Youth activism is using different ways of campaigning to bring about political or social change. Your activism can bring awareness and change to important issues that are not addressed. Here are a few ideas on how you can make an impact.

Know your rights 

One way to make an impact as a young person is by knowing your rights. All children and youth have national and international rights. These rights are only useful when you know and understand them. You’re able to make informed decisions when you have the appropriate information. So read up on your rights and responsibilities as a youth. 

Make a noise by voting

Election season is a great time to spread the word about the importance of voting. You can still play a big role even if you’re not yet at a legal age to vote. You can talk to your family and friends about voting. In the case that the national elections have passed and a ruling party may have been chosen, you can speak out about the important issues that others are silent about. This way you’re keeping the conversation going. Remember that you’re part of a community and you have the power to educate and influence those around you. 

Empower others

This may sound like a big task but you can do small things every day that can improve someone’s mood or help others feel more motivated to do things. You can give a helping hand where it’s needed. Be more friendly towards your friends and peers. Offer compliments where they’re due.

Build and maintain healthy relationships

Building and maintaining healthy relationships is not easy but it’s not impossible either. Healthy relationships are defined by trust, honesty, open communication, equality and understanding. Take these values into your friendships and romantic relationships. Healthy relationships contribute to a better society.

Be #DoneWithSilence (and encourage users to join the conversation) 

Your social media platforms are a great place to make your voice heard. You can involve your friends in the conversation and encourage them to speak out. Choma’s social media campaign, #donewithsilence, is all about you using your voice to bring to light issues such as gender based violence, abuse, lack of female sanitation and many other struggles youth face today.

To be part of this conversation, all you have to do is use the hashtag #DoneWithSilence whenever you are using your voice about issues in your comminity that your are done being silent about on social media. Click on this link to create your campaign message and view other users messages about the social issues they no longer want to be silent about.

You’re never too young to make an impact in your school, community or the larger society. You don’t have to do everything that I mentioned. Choose one and see how you can use your strengths to make an impact.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).