Courage MKE’s Post

I just ticked over 7 years at Youth Affairs Council Victoria! What a trip it's been working with, and advocating for, young Victorians. Here are some of my learnings so far... - Young people want to be heard on issues they care about - Young people care about an awful lot - especially the big topics like social and climate justice, mental health, gender equity, safety, racism, discrimination, rights, housing and education - Many young people want to be more than heard, they want to be involved in creating ideas and solutions for big problems - Consultation is rarely adequate, we need to find more ways to break down processes and power dynamics and give access to the decision-making tables that enable young people to step forward as agents and leaders of change - Young people need older allies (over 25 yo) because the system is rigged against them - Young people are not homogenous. Intersectionality plays out in profound ways for young people who are (by definition) exploring their identity, strengths and place in the world

Today, on Youth Day, we remember and honour the brave youth of June 16, 1976, who stood united against oppression and fought for a better future. Their sacrifice was not in vain, and it is our responsibility to carry their legacy forward. As the youth of today, we have the power to shape the future and create a world where equality, unity, and opportunity prevail. It’s essential that we support and empower each other, working together to build the future we want to see. How We Can Empower Each Other: 1. Support and Collaboration: Let’s lift each other up and collaborate on projects and initiatives that drive positive change. 2. Education and Skills Development: Share knowledge and skills to help each other grow and succeed. 3. Advocacy and Activism: Stand together to advocate for the issues that matter to us, from social justice to environmental sustainability. 4. Mentorship and Guidance: Offer guidance and mentorship to fellow youth, helping them navigate their paths and achieve their goals. 5. Unity and Solidarity: Remember that we are stronger together. Let’s break down barriers and build a united front. The youth of 1976 fought for a future where we could stand united and empowered. Let’s honour their legacy by working together to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. #YouthDay #EmpowerEachOther #Unity #LegacyOf1976 #YouthEmpowerment #TogetherWeCan

Today, we celebrate International Day of the Girl by honoring the remarkable girls who are leading, dreaming, and transforming the world. We firmly believe that girls are experts of their own lives—and brilliant feminist activists. So, who best to guide our work than girls themselves? Our Adolescent Girls Advisory Council (AGAC) plays a key role in driving key strategic decisions across our organization including how to redistribute funds and other resources through our Adolescent Girls’ Rights program.  In their countries and regions, they run girl-focused clubs, work with feminist groups and children’s rights organizations, serve as youth advisors, and many more. Around the world, girls are innovating to build a climate- just future, to end period poverty and racial discrimination, and to fight for education for everyone –– and they are winning! Read more about the AGAC here: ➡️  https://lnkd.in/gVE7ET87   

Our Voices, Our Solutions: Connecting Young Changemakers" ✨ I had the opportunity to attend the recent event organized by the Global Young Influencers of Plan International, Plan International Canada, the Canadian Council of Young Feminists, and the Equality Accelerator. I am truly inspired by the powerful discussions and the collective energy that filled the room Throughout the event, we explored the immense power of youth activism when we stay connected, organized, and empowered. As Sarah Jane Elago highlighted in her welcome address, "Empowering youth and allowing them to lead can break cycles of violence and poverty, benefiting future generations Key Takeaways: Establishing Credibility: Youth often struggle to be taken seriously within colonial and patriarchal systems. Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging the gap with decision-makers is crucial but challenging. Institutional Support: More resources are needed to enable youth-led organizations to thrive. As Lia emphasized in her closing remarks, "This is just the beginning. Let's carry forward the momentum by supporting each other, sharing our stories, and collaborating on meaningful change." Together, we can make a difference. 💪🌟 #YouthActivism #Changemakers #YouthEmpowerment #SocialChange #FutureLeaders

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 Empowering young girls is more than a mission—it's a passion that drives every aspect of my work. Seeing young queens rise, claim their space, and shatter systemic barriers brings an immense sense of fulfillment. Our world needs these young voices, their fresh perspectives, and their boundless energy. But how can we, as individuals, make a tangible impact every day? Here are some ways in which we can fuel this movement with actionable steps: 🌟 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡: Show unconditional confidence in young girls to motivate them. 🚀 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨: Create chances for young girls to lead through projects and activities. 🧪 𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈: Support their interest in STEM fields and introduce them to inspiring female role models. 💪 𝙁𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙚𝙩: Teach that intelligence grows with effort and celebrate progress. 📢 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚: Ensure young girls feel heard and valued in all settings. 🏡 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨: Provide environments where they can express themselves and grow. ⚖️ 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮: Challenge stereotypes and support gender equality initiatives. 🌟 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚: Show empowerment through your actions and determination. 📚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Stay informed and adapt your approach to support their needs. 🎉 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨: Recognize and celebrate their successes to boost confidence. Read my latest blog here: https://wix.to/13zIQ3S If you would like to take a tangilble step today, you can also 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐅𝐋 here: https://lnkd.in/ek23RhtM EmpowHERto Janeen B. Karla Kannan Dr. Marcelo L. Martinez

Did you know that... The concept of "Youth Empowerment" was first introduced by the United Nations in 1995, recognizing the importance of supporting young people's rights, aspirations, and contributions! Today, youth empowerment is a global movement, inspiring young people to become active citizens, innovators, and leaders. Share with us in the comments below: how are you or someone you know making a positive impact in your community? Let's amplify youth voices and actions! #FunFactFriday #YouthEmpowerment #Changemakers

Today we remember the incredible bravery and heroic actions of the young people of 1976. Their defiance against an oppressive school system and state was nothing short of inspiring. The images from that time vividly depict the severe brutality faced by those who stood up for their rights. As we celebrate Youth Day, let's honour and remember those who fought for the freedom we cherish today. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of our youth. Let's continue to celebrate and uplift the young people of our nation, as they are the future. It is our responsibility to educate, guide, and nurture young minds, who will become the leaders of tomorrow. Together, let’s build a future that honours their sacrifice and continues their fight for equality and justice. #YouthDay #June16 #1976Uprising #BraveryAndHeroism #YouthPower #FreedomFighters #LegacyOfCourage #RememberThePast #CelebrateYouth #UpliftTheYoung #FutureLeaders #EqualityAndJustice #HonourTheirSacrifice #StrengthAndResilience #InspiringYouth #EducateAndNurture #BuildingTheFuture

Thirty minutes ago, we concluded our UNICEF Innocenti launch event webinar, where a participant posed a question: "What do you expect from UNICEF offices and other partners to advance this report and integrate youth foresight into decision-making?" I could not address it at the time so here is my answer Engage with us in assessing the relevance of these findings to your work and let's validate it together. Instead of viewing it as too ambitious or outside the scope, consider asking, 'What is one actionable step we can take to make this possible?' Foresight is fundamentally about exploring possibilities. Make sure to read through the report and let us know what you think 💫 #OurFuturePledge #YouthForesight #ImAYoungVisionary #OurCommonFuture

The newly published UNICEF Innocenti Youth Foresight Report 2024 is a powerful reminder of the vital insights young people can bring to a whole host of global challenges - from existential challenges like AI and climate change to universal rights such as health and education. The report contains a range of novel, clear and practical solutions that are grounded in the lived experiences of young people around the world. For example, it highlights their profound concerns about AI’s role in shaping digital identities, and emphasises the urgent need for ethical frameworks and safety measures to protect children online. As much as the rich substantive lessons it contains, however, the Innocenti work is also an exemplar in terms of engaging and empowering youth voices. It demonstrates clearly that youth foresight - the core approach underpinning the report - can be a tool that empowers the next generation to co-create a future that prioritises child rights, well-being, and equitable opportunities. The message is clear: the future belongs to young people, and we must ensure they are at the heart of decision-making. The report echoes our commitment at UNICEF UK to ensuring that young people are more than beneficiaries of our work, but are active participants in designing solutions to ensure a brighter, more inclusive future #foreverychild

When we set out to create Young Visionaries Youth Foresight Child Rights Report 2024, we wanted this report to be different. We wanted the voices of young people to resonate on every page. We wanted their visions to be front and center, and we wanted child rights to be surfaced in every case study, ensuring that the fundamental rights of children were central as we explore emerging futures. From artificial intelligence and biometric data to genetic engineering and other technological disruptions, this report tackles some truly complex emerging challenges and opportunities for the #childrights agenda. But what also struck us were the insights captured by Mamadou in Mali and Oussamaben in Comoros. Their work reminded us that the future isn't just about shiny new technologies. In many contexts, it’s about something far more basic: the need for fundamental infrastructure to cope with the realities of global heating. Rising temperatures are already threatening children’s right to #education and their right to play—basic rights that we often take for granted. This is not some distant future; it’s happening now. The futures young people envisioned in these places reflect a need for practical, immediate solutions to address these challenges like sustainable cooling infrastructure in schools, solutions that are just as critical as the emerging technologies we often focus on. Looking ahead, we hope that #YoungVisionaries will not just be a one-time publication but an annual effort, a Youth Foresight Child Rights Report that will serve as an archive of youth visions over time. By doing this, we can track how the hopes, fears, and aspirations of young people evolve, and how their visions shape our collective understanding of the future. This is how we will ensure that meaningful youth engagement and youth foresight isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. I am incredibly grateful to the fellows for their leadership and resilience, and I’m excited about what comes next. So proud to have co-authored the UNICEF Innocenti Youth Foresight Child Rights report 2024! #OurCommonFuture #SummitOfTheFuture #YouthForesight #YouthFutures