Today, we are seeing more young leaders speaking up and standing strong for their values. These leaders are not waiting until they are older to take action. They are making a difference now, and the world is listening.

Value of leadership at a young age

Some people think you must be older to be a leader. That is not true. Leadership is not about age, it’s about vision, action, and the courage to speak up. Many young leaders are between 14 and 24 years old. This is a time in life when a person’s brain is still growing. They are going through big changes, such as puberty and entering young adulthood. They are also learning who they are and what they believe in.

At the same time, they are facing a fast-changing world. Technology is everywhere, and global issues are easy to see and hear about online. From climate change to human rights, young people are more aware than ever of what is happening around the world.

Even with these challenges, young people are stepping forward. They see injustice, they want change. And they want to be the ones to make it happen.

The power of young voices

History shows that young people can create real change. Their fresh ideas and energy often lead to new solutions when old ways have failed. One powerful example is the students from Parkland, Florida. After the tragic school shooting in 2018, they organized “March For Our Lives,” the largest gun violence protest in U.S. history. Their efforts helped draw attention to the need for stronger gun laws and led to the passage of more than 300 gun violence prevention laws across the country.

Young leaders bring creativity, passion, and a sense of urgency to the issues they care about. They often use social media to raise awareness and connect with people around the world. They do not wait for permission, they take action.

Young activist leading the landscape

Greta Thunberg: She began her work at the age of 15, holding a sign outside her country’s parliament to demand action on climate change. Her protest grew into a worldwide movement called “Fridays for Future,” inspiring millions of students to take part in climate strikes. She continues to fight against ecocide, and genocide.

March For Our Lives: Founded by survivors of the Parkland school shooting, this youth-led movement has organized rallies, lobbied lawmakers, and kept the conversation about gun safety alive. They prove that young people can lead national conversations and push for policy change.

Marcelo Gomes De Silva: Marcelo was arrested by ICE agents when they stopped him while he was driving his dad’s vehicle. He later found out he was undocumented. While in ICE detention centers, he helped translate and read documents for people. After being liberated, he’s spoken up about the inhumane conditions that people are forced to be in the detention centers.

How youth workers can support young leaders

As you’re working with young people, you play an important role in helping them succeed. Here are a few ways to support their leadership:

• Listen without judgment. Let them share their ideas and concerns.
• Provide resources. Help them find information, training, or mentors to support their efforts.
• Encourage teamwork. Many young leaders thrive when they work with others. Change rarely happens alone.
• Celebrate small wins. Every step forward is important.
• Listen and learn. Young people have a different perspective of the world. Listening to them empowers their voice and learning from them will help you grow as a leader.

Rather than thinking of young people as the leaders of tomorrow, recognize them as leaders today. By believing in them, guiding them, and standing beside them, youth workers can help ensure their voices are heard and their impact is lasting.

The world needs their energy, ideas, and determination now more than ever.

YIPA is committed to improving the quality of life for young people everywhere. If you’re interested in learning more through working with young people trainings, check out YIPA’s online training called YOUTH DO HAVE RIGHTS!