Youth in Leadership
By Kelsey Holmes, Greenheart Club Program Assistant
“Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that generation. Let your greatness blossom.” — Nelson Mandela
Youth leaders are big a part of what makes Greenheart Club so effective. Young people around the world continue to show initiative and work towards their passions. There are more young people in the world now than ever before, and these individuals have the opportunity to create a lasting impact for future generations. It is more important than ever to ensure that the voices of youth are heard and recognized in all aspects of society. Last week, in our Chicago headquarters, we were able to get to know four amazing youths who have exemplified the spirit of leadership in their daily lives through service in their host communities over the past 9 months. Young people have served as essential activists for social justice and contribute to and shape our communities every day.
From political revolutions to the civil rights movement, young people have been actively engaged in our changing and improving communities throughout history. With the United Nations’ implementation of the Convention on the Rights the Child in 1990, the world recognized the potential of young people and the necessity of protecting them. The formal reference to children’s rights was an important step in ensuring that the voices of young people do not go unheard but are instead given recognition as vital contributions to the global community. Check out UNICEF’s easy to understand explanation of these rights below:
Despite their age, and seemingly short life experience, young people can and do positively change their communities through creative expression, activism and volunteerism.
Greenheart Club members are a part of the global youth community, and inspire us every day to be global leaders through lives of service. Last year, we heard from Greenheart Global Leader Nini, a 2014 CCI Greenheart exchange student from Georgia, who came to Chicago for the 2015 Greenheart Club Global Leaders Conference. Watch the video below for more about her leadership and volunteer service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvDXMBNlCo&index=1&list=PL0W0HBsN9dkTlXe3pcAFG8qe2lKc-emZi
Leadership comes in many forms. Greenheart Club is a good way to connect with other members of your community and begin working to address the needs of your community. Through Greenheart Club, we are surrounded by inspiring individuals every day – Greenheart Club members enable each other to reach their full potential and encourage activism and leadership.
What are some ways that you see young people taking on leadership roles in your community? Join Greenheart Club and connect with like-minded global leaders from around the world!