Making an Impact as a Youth Activist

Throughout history, youth activists have played a large part in changing the world for the better. From groups at the Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-Ins in the 1960s who challenged racism and segregation in the United States, to the power of social media to organize a revolution during the Arab Spring in the early 2010s, and with leaders in climate activism like Greta Thunberg, Autumn Peltier, and Qiyun Woo, youth have made and continue to make a powerful impact. 

Activism is action taken by an individual or group to raise awareness and create change. Being an activist looks different for everyone. The above examples of activists all have different approaches, but their work comes together to accomplish the same overarching goal: leaving the world better than we found it. As you begin your activism journey, keep in mind that your impact will contribute to the same vital goal. 

Discover Your Activist Role

There are a wide range of roles people fill that are necessary for the success of a movement. Some are more in the spotlight, while others run logistics behind the scenes. Some involve organizing events, and others include participating in them. Finding where you fit within a movement requires some self-reflection. Take some time to reflect on the following:

• Your strengths
• How much time you have to give
• Resources available to you
• Challenges you may encounter

All activists play an essential role in bringing about change. This Social Change Map, created by Deepa Iyer, breaks down 10 roles that make up the “ecosystem” of activism. Each one has a set of characteristics that best describe a person who identifies with that role. For example, “caregivers” nurture and cultivate connection and care within their activist community. “Storytellers” gather and share community stories to strengthen the movement. As you continue your activism journey, you may find you prefer a different role or want to change it up at some point. There is no box you need to fit into and no limit to the kind of work you do. 

To find what tasks might be most appealing, you can take this brief quiz to see what activist archetype you might be.

You can also consider questions like: 

• How willing are you to take risks? And who will be impacted if you do? 
• What activities bring you joy? 
• Do you enjoy interacting with large groups, working by yourself, or with a few friends?

Take Action: Street Murals, Boycotts, Letter-Writing and More

In addition to different activist roles, activism can take a variety of forms. Organizing a march, painting a street mural, or initiating a walkout all call for collective action. Working collectively with the larger community opens the door to an even greater impact. Different people play different parts, and your collective work can reach beyond what an individual can do.

On the other hand, if you prefer to work independently, craftivism or participating in a boycott are great ways to be an activist on your own or with a group of friends. If you share a common goal with others, regardless of whether or not you directly interact with them, you are all working towards the same thing. No matter how you choose to participate, your work will have a positive impact on the cause you’re working towards. 

Identify Small Actions That Make a Big Impact

If you’re looking for a small, yet meaningful, way to contribute to a cause, consider incorporating microactivism into your day-to-day life. Omakari Williams, the author of the book Microactivism, says that small actions that you make a daily or weekly habit of “can be really mighty if we stick with it over a period of time.” These could be actions like using less plastic or emailing an elected official weekly. She emphasizes that these microactivisms should be made fun because if something feels difficult, you may be less likely to maintain that habit. Ideally, the habit would become as second nature as brushing your teeth. 

Stay Curious and Know Your Issue

Being knowledgeable about your issue will enable you to be a more effective advocate. You always want to be sure to base your engagement on fact-based information. Additionally, once you start taking action, knowing your rights will keep you safe and protected as you engage in your activism work. 

Being an activist is as much about understanding yourself as it is about understanding your community. To find success in activism, continue to be curious both internally and externally. For more guidance, networks of activists exist globally, both in person and online, to support you as you navigate becoming an activist. 

Your Guide to Taking Action as a Young Person

For activism guidance and inspiration, check out the World of 8 Billion Activism Toolkit. Explore the resources, activity ideas, and step-by-step roadmap to help you find success in your activism.