Inspiration & Action For Young Leaders
I've been involved in leadership for a long time. When you combine that experience with my love for education, alternative education and teaching, it is no surprise that I have constantly been on the lookout for opportunities to encourage young people to step into leadership positions. Whether it's a formal student council position in their school or starting a grassroots group to tackle challenges in the streets, young people need all the love, encouragement and support they can get. They have the vision, but do they have the support?
It's hard work changing people's minds, encouraging others to volunteer and raging against a system that doesn't always fit with the plans, energy and ideas young people tend to have. There were times when I was a youth leader that I felt isolated, alone, taken for granted, tokenized and discouraged.
See what I'm doing? That's what I want you to do!
Because I want young leaders to feel supported, I wanted to create an online place where educators, mentors and young people themselves could see resources, memes, motivational quotes and upcoming events. That's why I started “Inspiration & Action for Young Leaders” - it's a Facebook group I have been posting in for a year and a half. We have a good time over there. I recently did this algorithm experiment, I regularly learn about news events and I find community opportunities I can share with the young leaders in my life. I know that many will say young leaders aren't on Facebook and I know this - however educators, mentors, parents, uncles and kookums are! These are the folks that I'm hoping will see some of the things I'm sharing and posting and for them to do what they can for the young people in their circles.
The rules for the group are simple:
Be kind and courteous: we're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Lets treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural but kindness is required.
No hate speech or bullying: Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
Respect & support young leaders: This is a space where we share opportunities, information and information to support young leaders.
If these sound like some rules you can follow and you're looking for more ways you can support youth leadership, student leadership, young professionals and young revolutionaries - consider this your personal invitation!
