In this era of globalisation youth must be availed a platform to find inspiration and expression, get involved and take action in their local and global communities. ‘Takingitglobal.org’ does just that. It is an online community with the membership of over one hundred thousand motivated youth. TIG’s nteractive website provides a platform for expression, connection to opportunities, and support for action. It is now one of the world’s most popular online community for young people interested in making a difference. The motto of this portal is: “Inspire Inform Involve”. TakingITGlobal works with global partners – from UN agencies, to major companies, and especially outh organizations – to build the capacity of youth for development, artistic and media expression, make education more engaging, and involve young people in global decision-making. TakingITGlobal is a new type of international organization, developed within the context of several emerging trends such as global challenges demanding global solutions, a revolution in information and communications technologies, young people – the world’s greatest untapped resource, an idea whose time has come etc.This portal informs the visitor about its history and the objectives TIG has set for to achieve by the year 2010. This portal introduces and facilitates various online programmes such as online community engagement, thematic engagement around major global challenges, student and educational engagement, organisational engagement and local engagement. In its publications section young visitors can access “Guide to Action”. This educational booklet provides a step-by-step process where young people reflect upon their community, identify key issues, get informed, plan and implement action projects and evaluate their success. In its Media section one can access the news related global issues and young people as well as the insights and research articles which are very useful and these study materials are available in pdf files and fully downloadable. On its home page there are various options like “Make Connections” which contains iscussion boards, groups, member search, newsletters and TIG blog etc , “Take Action” contains work forum, project and workshop kit etc, Understand Issues contains issues like cultural diversity, equity, education, employment, environment, health and wellness, information communication technologies (ICTs), media, peace and conflict, Poverty and globalisation, social ustice and human rights. This portal provides free online membership to the visitor. A member of TIG can have online chat with other members of TIG community through using this portal and articles can be submitted for the publications in TIG’s Panorama section. The home page avails global online gallery of artwork and also provides database of organizations related to youth and their actions. Rinalia Abdul Rahim of Global Knowledge Partnership writes “I have watched TakingITGlobal grow from a compelling idea to a compelling reality. With their global network of young people, powerful technology, and organizational avvy, TIG is a driving force in collaborative efforts to reach and mobilize youth to create digital opportunities for all.”The Time Magazine has written about the TIG “At the heart of the new generation’s approach is a collabora-tive style that is getting smart young minds together. This is a central tenet of TakingITGlobal which helps young people around the world network and find out about worthy projects.” ?
