware of global issues.

Our programs include
Erica sees a direct correlation between the rise in attendance and decline in problematic behaviour of students as a result of being involved in FTC curriculum. Read more >

2. Leadership Skills

Equipping youth with the tools and issues-based learning they need to be young global change-makers and lifelong active citizens.

Our programs include
“This Academy helped me develop so much and helped me understand the world so much better.” Read more >

3. Active Citizenship

Empowering youth to take action as they raise awareness and funds for global and social justice issues.

Our programs include
“I was one of the tens of thousands of young people across the world who was silent for 24 hours.” Read more >

4. O Ambassadors

This school-based joint project with Oprah’s Angel Network connects young people in North America with people around the world to create lasting change by working toward the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Pedro saw O Ambassadors as a way to motivate a group of middle-schoolers who could not focus in class and had low grades. Read more >

5. We Day

We Day is an annual one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the power of young people to change the world. It’s also the official kick-off to youth-led world-changing actions throughout the school year with the We Day in-class program. Each year, the event and program touch the lives of millions of people worldwide.

“They’re dancing and they’re rockin’ and we can hardly wait to go back to Concardin and take this message to our school.” Read more >