People and organizations do not traditionally ask the youth population for their opinions on the issues - what do we know about economics or war or health care? No one can deny, though, that we can provide an informative and inspiring perspective on an issue that affects us individually: education.
Generally, policy makers are the ones that make policy. Advocacy in general is about turning that around, so that the people get to have a voice in the decisions that most affect them. In a democracy, the most simple form of advocacy is voting. Unfortunately for the cause of education, many of those most prone to be directly influenced by policy decisions are not yet of age. The most important factors in getting the youth to participate in this conversation are (1) motivating kids to break past the adult-oriented system and (2) teaching them how to best articulate their policy needs.
One advantage of using youth to advocate for youth is that it carries a shock value. Few people expect a teenager to be knowledgeable or mature enough to be involved in advocacy. In this regard, our words carry more weight. However, our words and not our age should be our most powerful tool. The most effective message will be constructed to combine the thoroughness of serious policy advocacy with the unique viewpoint of a student.
One barrier, besides age, for youth that wish to advocate on a global issue is location is that many of us simply do not have the means to mobilize physically, because, well, we have to go to school. I have most recently learned how strong digital advocacy can be, and no one is better equipped to utilize social media to solve social issues than the youngest generation. Reaching out to organizations or individuals that you know have been successful in their education advocacy can not only link you to existing movements, but can also trigger your own. To participate in an online discussion on development goals, and see the ideas of other youth around the world, see the Global Partnership for Youth in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Some tips on planning and carrying out advocacy as a young adult:
Generally, policy makers are the ones that make policy. Advocacy in general is about turning that around, so that the people get to have a voice in the decisions that most affect them. In a democracy, the most simple form of advocacy is voting. Unfortunately for the cause of education, many of those most prone to be directly influenced by policy decisions are not yet of age. The most important factors in getting the youth to participate in this conversation are (1) motivating kids to break past the adult-oriented system and (2) teaching them how to best articulate their policy needs.
One advantage of using youth to advocate for youth is that it carries a shock value. Few people expect a teenager to be knowledgeable or mature enough to be involved in advocacy. In this regard, our words carry more weight. However, our words and not our age should be our most powerful tool. The most effective message will be constructed to combine the thoroughness of serious policy advocacy with the unique viewpoint of a student.
One barrier, besides age, for youth that wish to advocate on a global issue is location is that many of us simply do not have the means to mobilize physically, because, well, we have to go to school. I have most recently learned how strong digital advocacy can be, and no one is better equipped to utilize social media to solve social issues than the youngest generation. Reaching out to organizations or individuals that you know have been successful in their education advocacy can not only link you to existing movements, but can also trigger your own. To participate in an online discussion on development goals, and see the ideas of other youth around the world, see the Global Partnership for Youth in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Some tips on planning and carrying out advocacy as a young adult:
- Know your facts. Advocates will always be more knowledgeable than policy makers on the policies we want to create. Use this to your advantage, and immerse yourself in the issue.
- Don't forget why the issue matters to you. Going to school has likely been the biggest part of your life so far. The desire to give that to other children, so that they can have the same personal success that you are able to have is enough to motivate change.
- Have a specific goal in mind. What is it that you're trying to achieve, exactly? What can you say that will most support and further your goal?
- Don't go at it alone. Luckily, there are countless individuals that want the same thing that you want, in some form or another. Analyzing their experiences - what went well, what went wrong - and listening to their advice can be priceless.
For a more in-depth study on how to advocate well, see the recently released Youth Advocacy Toolkit.
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