In the Kielburger households, “social change” is more than a pat phrase or a distant cause. 

Gen X-era brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger are co-founders of the international charity, Free the Children, and the innovative social enterprise organization called Me to We. These two organizations work with some of the world’s poorest people—providing education to more than 55,000 children each day in more than 650 schools as well as clean water and health care to more than one million people in some of the world’s most marginalized communities.

These two movers and shakers of social change have enlisted some big names into their cause including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, actress Mia Farrow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many more. However the real focus of their efforts is in educating and empowering North American youth to take an active and caring role as agents of social change. Their wildly popular annual We Day events reach thousands of students.

Marc Kielburger is on the road about half the year, visiting projects and speaking to schools, conferences and business groups. We caught up with him to find out how he plans and juggles such a hectic schedule and what impact travel has had on his life.

What are the things you can’t do without on the road?

Definitely my BlackBerry, so I can stay connected. And Clif Bars—I eat them all the time because I never know when I’m going to get my next meal.

Your favourite mode of travel?

By plane . . . and I like the aisle seat, otherwise I get grumpy!

If you could sit next to anyone on a long flight, who would it be?

His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He’s been involved in We Day, so we’ve had the most fascinating conversations and he has the most incredible sense of humour.

What would we find on your iPod?

A wide span of music from the Kenyan Boys Choir to the Tragically Hip. And books on tape—always non-fiction including everything from business books to autobiographies.

What spots hold the fondest memories for you?

The Maasai Mara in Kenya. It’s where Roxanne and I were married in a traditional Maasai ceremony. I also love, love Havana—the vibe and the experience of the blast from the past that Havana represents.

What is the most striking landscape you’ve ever seen from the air?

Landing in Hong Kong at the old airport. You could literally see people making dinner in their apartments.

What is your favourite destination?

Lamu, an island off the coast of Kenya with a strong Swahili heritage. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the kindest, gentlest people in the world. It’s also the most eclectic place I’ve ever visited. I love that I can hear the call to prayer at three in the morning.