Progress happens when each new generation builds on the past and aims to make things better. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can create opportunities for young people to succeed and make a difference. You don’t need anyone’s permission to start making changes. Whether you’re 15, 16, or even 80, you have the power to change the world.
Meet Julia Bluhm, a brave 13-year-old who decided to take action. She started a petition on change.org called “Seventeen magazine, give girls images of real girls.” Julia wanted to show how airbrushed images in magazines can hurt her friends’ confidence about their bodies. Her petition got over 86,000 signatures! Because of her efforts, “Seventeen” magazine agreed to publish a “Body Peace Treaty” in their August issue. They promised not to alter girls’ faces or body shapes and to include more diverse images.
Daniel Maree was deeply affected by the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. He started the Million Hoodies Movement for Justice to raise awareness about racial profiling and to push for changes to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Daniel showed how important it is to use our resources to tackle big challenges and make a difference.
As a high school student, I discovered feminism and felt a strong connection to its ideas. I wanted to find others who felt the same way, so I started “The F Bomb,” a blogging community for teenage feminists. It became a place where young people could share their thoughts and connect with others who shared their beliefs.
Robby Novak, also known as Kid President, is a nine-year-old third-grader from Tennessee who has inspired millions with his videos. He encourages everyone to make the world a better place. Robby reminds us that being boring is easy, but we can do so much more. Whether you dream of being the next Shepard Fairey, J.K. Rowling, or anyone else, follow your passions with all your heart. Do it not for fame or money, but because it makes you happy and fulfilled. Chase after what makes your heart sing.
Think about an issue you care deeply about, just like Julia Bluhm did. Write a petition that addresses this issue and explains why it’s important. Share it with your classmates and discuss how you could gather support for your cause.
In groups, choose a social issue and create a short skit that demonstrates how you would start a movement to address it, similar to Daniel Maree’s Million Hoodies Movement. Present your skit to the class and discuss the potential impact of your movement.
Inspired by “The F Bomb,” create a blog or a digital space where you and your peers can discuss topics you are passionate about. Share your ideas and encourage others to contribute their thoughts and experiences.
Like Kid President, create a short video where you share an inspiring message with your classmates. Focus on encouraging others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world. Share your video with the class and discuss its message.
Choose a person who has made a significant impact in their community or the world. Research their story and present it to the class. Explain how their actions align with the themes of empowerment and change discussed in the article.
The way progress happens is through the growth and development of new generations and eras, which strive to be better than the previous ones. Regardless of your position in life, it is essential to create opportunities for children so they can thrive and make a significant impact. You don’t need permission—anyone can contribute to change. Whether you’re 15, 16, or even 80, you have the power to change the world.
A courageous 13-year-old named Julia Bluhm submitted a petition on change.org titled “Seventeen magazine, give girls images of real girls.” She aimed to highlight the negative effects of airbrushed images on her friends’ body confidence. The petition garnered over 86,000 signatures, and in August, we received exciting news: “Seventeen” magazine agreed to publish a “Body Peace Treaty” in their August issue, promising to never alter girls’ faces or body shapes and to feature more diverse images.
Moved by the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, Daniel Maree founded the Million Hoodies Movement for Justice, which seeks to raise awareness about racial profiling and advocate for changes to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Maree emphasized the importance of using resources to tackle significant challenges.
I started “The F Bomb,” a blogging community for teenage feminists, as a high school student after discovering feminism. I was thrilled to find a movement that resonated with my beliefs, and I turned to the internet to connect with like-minded peers.
Kid President, a nine-year-old third-grader from Tennessee named Robby Novak, has inspired millions with his videos, encouraging people to make the world a better place. He reminds us that being boring is easy, but we are capable of so much more. Whether you aspire to be the next Shepard Fairey, J.K. Rowling, or anyone else, pursue your passions wholeheartedly—not for fame or fortune, but because it brings you joy and fulfillment. Chase after what makes your heart sing.
Progress – Progress refers to the forward or onward movement towards a goal or to improve a situation. – The progress in civil rights over the decades has led to more equality and freedom for many people.
Opportunity – Opportunity is a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. – The new after-school program provides an opportunity for students to learn about leadership and teamwork.
Confidence – Confidence is the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. – Having confidence in your abilities can help you succeed in challenging situations.
Justice – Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable, ensuring that people receive what is rightfully theirs. – The court’s decision was seen as a victory for justice and equality.
Awareness – Awareness is the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. – Increasing awareness about environmental issues is crucial for protecting our planet.
Feminism – Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. – Feminism has played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and opportunities in society.
Community – Community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. – Volunteering at the local shelter helped me feel more connected to my community.
Inspire – To inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive. – Her dedication to helping others inspired me to volunteer more often.
Change – Change is the act or instance of making or becoming different. – The change in school policy was aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for all students.
Diversity – Diversity is the state of being diverse; variety, especially in the context of people and cultures. – Celebrating diversity in our school helps us learn from each other’s unique backgrounds and experiences.
