Youth engagement in politics and activism has been on the rise in recent years, with young people playing an increasingly prominent role in advocating for social change and driving political action.
From leading climate strikes to organizing grassroots campaigns, youth activists are demonstrating a powerful commitment to addressing pressing issues and shaping the future of their communities and the planet.
One notable example of youth activism making a difference is the work of Our Children’s Trust, a group of young environmental activists who have been at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Fresh off a legal victory earlier this year in a landmark climate change case, the group is now turning their attention to stopping a natural gas power plant being built on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Montana.
By leveraging the legal system and using strategic advocacy efforts, these young activists are working to hold corporations and governments accountable for their contributions to climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
STAND WITH 169 YOUTH PLAINTIFFS
Our Children’s Trust stands firm in our commitment to holding governments accountable through the law and science, amplifying the voices of youth. Your support honors the 169 youth plaintiffs involved in 12 active cases across 4 countries, who are defending their constitutional rights for both present and future generations. Your contribution celebrates their voices and champions their rights. Together we will cultivate a rising tide of intergenerational support for children’s rights, climate science, and the vital role our courts play in our constitutional democracy.
Another inspiring initiative is Leaders We Deserve, founded by David Hogg and Kevin Lata, two survivors of the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Leaders We Deserve is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures across the country. With a focus on combating the far-right agenda and advancing a progressive vision for the future, the organization is empowering young people to take an active role in shaping policy and driving positive change in their communities. By supporting and amplifying the voices of young leaders, Leaders We Deserve is working to build a more inclusive and equitable political system that reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of young people.
The first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, and a former organizer, musician, and community activist, Maxwell Alejandro Frost is committed to representing the people of his hometown in Orlando and Central Florida and being their voice in Washington, D.C.
AGENESIS B. V. U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Eighteen children under 18 from California filed suit against the U.S. EPA for intentionally allowing decades of life-threatening climate pollution, resulting in their loss of home, health, and happiness. They are suing for the equal rights of children everywhere, who deserve a healthy planet and future.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was first sworn into Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress.
HELD V. STATE OF MONTANA
After winning a groundbreaking decision in Held v. State of Montana, we will continue to represent the 16 youth plaintiffs to ensure that this judgment is upheld by the Montana Supreme Court, implemented by the political branches, and employed by the community.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
This moment demands a new generation of leaders. We are organizing to fight for our communities, for our people, and for our future. We are not backing down to the extremist Republican supermajority that is harming our state. We are uplifting the issues that matter to everyday Tennesseans.
NAVAHINE V. HAWAIʻI DOT
Navahine v Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is the first constitutional climate change case challenging a state’s transportation system that results in climate pollution, violating youth plaintiffs’ constitutional rights. Filed June 1, 2022, on behalf of 14 youth plaintiffs, Navahine will go to trial on June 24, 2024.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
Last year, I passed a bill into law that will prohibit the price gouging of generic drugs. This year, I’m taking on Big Pharma and working on a measure that will help further our goal of making prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. I’ve supported legislation to improve Illinois’ fiscal health, voted to pass gun safety legislation, and worked on measures to safeguard our reproductive health care rights. It has been a privilege to work on behalf of our community in Springfield.
JULIANA V. UNITED STATES
Biden’s DOJ is now taking its final swing to kill this case and silence these youth for good. We say no! Act now to rally around youth and #SaveJuliana by telling the Biden Administration and the DOJ: GO TO TRIAL. We demand the Juliana 21 be heard.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
LA ROSE V. HIS MAJESTY THE KING
A unanimous Federal Court of Appeal decision paves the path to trial for Canadian youth suing Canada for its role in climate change. The justices ruled the youth deserve a trial to determine if Canada is fulfilling its constitutional obligations.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
BRIEF ON THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY
TO INTER-AMERICAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Our Children’s Trust, 21 North American youth, 18 global pediatric organizations, and Defensa Ambiental del Noroeste ask the Court to abandon the deadly, politically motivated 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement and adopt a science-based standard that will protect human rights: 350 ppm CO₂.
Copper wire, wood base. I created this piece in late 2008. For this work, I aimed to convey both the industrial heaviness of an airplane, but also the cloudlike floating quality you feel when you’re in one.
These examples highlight the important role that youth activists are playing in driving social and political change. By mobilizing their peers, leveraging their unique perspectives, and using innovative strategies, young people are making their voices heard and demanding action on critical issues like climate change, gun violence, racial justice, and economic inequality. As we look to the future, it is clear that youth activism will continue to be a driving force for progress and transformation, shaping the world for generations to come.