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it was a strange feeling, like a connection with him.. someone I hadn't met and who didn't know me, but I might have had something to do with getting him released. When I read he'd been let out I felt different... it was like being on a whole different level of existence.." (16 year-old young woman, member of Amnesty International)This paper aims to challenge the way in which we view young people. Young people in most countries of the world are viewed stereotypically, as alienated, apathetic, and self-centred. This paper will present research which demonstrates that this image is not correct. Rather, many young people today are involved in a wide range of exceptional activities, in volunteering, campaigning, and a wide range of community activities. The data presented is drawn from a study undertaken by the authors of 1,150 young people, aged 14-16, from a variety of backgrounds and living in different parts of the U.K. The research demonstrates that participation in pro-social and altruistic activities is enormously beneficial not only for society in general, but also for the young people themselves, leading to the development of a range of practical, personal, and social skills. Quantitative and qualitative data from the study will be presented to illustrate these points.