Youth Leadership Action Team - Page Overview

Key Issues:

1. Youth know they have a big contribution to make to the global community.

2. Youth do not believe their opinions are taken seriously by decision makers.

3. Youth need more leadership opportunities, which allow them to be active participants in their community.

Statistics:

• 49% of young people believe they can make a big difference in making the world a better place to live.
• 56% of adults believe that young people can make a big difference in the world.
• 42% of young people think they are not taken seriously by decision makers.

Conclusions

It is clear from the statistics above that youth, overwhelmingly, believe they have a significant contribution to make to the world. However, it is also evident that youth feel that their views and opinions are not taken seriously by those in authority or positions of leadership. There is a disconnect between the desire to be active participants in larger community, but feeling as through their contribution is not seen as valuable. Mamta Murthi captures this idea through his statement, “Young people often felt that they were treated as risky agents, whereas they would like to be seen as agents of change – agents who can bring enormous energy and enthusiasm to the business of nation building.” One can then conclude that youth require more meaningful opportunities to express their ideas and carryout their visions on how to improve the local and global community. Research has shown that over two-thirds of youth have donated time or money to a cause or charity within the past year, which illustrates the desire of youth to be involved and active contributors to the world around them.

Adults need to creative positive and significant outlets that allow youth to feel empowered as change agents within the world. Providing these opportunities allows youth to openly express their ideas and carryout their visions without fear of rejection. Youth must not be seen as uninformed and disengaged, rather they must understand that their opinions are seen as integral to creating change. They need to feel that they will be taken seriously by decision makers, which will prevent youth from feeling disenfranchised. Empowering youth to take action requires support from the wider community and resources to assist them in bringing their ideas to life. Ultimately, it is imperative that we provide meaningful opportunities for youth to engage in community and civic life.

As such our Action Team aims to hold an art competition that attracts youth aged 15-24 to provide a creative expression demonstrating what the statement, “Be the change you want to see in the World” – Gandhi means to them. The creative pieces will be displayed at an art exhibit, where the winner will receive a scholarship to a leadership and development course. Our goal is to make this a meaningful opportunity for youth to express their opinions and ideas on how to affect positive change within local and global communities.

Project Mission

To provide opportunities that empowers youth to actively participate and contribute to the local and global community.