As a generation, Millennials are engaged, inspired and active; their stories are being told by VELOCITY – a blog showcasing Millennials doing things that are inspiring, interesting and engaging in their communities. This is the second article in a series focusing on Millennial individuals who are working towards social change.

Velocity is the brainchild of online marketing specialist and web enthusiast, Kaitlyn Braybrooke. Kaitlyn is passionate about social change and a graduate of University of British Columbia with an B.A. in Political Science focusing on comparative Canadian-American systems.

“I started VELOCITY because I was sick of hearing so many negative theses about our generation (the Millennial Generation) and about our so-called apathy and narcissism compared to previous generations. I kept coming across political scientist after political scientist all regurgitating this general idea and complaining about today’s woebegone lost youth. However, as an activist and enthusiast of community building plus citizen-based initiatives here in Vancouver, I was constantly seeing amazing projects and ideas by people my age who truly want to make a difference. I wanted to have a multi-author, youth-run blog based on the efforts and ideas of people our age who are doing interesting things in their own communities – getting involved, being loud and active, ultimately showing just how wrong the ‘apathetic web2.0 generation’ thesis really is. VELOCITY does just that.”

A desire for social change and building progressive communities is not a new idea, but the idea of using Web 2.0 tools to achieve social change is something new. Web 2.0 is a set of digital tools that promote information being produced by democratic, free, easily accessible and participatory web communities. Web 2.0 tools are widely embraced by Millennials; add to that the social conscience prominent in many Millennials and the result is a powerful synergy that facilitates social change action in a wired globalized world.

There are many examples. In 2008, the American Cancer Society raised $214 000 USD through a virtual fundraiser – Relay for Life, on Second Life. The success of Gulu Walk was due to awareness generated using social networking websites. The speed and ease of access of Twitter allows citizen journalists and activists to get their stories out and compete with large media. Facebook groups can rally people behind a cause. PlanetConnect.org offers a social networking site focusing on green jobs, planet friendly technology, environmental grants and green issues.

Kaitlyn agrees. “I’m thankful to the authors of VELOCITY blog for their thoughts and creativity- they’ve brought an essential amount of diversity to the blog and I deeply appreciate them for doing that. I’ve learned a lot about how easy it really is to get your opinions, thoughts and ideas out there if you take the time to do so. The response for VELOCITY has been great so far. It’s amazing to know we are a part of something that is contributing to civil society, continuing our generation’s democratic tradition and representative of how we are using new media to provoke our own discussions and dialogues around change.”

When asked about her future – “I’d really like VELOCITY to expand in a larger way, to become more of an online magazine than just a mere blog. I feel lately like I’m bursting with idea and projects I want to get involved in. Particular longstanding passions of mine are voter engagement (especially centered around young voters), social/new media, science fiction, (I’ve been a fan since childhood) municipal or progressive coalition-based politics and art in all of its forms – I’m an artist myself and am especially inspired by guerrilla and post-modern art.”

Kaitlyn grew up in Las Vegas, NV, but has since fallen in love with the strong progressive Vancouver community. With her strong skills in new media, design, volunteer coordination and communications, the future is looking very bright for this passionate and talented young woman.

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