In this handbook for youth activists, you will find guides on how to bring about change as a young person. We will highlight some inspirational examples and discuss challenges for young activists.

450+ guides for youth activists: Check out our guides on organising, strategy, wellbeing, communication and more.

Introduction #

Welcome to your personal guide for youth advocacy and activism! Embarking on this journey, you'll learn how to harness the transformative power of youth and effectively channel it towards constructive advocacy for change.

This guide offers an in-depth view of youth activism, a widespread and vibrant movement that has played an integral role in shaping our world. From the climate justice demonstrations led by Greta Thunberg, to the powerful Black Lives Matter statements made by teens across the globe - we're going to provide you with inspiration drawn from famous youth activists.

Walking you through examples of successful campaigns led by youth activist groups, we intend to illustrate that age is no limit when it comes to social change. We will also provide a localized glance by pointing you to youth activist groups settled near you, thus fostering directly accessible communities.

Emphasizing the role of fresh ideas, we shall explore a treasury of youth project ideas ranging from small local actions to large-scale global initiatives. In particular, we will illustrate how to transform your school project into a youth empowerment project idea – something impactful that will benefit your local community, engage other youth, and demonstrate to adults the power of youth activism.

Examples #

Climate Strike #

Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenager, began striking outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, demanding stronger action on global warming. Her movement sparked worldwide strikes, where millions of young people protest by not attending school or work. Her tenacity and single-minded dedication show that it's possible for youth to inspire change, not just locally but globally.

March For Our Lives #

In the aftermath of a tragic school shooting in Parkland, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School rose to national prominence as they turned their grief into a worldwide movement for stronger gun control legislation in 2018. They networked with students across the US, organized the massive March For Our Lives protest in Washington D.C., and created an influential advocacy organization that continues pressing for change. This example shows that the victim of a system failure can become powerful agents of change.

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protests #

In 2014, many young people in Hong Kong rose in protest against China's ruling that it would preapprove candidates for the city's leadership role. Student activist Joshua Wong and his compatriots organized sit-ins, marches, and strikes that captured global attention. Their peaceful resistance underpinned the larger, volatile clashes on the streets of Hong Kong in 2019. This example illustrates that youth can and do engage in serious, urgent political activism, standing up against power structures much bigger than themselves.

Free Periods #

Amika George, a British teenager, started the Free Periods movement in 2017 to end period poverty in the UK. She organized a protest outside Downing Street, established a non-profit to educate about period poverty and petitioned the government to offer free menstrual products in schools. In 2020, her efforts resulted in the UK government providing free period products in all English schools and colleges. This story proves that even when it comes to issues considered 'taboo', youth voices can challenge norms and foster crucial policy changes.

Challenges for youth activists #

Activism is a challenging thing for everyone, but as a young activist, you might come across some additional challenges:

Lack of experience and skills #

Most schools do not teach you how to challenge the status quo. But becoming more impactful as an activist is something you can learn, no matter your age. Do not be discouraged if you feel like you do not have the right experience yet. You might not know how to do activism the way you are 'supposed to', but that can actually help you to be creative and innovate.

Having a strong motivation to fight for justice is the most important thing. But perhaps just as important: you need to have a drive to learn. Check out 450+ guides for activists on this platform.

Financial constrains #

You might not have access to funding which can limit the scope and reach of your initiatives. When applying for grants, people might not take you seriously enough.

However, sometimes doing activism without a big budget will actually force you to think outside the box. If you start your campaign with lots of money, your strategy and tactics will start to depend on having access to that money. This makes it more difficult to scale up later: every time you want to grow, you need more and more money.

Difficulty gaining respect and credibility #

Due to your age, you might face difficulty in gaining respect and credibility with older people or those in positions of authority.

However, this also makes your opponents weak: they might underestimate your strengths. In addition, do not be afraid to show your vulnerabilities: adults have a strong drive to protect children and young people. They might be more cautious to use all their resources to suppress you. For example, the police is less likely to use violence if children are present at a protest. If they were to accidentally hurt a child, they might face a big backlash.

School and Family Responsibilities #

It's important to recognize that juggling school, family responsibilities, and activism work can be quite challenging. Here are some suggestions:

1. Prioritize: Remind yourself that you're only human, and you should never feel guilty about not being able to do everything. Identify the tasks that need immediate attention and prioritize accordingly. This could be a school assignment due the next day or a family event that you can't miss.

2. Effective Time Management: Using time management tools can help a lot. You could use a physical planner or digital apps that schedule your tasks effectively. This can help you break your tasks down into more manageable parts and track your progress.

3. Self-Care: Activism work can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. Ensure you're taking time off to breathe, relax, or enjoy hobbies. Also, exercise, eat healthily, and ensure you're getting enough sleep.

4. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help. This can be from teachers, family members, or even friends. When it comes to family responsibilities, family members can understand and cooperate. In school, teachers can provide you with assignments ahead of time or give extensions if needed when you're involved in activism work.

5. Join an Activism Group: Being part of a group can lighten the workload as you'd be sharing responsibilities.

6. Combine Your Efforts: If possible, try to combine your academic work with your activist interests. For example, use the subject you're studying to bring about awareness in your activism work. This way, you aren't compromising on either.

7. Remember your "Why": Your passion for change is what drives your activism. When things get tough, remind yourself why you started. Your cause is essential, and your efforts can make a difference. Preserving this mindset will keep you going during tough times.

Remember, being an effective activist isn't about how much time you spend, but about the quality of the work you do. Don't beat yourself up if you have to take a step back sometimes, it's important to ensure you're not burning out. You are a young individual with the power to bring about change, but you also need to take care of yourself.

Q&A #

How do I begin my journey as an activist? #

Becoming an activist starts with identifying your passion. What issues do you feel strongly about? Is it environmental conservation, social justice, or maybe gender equality? Consider volunteering or working with organizations that align with your interests. Read and educate yourself extensively about the matter - knowledge and passion are your most valuable tools.

As a teenage activist, how can I get adults to take me seriously? #

The most effective way to be taken seriously is to know your facts. Do your research, stay informed, and remember that passion combined with knowledge is very convincing. Communicate effectively and demonstrate your commitment through your actions.

How to handle resistance or negative feedback? #

Expect resistance because change usually comes with pushback. Keep focusing on your cause and don’t let negativity discourage you. Surround yourself with a supportive community, learn from constructive criticism, and ignore personal attacks.

How can I encourage my peers to become involved in activism? #

Share your passion with your peers and educate them about the issues you’re fighting for. Make them understand what’s at stake and how they can make a difference. Show them the benefits of activism not just for the cause, but also for personal growth.

How do I balance schoolwork, personal life, and activism? #

Time management and prioritization are key. Develop a schedule that balances all aspects of your life. Remember, it's okay to take breaks; activism is a marathon, not a sprint. Avoid burnout by keeping a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

How can I fundraise for my cause? #

There are multiple ways to fundraise. You can host local events, start a crowdfunding campaign online, apply for grants, or partner with local businesses. Storytelling is crucial in fundraising, so narrate why your cause matters and how the donations will be used.

Can activism make a significant impact? #

Absolutely! Activism has been at the heart of many significant social changes throughout history. Never underestimate the power of a passionate voice and committed actions. Every bit count, no matter how small it may seem at the beginning.

Improve this page #

This page still needs quite a lot of work! Lots of people would like to learn more about youth activism. Use the table below to get inspiration what to write about.