Young people are powerful agents of change. They are not blind to the world’s injustices and have the energy required to change the world. Generation Z is especially eager to become change agents. In the 2020 election, 50% of young people aged 18-29 voted, an 11-point increase from the 39% in 2016. That just shows that when properly spoken to and motivated, young people are willing to engage in huge numbers.

Here are some tips for getting younger generations involved in activism:

Start with education- both yourself and others

The myth we have often been told is younger generations are lazy and uninspired is not true. Many young voters have different priorities, such as ending racial injustice or saving the environment. You should start with questioning your assumptions about the youth and then look to educate others and encourage the next generation to take action..

Start advocating

Legislation is just one way to promote change in the world, but it is a powerful one. Younger generations have historically been a driving force in legislative change. For example, the DREAM Act was passed into law because of the advocacy of young DREAMers to whom the act benefitted. Similarly, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was primarily supported by young people who cared about the Civil Rights movement. Spread the word about t these movements and how it was the younger generations who drove them and encourage your kids to analyze the process of how these laws were passed. This will teach them how to do something similar to their own causes.

Get creative

There are always new ways to educate people about important issues and think outside the box. The younger generations often possess a wealth of creativity, so encourage them to use that creativity in their activism. 

Embrace Social Media

Education and advocacy for change can come in many forms you might not have thought of, but they are a natural fit in the minds of the youth. 

Storytelling can be a powerful tool in activism, and the younger generations are experts in telling stories through the latest social media platforms. After all, video with sound appeal to emotions in ways words and numbers simply can’t.  Log in to TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat and start engaging with these younger audiences telling their stories in creative ways.