Bright lights shone throughout the Xcel Energy Center as the crowd of over 18,000 learned a dance sequence to kick off the celebration of We Day

Students from over 400 schools came together to celebrate We Day on Oct. 8. Initiated by Free the Children, an international charity, We Day’s message to students included turning “Me to We” and how to become the leaders of tomorrow.

During his speech, co-founder of Free the Children, Marc Keilburger, encouraged students to act now and fulfill their roles as the next generation’s guides.
“Young people aren’t simply the leaders of tomorrow; they can and must be the leaders of today,” said Kielburger.

Award-winning actress and activist Mia Farrow made an appearance and spoke about her experience with volunteering.

“I went seeking for a life that would be meaningful to me and others,” Farrow said. “I realized I could make a difference outside my family if I kept trying.”

Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, also made a brief speech questioning students on how prepared they were to change the future.

“All of you have the opportunity to be the next great generation. Are you going to seize the opportunity?” Coleman said.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan addressed the crowd about the children in Syria, reminding students of the education many take for granted. Her Majesty also encouraged students to make a difference in the world.

“Never let anyone tell you, you are too young to change the world,” Her Majesty said.

Musical performances included GRAMMY®-nominated artists, Carly Rae Jepsen and the Jonas Brothers, as well as Fifth Harmony, America’s first teen girl group, and the Kenyan Boys Choir.

As well as performing, singer Joe Jonas also spoke about his involvement with Free the Children and why he joined.

“I just wanted to go somewhere to help with […] the things that seem so human,” Jonas said.

Local heroes, like Siddharth Paari, were also honored and had the chance shared their story. As a junior attending Tech High School in St. Cloud, Paari said he became involved with We Day in fall of 2011 when Craig Kielburger visited his school.

Since then Paari has done all of the campaigns offered by Free the Children, and recommends volunteering to other students.

“Not only does it give you a personal benefit, by putting it on college applications, but it also makes you feel good inside and it makes you feel like you are actually making a difference in the world,” he said.

Other than offer praise and opportunity for student volunteer work, many speakers took time to address the students more personal levels.

“Don’t look for happiness, you won’t find it that way. Look for someone to help, and happiness will follow,” Farrow said.