Youth voice, youth involvement, youth participation, youth empowerment… We’ve all heard those buzzwords before. But, what does it really mean? Why does it matter for young people like you to be a part of the greater whole society? 

Well, my friend! I’m here to give you the low-down. It’s because no matter how young or old you are, YOU are part of society. Every bill passed, every resolution enforced, every law upheld; It affects you. And consequently, you have the right to be involved in decisions that affect you and the people around you. 

Every century, decade, year, month, week, day, and even hour, the world changes. And we’d only hope to mold it into a newer and better world that’s inclusive to everyone’s plights and overrides the differences of race, gender, sexuality, social class, etc. Through the youth, we’re passing the torch. We’re giving the younger folks a fighting chance to see a world we’ve wished to see around us and in turn, help them bring a change for those who come after. And here are ways we can help ensure inclusion and create equality of opportunity!

Join Advocacy Groups

I’ve said this time and time again, but collective action is always key. It is through coming together that we can really create a sustainable and long-lasting dent for a common goal. It is through collaborating together that we get to see the effects trickle down to personal freedoms. 

Through advocacy groups, you can support social and political causes through awareness campaigns, policy briefings, lobbying, coalition and community building, public education, grassroots activities, and so on. They’re there to influence public opinion and create a difference, even from the policy level. In fact, we’ve seen many groups take up so many forms! Some zero in on specific advocacies like voter registration, and some bring attention to a group or community of people such as breast cancer survivors. Meanwhile, others go for an all-encompassing issue such as forest conservation and tackle the many parts of it.

After all, they do say, “It takes a village,” which, not gonna lie, is a bit overused. But there’s actually more to it! The full quote is, “It takes a village to raise a child,” which comes from an African proverb. It means that an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. 

And hey! Isn’t that what we’re all aiming for? It is through collective action that we can create spaces for people to thrive, grow, and persevere; to rid exclusivity and uphold inclusivity.

Take on Leadership Roles

No matter what others say, you have the capability to be a leader too! And age shouldn’t deter you from making that big step. I mean, you aren’t called the next generation leaders for nothing! In fact, many youth leaders have used their voice and brought in projects to help out from the local or community level. Case in point: Shouldn’t the young people be the ones to lead in issues that affect them, such as education, mental health, LGBT+ representation, and so on?

You might be thinking, “What if I’m good enough?” “What if I’m not smart enough?” “What if I’m not confident enough?” Well, I’m here to tell you that being a leader is more than just exhibiting ‘model behaviors.’ And if I’m being honest here, embodying the unreachable ‘perfect’ role model just doesn’t exist anyway. Being a leader is about taking responsibility, advocating for better, empowering others, and viewing learning as a two-way street. It’s about taking the initiative to bring change while not discounting the contributions of others too. Lead with a heart! And always with the mindset of “para sa masa” or “for the people.” 

As I said, you have the right to be involved in all the decision-making. You’re also a part of a greater whole, so go forth with a vision, carve out your path, then take charge for that goal! Be the leader that recognizes our differences and needs that come with it, while also giving importance to every individual.

Start a Movement 

It’s an understatement to say young people get such a bad rep. With folks growing up with social media, young people are so often dismissed and looked down upon. They are often perceived as a “Me, Me, Me” generation, but wasn’t it this generation that brought about “Me too?” People (*ahem* adults) would be surprised at how knowledgeable, perceptive, and compassionate they can be! 

Whether you’re in an advocacy group or a youth leader, next comes the action parts into genuinely making a difference. Perhaps, this means creating a purposeful project to drive positive change, whether in your school, community, or even on a national level! This brings us to Youth Co:Lab, an initiative co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation working tirelessly toward empowerment, equality, social inclusion, and social justice in the Asia-Pacific. And more specifically, a youth-centered movement that sees the value in the youth’s socially innovative projects.

While the visions come first, next comes the actual ‘doing’ for your goal, from the ‘why?’ to the ‘what’s next?’ So, think about: How can I achieve that goal? And what are the feasible steps to making it a reality? Through Youth Co:Lab, they put this to heart by helping young movers like yourselves through proper support and guidance, training programs, collaborative projects, resources, and even funding!

Too often young people have been cast aside. Now more than ever, we need to provide them a platform and amplify their voices for a brighter tomorrow.

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About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

About Citi Foundation 

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com. 

About Edukasyon.ph

Launched in 2015, Edukasyon.ph is the largest online youth platform in the Philippines empowering millions of Filipino students to make better education decisions that lead to a fulfilling career and life. Students use our website to access courses, schools, scholarships, online education, and other resources and opportunities to take the paths best suited to their own interests, skills and passion. We’ve worked with hundreds of schools, corporations, and foundations to enable them to reach and engage with our student community along the journey from education to career.