In every corner of the globe, teens are stepping up, speaking up, and changing their communities for the better.
Greta Thunberg (Sweden) at 15 began protesting for climate action outside the Swedish Parliament and her “Fridays for Future” movement gained international attention to inspire millions of young people to join in the climate strikes and advocate for environmental reforms globally. Kehkashan Basu (UAE, Canada) at 12 founded the Green Hope Foundation to empower and focus young people in various sustainability projects for environmental education.
Malrey Dias(US) at 11 launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign to collect books featuring Black female protagonists and raise awareness about diversity in children’s literature.
These teens and many more have demonstrated that age is no barrier when wanting to make meaningful contributions and inspire change globally.
Think you're too young to make a big impact in your community or the world? Think again! There are endless ways to get involved in your community. Here are a few ways you can start making a difference today.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Raise Awareness for a Cause
What gets you “fired up?” Whether it’s climate change, mental health awareness, or social justice, you can use your various resources to raise awareness. Here is a step-by-step guide for teens on how to effectively raise awareness for a cause they truly care about:
1. Identify Your Passion
Think about your personal events or experiences. Pay attention to the news or current events that angers, excites, or inspires you. Discuss these issues with your family, friends, or mentors and then choose a cause that truly resonates with you the most.
It could be anything from climate change and animal rights to clean water or education. Also, reflect on values, think about what principles do you value the most; justice, empathy, sustainability, etc. The more passionate you are about an issue the more motivated you will be to make a difference.
2. Research Thoroughly
Understand the nuances of the issue you are passionate about. Use resources like books, documentaries, reputable websites and academic journals to form a well rounded understanding of the cause from different perspectives. Look at Goodreads on your topic written by experts that give in-depth insights and historical contexts.
Look to platforms that can give powerful visual representations like Netflix, YouTube or PBS. Access credible journals like JSTOR or Google Scholar. Use reputable resources to build a comprehensible understanding of your topic.
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3. Set Clear Goals
Decide on what you want to achieve, such as increasing awareness, changing policies, raising funds, etc. Set specific goals that are measurable to help you stay focused and guide your efforts. Remember its also very crucial to set a realistic timeline to achieve your goals so that it can create urgency to help you stay on track.
Anticipate any obstacles that can hinder your progress, it's important to evaluate and adjust your strategies accordingly. So, the more precise you are on your goals the better the roadmap you will create.
4. Use Social Media
Finally! Yes, you should use the all mighty visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube to share information, teach and engage others in your passion. Mainly you should create informative posts, blogs, or viral hashtags to increase your outreach.
Make use of a mix of videos, graphics and stories so that it can be more appealing and informative to your audience’s interests and values. Hopefully you can partner up with social media influencers who care about the same issues to help boost your reach. Remember to schedule regular posts and engage actively by commenting and joining discussions to foster meaningful interactions.
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5. Create Engaging Content
Make sure that the content is informative and relatable by using visuals and personal narratives so that you can capture people's attention. Use everyday language and scenarios so that your audience can easily understand and relate to your cause. You should break down complex issues into easy-to-digest pieces so your audience can take specific actions, like sharing content, signing petitions, or attending events. In the end, you want to engage your audience so that they become more active participants and not just passive viewers.
6. Collaborate and Join Forces
Collaboration can provide you many valuable resources, wider networks, and added credibility to your passion. Hence, partner up with local organizations, clubs, or fellow activists that also share the same passion on the specific issue. They can offer you support, knowledge, and additional resources to help you amplify your impact. Each partner can reach a broader audience and unique networks that can help you build a more supportive community.
7. Host Events and Workshops
Organize webinars, workshops, or community gatherings in person or virtual. These events can be great platforms for discussion, education, and building a very supportive community around your same cause. Ensure that the events provide valuable information through presentations, interactive polls or breakout sessions. Lastly, make sure to follow up after the events by sending thank-you messages, sharing recorded sessions, and gathering feedback to improve future events.
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Conclusion
Remember the KEY is to take the first step and find something you’re passionate about. Your motivation, desire, and creativity to help can lead to an impactful contribution and inspire others to get involved as well. Also, no action is too small when it comes to making a difference.
Your contributions can matter and have the power to create a ripple effect far beyond what you can see. Like some of the teens around the world who have made or are currently making a difference, just stay passionate, persistent, and brave to make significant impacts to your community.
