(Working Against Violence Everyday) reaches out to the community through its W.A.V.E. Empowering Youth Day, involving students aged 12-19, and its Louise Russo Youth & Leadership Awards. The organization encourages community and business leaders, educators, students and organizations to come together and take a visible stand against violence in their communities by recognizing youth that exemplify
the 3R’s – Respect, Responsibility and the Role of leadership through initiatives that reduce violence in their schools and communities. Since 2006, Louise Russo has visited some 50 schools touching over 130,000 students by sharing her story as a victim of violence, the effects of violence on the victim and the family, and how she has moved forward with her life by creating a charitable organization that recognizes the ‘Good Works’ of youth across the GTA and surrounding area. Continuing to work with a variety of partners and professionals, Louise Russo and her mainly volunteer organization has garnered powerful respect and support from such dignitaries as John Tory, Former Leader of the Opposition; Mayor David Miller; Toronto Police Chief, William Blair and The Honourable Roy McMurtry, Former Chief Justice of Ontario. What makes Louise Russo W.A.V.E., particularly unique is the fact that through the sharing of stories, including that of past Louise Russo Youth Award Winners, we focus on the positive of our accomplishments to combat violence NOT the negative. Youth inspire youth by taking some of the positive messages that they hear and then implement these ideas in their school or community. Based on teacher and student feedback, Louise’s message and the acknowledgement of a Louise Russo Youth Awards, reinforces the importance of the 3R's - respect, responsibility and role of leadership - in making their school or community a safer place to live, learn and play. It has also reinforces the good works of the award winners, valuing the difference they have made through their actions. Learning about our mission and goals, has created a ripple effect of how we can all, ‘one-by-one’ make a positive difference.
