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Thinking Outside the Box: Thriving Youth Activists Realize Their Vision for Social JusticeOne of the most important things that stood out for me during the three-day ACLU membership conference last week was the exuberance of the youth attendees. Wherever I turned, I saw eager young individuals who were excited by the prospect of meeting and hearing ACLU staff, and enhancing their own knowledge about social justice issues. I met an inspiring 14-year-old attending a panel discussion of young people fighting for social justice. She was invigorated by the conversation, despite having traveled to Washington, D.C., by bus from Tallahassee, Florida. At a panel on human rights, the young audience members were not only able to grasp complicated civil liberties issues, but then ask challenging questions as well. I firmly believe that with our encouragement and support, young people will take up the many struggles that urgently need their fervor and enthusiasm. As one of the presenters on the youth panel pleaded, we need to take the efforts and endeavors of our young activists seriously. With all of the challenges facing civil liberties today, an energized “army” of determined and young activists that are nurtured and guided by some of our most experienced advocates could do much needed social change. How do we do this? We encourage young people to think beyond the box, to question daily injustices, and arm them with the knowledge they need so that they can make meaningful change. We can introduce them to other activists who have fought for civil liberties, whether they are on the ground or were in the trenches. We talk clearly and candidly about various struggles and brainstorm with young people to help them move forward. And we must encourage their youthful activism, as we join them in the struggle for civil liberties.
Tags: Human Rights Program
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Nov 5th, 2008 at 12:07pm
I'm looking for some answers concerning my privacy rights. Employers demand to know details of your illness then they make decisions based on their opinion of the illness, rather than focusing on the medical facts.
I suffer from depression, and it causes me to miss work, I was honest about my illness and now I am being descriminated in the workplace for it, because nobody can relate.
My rights are repeatedly being violated because they want reasons for my absences and my physician is constantly being undermined by people with no medical training.
How can we stop this?
Apr 4th, 2009 at 4:26pm
Opinion vs. fact= some "facts" are opinions. Good luck and get the facts straight.
Employer opinion vs. medical fact