Manny young people want to do something to help prevent climate change. Below is a list of local and national youth movements they can join to allow their voices to be heard.
If a young person speaks to you about feeling eco anxiety, this article from the Natural History Museum shares tips on ways of managing this.
For teachers – the Climate Courage Project offers support to teachers about how to discuss the climate crisis with young people.
Read the book – Climate is just the start by Mikaela Loach – to understand more about the climate crisis, and learn how they used their voice to motivate others and make a difference.
This short video features Mikaela sharing how they believe change can happen when we come together.
East Sussex Youth Cabinet is made up of young people aged 11 to 18. They are chosen from local schools to speak up for young people in East Sussex.
Seaford Town Council wants to give the young people of Seaford the opportunity to have their say on decisions made by the local authority. The Town Council wants to hear what young people want – first hand as well as help to prepare future leaders.
https://www.seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk/youth-ambassador-board/
Newhaven needs to hear your voice! If you’re aged between 12-17 and live in Newhaven or the surrounding area, get in touch to find out more. Newhaven Young Peoples Forum have met regularly since 2008 to discuss issues and interests of young people in the local area.
Green United works with pupils in primary and secondary schools in Lewes, East Sussex – supporting them to take action to make the world a better and more sustainable place.
The UNA Climate & Oceans youth council connects young people locally, nationally and internationally, to work together to plan, and participate in events raising awareness of the climate crisis.
If you have concerns about local issues, your councillor may be able to help.
Your MP represents you in parliament.
At the moment in East Sussex, we have a town or parish council, a district council, and East Sussex County Council.
Each council looks after many different services and local assets – buildings or outside spaces. Visit the Lewes District Council website to find out what each council does.
Read this guide from My Vote, My Voice about how your councillor can support you.
Your MP represents you in parliament. Your MP regularly meets with their constituents – you, to learn what concerns them. This website – results.org.uk explains how to engage your local MP.
Your MP is a very busy person and they sometimes have to choose what issues they can and can’t represent. There is more of a possibility they can help with an issue if many of their constituents care about it. Can you contact your MP as a group from school? Oxfam has produced a guide for teachers: how to meet with your MP.
If you are not sure who your MP is, find your MP here.
Thank you to Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash for the photo.
Bite Back 2030 is a youth activist movement challenging a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. From all over the country, they bring their stories and experiences to send a loud message to the food giants: fuel us, don’t fool us.
Join the team of young campaigners using their voices to create a big change in the food system. They want to make sure everyone in the UK can access a healthy and sustainable diet, especially families and young people on a lower income.
PACTS is a school-based initiative that empowers students to influence politicians and hold them accountable for climate action. By building an ongoing relationship via continuous dialogue between students and the MP, all involved can ensure accountability on both sides. This relationship empowers students by helping them understand their role in the democratic system and in understanding the importance of their voice in politics.
Advice from Oxfam to support young people to take action for climate justice.
We are a child-led organisation who work with business and industry to co-design real, sustainable products, solutions and initiatives. Businesses must be ready to sit with us, learn from us and take meaningful action.
Connecting young people, who care about our planet, and making a change.
Green Schools Revolution is a student led project. Young people in schools are given training and resources to carry out the following:
Students develop whole-school Climate Action Plans.
Create Wilding Plans to bring nature back to their school grounds.
Deliver Teach the Teacher sessions to help integrate climate education into the curriculum.
Gain skills, knowledge and experience connecting with nature and wildlife.
Make new friends and enjoy a range of nature-based activities.
Enhance wellbeing by spending time outdoors.
Get involved in events take place throughout the year across the National Park.
South Downs Youth Action gives young people aged 16-25 opportunities to gain new skills, meet people in the conservation sector and take positive action for this precious landscape.