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Rising Causes to Support and Advocate For

Opinion

April 04, 2023

In today's world, several ongoing conflicts continue to create unrest and uncertainty, and only a select few ever make it into the eyes of the media. We must take notice of these disputes and find active ways to contribute to their aid. From political disputes to social and environmental issues, various organizations and movements have taken a stand to bring attention to these conflicts and promote change.

Through this article, I am going to highlight the incredible work done by young adults in an attempt to get their voices heard and make a difference to such major issues in the world today. Please try to support as many of the organisations and young teens mentioned in the article to do your part in making a difference.

One of the most pressing issues of our time is the ongoing conflict in Syria. The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 and has led to the displacement of millions of people and the loss of countless lives. Various organizations, including the United Nations, have been working to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Additionally, several human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have been advocating for an end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Another major conflict that continues to make headlines is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For decades, this conflict has resulted in violence and instability in the region, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the land. Several organizations, including the Palestinian Authority and various human rights groups, have been advocating for a two-state solution that would create separate states for Israelis and Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has been taking steps to expand settlements in the West Bank, which has been a major point of contention.

In recent years, the issue of racial inequality has become a significant point of conflict in many countries. In the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement has been advocating for an end to police brutality and systemic racism. The movement has gained significant traction in the wake of several high-profile incidents of police violence against African-American individuals. Similarly, in South Africa, the ongoing issue of apartheid has led to the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters movement, which seeks to address the ongoing economic disparities between Black and white citizens.

Another issue that has seen increased youth activism is gun violence prevention. In the wake of several high-profile mass shootings in the United States, young people have been organizing marches and rallies to demand stricter gun laws. The March for Our Lives movement was started by a group of teenage survivors of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, who organized a rally in Washington D.C. that drew over 800,000 people. Since then, the movement has grown to include thousands of young people who are advocating for change at the local, state, and national levels.

Finally, the issue of climate change has become a major point of conflict in recent years. With rising temperatures and extreme weather events becoming more common, several organizations and movements have been advocating for greater action to address the issue. Groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future have been organizing protests and demonstrations to raise awareness about the issue and demand action from governments and corporations.

Ecotopia is an organisation in my very own school that tackles climate change and has made quite a ton of progress in the last couple of years. Ecotopia is a student-led organization and it ran the Heal our planet earth (HOPE) event which took place online and had hundreds of participants from all over the world coming together to fight climate change through creative expression and thought.

And of course, how could we not include Greta Thunberg, the young girl who got her voice heard by so many powerful people and the whole world. In 2019, 16-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden gained international attention for her climate strikes, which inspired a global movement of young people who have been taking to the streets to demand change. Organizations such as Fridays for Future have been leading the charge, with young people around the world organizing school walkouts and protests to demand that governments take action to address the climate crisis.

Desmond Naples is a 15-year-old LGBTQ+ rights advocate and drag performer. They use their voice with the hopes that it creates increased visibility to break down barriers for LGBTQ+ people. In 2017 Naples launched the Haus of Amazing, a safe space for children who do drag. Since then, they have published “Be Amazing: A History of Pride,” a vibrant and educational tool for children to learn more about the Pride movement and inclusive community.

Whereas, Marley Dias is the teen founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, a movement to collect and donate books with Black female protagonists. Olivia Julianna is a 19-year-old political activist and strategist for the youth-led nonprofit Gen Z For Change, which uses social media to raise awareness, fundraise for causes — and take problematic politicians down a peg.

In addition to these issues, young people are also getting involved in a variety of other causes, such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health advocacy. In many cases, these young activists are using social media to amplify their voices and raise awareness about their causes. They are also forming networks and communities to share resources and support each other's efforts.

One example of a young leader who is making a difference is 17-year-old Naomi Wadler, who gained national attention for her speech at the March for Our Lives rally. Wadler has continued to be an advocate for gun violence prevention and has also become a voice for racial justice, using her platform to highlight the impact of gun violence on communities of colour.

In conclusion, there are several ongoing conflicts in today's world, ranging from political disputes to social and environmental issues. Various organizations and movements have taken a stand to promote change and address these conflicts, with the hope of creating a more just and equitable world. These young people are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to a range of issues, and their activism is inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.

As they continue to raise their voices and demand change, we can hope for a brighter future for all. Individuals need to stay informed and engage in conversation to ensure that progress is made towards resolving these conflicts. Make sure to reach out and google some of these organizations and see what you can do to help.

Aaliyah Gala
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