Young people have an acute sense of justice when it comes to society’s issues. Looking at the world with fresh eyes, they see its problems as moral wrongs that can and should be righted. There is no reason in their minds why change isn’t possible now, so they are eager to get involved – both by contributing to grassroots efforts and joining the search for long-term solutions.
2) Youth are creative
The fresh perspective young people bring to the world gives them a unique ability to think up creative solutions. Unconstrained by deep-rooted societal norms, youth can come up with ideas that would not have crossed the minds of more world-weary adults. These solutions may not always be practical, but they can uncover hidden assumptions and opportunities that illuminate new pathways forward.
3) Youth have an important perspective
Many of today’s greatest social issues have a particular impact on young people. Given their typical roles as students and care-receivers, youth often experience issues like gender inequality and violence much differently than adults. This perspective is critical to incorporate in the solution to any social problem, because it reveals new dimensions of each issue and suggests opportunities for innovation.
When young people contribute their ideas and energy to addressing social issues, they begin to see themselves as capable leaders who can make important contributions to the lives of others. Youth who might otherwise feel academically or socially inferior to their peers realize that their unique strengths are needed to build a better world. The empowering effects of changemaking spill over into adulthood, as youth retain their motivation to help others and pursue their goals with confidence.
Young people are a limitless source of innovative energy, and engaging them now will inspire a generation of lifelong changemakers. So why don’t we invite them to join the team today? Let’s encourage youth to start their own social ventures and give them the support they need to be successful. And perhaps more importantly, let’s invite them to the decision-making table where their voices will truly be heard. Young people deserve the chance to explore and address the problems they see around them – and their contribution is an opportunity the world can’t afford to miss.
I also concur that Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated this. He made this comment to congress and was wanting congress to support his program that would supposedly assist our friend Great Britain in fighting against Hitler and his regime without directly involving American troops. This comment was made during World War 2.
