A Social Network Creating Positive Change
By Jackielou Perez 
Before there was Facebook and MySpace there was TakingITGlobal (TIG), a social networking site created to inspire, inform and involve youth about the issues we face globally. Since its inception in 1999, TIG has been recognized by WorldBlu as one of the world’s most democratic workplaces (five years running), recognized by the Tech Museum Awards for providing youth with an online platform for education and social change, and has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council through the Global Youth Action Network in New York.
I had the chance to chat with Katherine Walraven, Director of Education Programs, about the international charitable organization that serves youth worldwide.
1. What is TIG?
TIG’s mission is to empower young people to understand and act on the world's greatest challenges through a multilingual online community and innovative education programs. We do this through our social network for social good (www.tigweb.org), various learning and engagement initiatives for youth and through our platform for educators (www.tiged.org).
How long has it been around and why was it started?
The idea for TIG was born in 1999, when teenage founders Michael Furdyk and Jennifer
Corriero were rollerblading after a conference in Ottawa, talking about what they wanted to do with their lives.
Michael had experience growing internet companies and was interested in helping others grow their ideas, and Jennifer was an active volunteer in her community who wanted to become a greater catalyst for community involvement.
Recognizing the pressing nature of many global issues, the connective power of the internet and the energy and enthusiasm of young people, Michael and Jennifer decided to build an online community to inspire, inform, and involve youth in shaping a better world.
3. Can you name an experience that has stood out for you personally working through TIG?
The TIG office is a very colourful, spontaneous and fun environment. It is not unusual for the whole office to engage in a round of “high fives at five”. In terms of my specific role within TIG, I am always so energized by the enthusiasm educators share for what we are doing through TIG and TIGed events and so inspired by their commitment to their students.
4. What is it about your organization that makes it so successful?
The key to TIG’s success as an organization is the power of volunteers. At any given time, about 300 volunteers are contributing their time and energy in our Toronto headquarters, New York office, and remotely around the world to translate the content on the site into 13 languages and support programs and operations. Also, at TIG, everyone’s voices, ideas, and opinions matter. Whether one is a member of the management team or a volunteer who has not met any staff members face to face, everyone is listened to and appreciated. This is part of the reason why TIG has been identified by WorldBlu as one of the world’s most democratic workspaces for many years running.
5. Tell me about some of the events/programs that happen each year including the most recent one.
We were a partner in annual Global Dignity Day on October 20th, which saw youth in schools around the world share personal stories and cooperative activities. Participants experienced how, through even the smallest acts of kindness, they can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Every year we run a number of e-courses and grant programs for youth, including those for young social and environmental entrepreneurs, HIV/AIDS activists and Arab youth. We also offer accredited e-courses in technology-enabled global education for teachers.
Working with the Centre for Global Education in Alberta, we run a program called Global Encounters that brings together students from across the world through live video conferences that explore global issues and the potential youth have to shape a better common future.
6. How can people get involved?
Youth can start getting inspired, informed and involved by exploring www.tigweb.org. We run an internship program for youth interested in gaining practical experience in the non-profit field, with various four-month internship positions starting each year in January, May and September.
Educators can also take their classrooms global by visiting www.tiged.org.
