How to Advocate for What Matters Most—At Any Age
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, young people have a voice that’s more influential than ever before — and they’re using it to advocate for issues they’re passionate about. In fact, in a recent survey of youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America found that today’s teens are committed to societal change and passionate about social justice issues that continue to top headlines. Youth voice is more impactful than ever, with over 80% of youth saying they feel like they can make a difference in their community.
Youth advocacy can take many different forms, including meeting with representatives, spreading awareness among family and friends, volunteering in community initiatives and taking action on local issues. Advocacy also looks different for each individual — whether teens aspire to become a youth activist or just want to discover small ways to contribute to their community. So, how do you get started when there are so many issues to support and ways to create change?
At Boys & Girls Clubs, young people can participate in volunteering and community engagement, as well as advocate for issues they care about. Club initiatives like Think, Learn, Create Change, supported by Family Dollar, empower youth to work with people from diverse backgrounds and become change agents through the creation and implementation of their own local advocacy projects.
As Club teen Ava M. said, “I have been able to get involved in issues that affect me and learn different skills like having an elevator speech, public speaking and communicating with those in positions of power.”
We asked Boys & Girls Club teens to share their tips for other young people looking to make a difference in the world. Here’s what they had to say:
Middle Schoolers: Your Voice Matters
You are never too young to start advocating. Middle school is a great time to join school or community groups, volunteer and speak up about things that are important to you.
Many young people start to explore their own opinions and beliefs in middle school — yet, because of their age, they may not be taken as seriously as older kids and young adults. Our teens encouraged middle schoolers to feel confident in their own voice: “what you say matters, and you deserve to be heard,” said one Club teen.
As teens reflected on middle school, the same theme came up: peer pressure. Middle schoolers are often navigating establishing their personal identity and complex social dynamics like bullying, social media and more. That’s why it’s an especially important time to figure out their voice and what matters to them.
Getting involved in advocacy or community engagement can help young people develop important skills like self-confidence and conflict resolution. As Club teen Taylor G. said, “Remember to stick with your own beliefs. Don’t follow ‘trends’ or collapse to pressure if it goes against your values.”
Embrace Your Individuality in High School
High school is a pivotal stage when young people are shaping their future and discovering more about themselves and the world around them. Opinions on social issues start to form, and teens might find themselves or their friends aligning with causes, issues and political parties.
Club teens we surveyed emphasized the importance of staying true to their beliefs and values, while staying open-minded and considerate to all. “Be kind and acknowledge the opinions of others,” says Taylor G., “But don’t feel the need to be like them.”
High school is also a time when the impact of youth advocacy and activism begins making its mark. Teen volunteers see the immediate rewards of their work. Youth get opportunities like Think, Learn Create Change at Boys & Girls Clubs and student council at school to learn the power of decision-making. And Gen Z continues to be a vocal generation, interested in issues that effect their peers, families and communities.
Around the world, young people help drive public policy changes and civic engagement. And it all starts in their local community: “reach out to congressmen and legislators about issues that you believe in,” says Ava M., “even though you’re not yet an adult, that doesn’t mean your voice doesn’t matter.”
How to Reach Out to Your Representatives
Reaching out to your legislators or representatives can be one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. They want to hear from their constituents — that’s you! Don’t know where to start? Boys & Girls Clubs of America can help.
Enter your zip code in our Election Center tool to find a list of representatives you want to email. Select the representatives you want to contact, compose your message, and hit send. It’s that easy!
In College, Vote!
Possibly the biggest difference between young people in high school and those in college is the ability to vote — and Club teens we surveyed are aware of that power. Nearly every teen said that voting is essential. Ava M. said, “being an adult, you have a lot more power and are taken more seriously. Make sure you are voting in elections.”
Teens also pointed to the power of collective voice in college. Youth advocacy in a college setting has a long history from marching for Civil Rights in the 1960s to championing support for the #MeToo movement. As one teen said, “college-aged people are easily able to collectively gather in support of a cause.” Get involved in groups that you’re interested in, and if there isn’t a group already, make one!
All Ages: Get Empowered at a Boys & Girls Club
For many young people, getting involved can be easier said than done.
At their Boys & Girls Club, young people learn about effective ways to advocate, strategies to do so, and ways to explore more topics. As one teen said, “our Club helped us find our voices. Discovering the ability to be a free thinker and take other perspectives in consideration has been a huge learning point for making a difference in our community.”
Through programs like Think, Learn, Create Change, Club youth can work together on their own local advocacy project and learn to maximize their collective voice and champion issues they care about. As one teen said, “The TLC program has opened my eyes to how I can do more in my community and how much our voices truly matter.”
Since 2014, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with Family Dollar, and in 2023 Family Dollar began supporting TLC Clubs nationwide, empowering Club youth to act on critical issues by providing the resources, opportunities and support to Do More and become change agents. Through Family Dollar’s support, Boys & Girls Club youth and their advisors also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to present their advocacy projects to their peers while participating in BGCA’s Summit for America’s Youth.
Join the Club
Boys & Girls Clubs help millions of young people each year develop the skills to stand up for what they think is right and elevate their voices. Learn how to get involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
