Yasmin P, age 17
From the first time the YW group met as a whole, Arthur was an instant source of positive encouragement for all of us. As shy as we all were that first day, he was able to free us all from our shells of insecurity. In providing this warm, safe and positive environment for us, Arthur made it easier for us to take direction in what we wanted to accomplish while in the crew, and thereafter. ...this amazing experience was made even better with Arthur being there to support us. Thankx Arthur!
YWALK Youth Leader Toronto 2007
Jason Serafino-Agar, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Working with Mr. Orsini has been a tremendous help to me with our visioning of a high school Safe Routes to School program. His insight and reflections on our funding proposal have been both encouraging and educational. Combining 20+ years of Safe Routes to School innovation and experience worldwide and a thoughtful work manner Mr. Orsini has been a true catalyst to our efforts.
Jason Serafino-AgarSRTS Program CoordinatorSan Francisco Bicycle CoalitionWorkshop participant, Melbourne
I learned a lot about methods to engage youths without condescending to them or delivering projects that they don't see as relevant ... the absolute need to involve the whole youth/person, thanks.
R. McFaul, Principal
I do believe that a small committed group of students can impact the cultural norms of a community. The key is in providing that group with leadership and social significance.
You have done a wonderful job of promoting the concept of reducing vehicle traffic around our school. You have raised the issue in the minds of kids, families and thus drivers.
A. S.
Arthur has a good presence with students. He has the ability to communicate very clearly with the students.
Coquitlam Elementary School Principal
Inthuja S, age 17
Arthur was an amazing mentor with great ideas for our Toronto-based youth group promoting active transportation. His concern for the environment was transferred to us through the engaging discussions he facilitated. Above all he undertook organizing the International Walk 21 conference youth forum this past year in Toronto with us. Our youth forum was a huge success with over 150 student turnout. This was largely due to Arthur’s strong organizational skills, creativity and energy. I am certain that Arthur will make a positive difference, as he has already done so in our community.
YWALK Youth Leader Toronto 2007
JC, age 16
Off Ramp would never be successful if it hadn’t been for Arthur Orsini. Arthur was able to guide us throughout the year, and to provide us with a different view about the world ...and that saving the environment is a social responsibility (making it) fun and interesting. Since Off Ramp became active, our number of people driving to school decreased by almost 70%, and staff and students work hard together to maintain (this). Arthur Orsini was an outstanding mentor for our group.
Off Ramp Leader,
Windermere Secondary School, Vancouver
Kevin C. age 18
In 2007 Arthur played an instrumental role in facilitating a student led committee that initiated the schools first annual “BikeFest.” This one day event brought together wacky bikes, alternative powered equipment, a local band, and a generous amount of cycling related activities. Over a three month planning period Arthur demonstrated his ability to foster a positive environment for discussion that allowed each of us to move into positions and roles that were important to us. As one of the core coordinators for the “BikeFest” committee I am very glad that Arthur was able to spare some time from his busy schedule to attend our meetings. Arthur allowed our team to make our own decisions but made sure to keep us on track and helped us develop our goals early so that each and every one of us knew what we were working towards.
During the actual “BikeFest” event Arthur once again showed his support by spending his entire day with us. I personally learned a lot from the experience on this day. Having the role of lead coordinator for the day, I ended up overseeing the event through. I am so grateful for the assistance that Arthur provided to me, especially since I’d never before had this type of responsibility. Arthur gave me tips and advice throughout the day but was never overbearing, quite on the contrary he demonstrated the great respect he must have for the ability of high school students and all young people in general.
ACTION Group Co-ordinator (2007)
Windermere Secondary School, Vancouver
Erin M, age 17
As a student leader at BPCI, I have a lot of opportunities to see different styles and approaches to leadership among both students and staff. In my travels, I was fortunate enough to meet Arthur Orsini, an exceptional leader that brought together a group of individuals with a single goal, and was able to guide and steer them to that goal with ease and enthusiasm. The YWALK forum could not have happened without the constant support of Arthur, and I feel priveleged to have worked with this leader of such devotion to his projects.
YWALK Youth Leader Toronto 2007
M Maier, Secondary School Teacher
Arthur, you made it easy for me.
Lead Teacher, Off Ramp Secondary School program, Port Coquitlam, BC
Jason, age 11
Everything (about being on the walking leadership team) made me feel great, the jobs make me feel good, doing the walking pledges makes me feel awesome, and knowing people are thinking about the environment makes me feel the best of all.
Edith Martel
I found your workshop was really helpful for me and inspiring for the development of future activities. ... I followed your advice at (my nearby) high school. The students were easier to approach this way, thanks to you.
Agent de development
Mon école à pied, à vélo! program, Vélo Québec
Tricia Tipper, Principal
In the spring of 2009, Arthur worked with student leaders and parents to identify the prime areas of concern regarding student safety as they walked or rode to school. Arthur has an excellent ability to work with both students and adults as he shares his passion and knowledge around safe traffic strategies.
This December, Arthur worked with grade 4 and 5 classes and then intensely with student leaders from these same grades. The children, with Arthur’s guidance, produced four social marketing tools that will be used within our community in the months of December and January. The children explored and created educational messages for drivers that could ultimately lead to a change in the driving habit of our community, resulting in an increase in student safety.
We believe that engaging our student voice is a powerful way to get a strong message to our parents, educating our future drivers and promoting healthy lifestyles by making our roads safer with the ultimate goal of safe walking and cycling to school. This in turn will reduce traffic congestion, increase student safety and help reduce our carbon footprint.
We are very excited by the professional, dedicated and enthusiastic support Arthur provided our school.
Elementary School Principal, Coquitlam, B.C.
Bridget Glasgow
I chose (the issue of) transport after working with Arthur in secondary schools because of his expertise and huge range of creative ideas for engaging youth... Already the youth have initiated more action back in their own region than the previous years because of Arthur's facilitation skills which enabled them to have a deeper understanding and perspective of transport in Auckland and the western world. Arthur also provided simple and practical ideas that the students could implement and be effective in making a difference.
