By turnyourworldaround (17, New York)
What issues are the most important to you? Why?
I see youth activism as a prerequisite for true social-change; it is for this reason I am dedicated to harnessing the power of youth in making a difference. I believe that youth can collaborate to eradicate poverty, improve access to healthcare and education, advocate for human rights, protect the environment and promote peace.
How do you express your support for these issues? What are the most recent action(s) you have taken to promote these?
When I was thirteen, I started an organization called Turn Your World Around. Turn Your World Around implements social-change initiatives and provides youth with the tools to turn their passions into action. Since inception, we’ve raised about $40,000, launched a social-change web portal, and engaged and impacted hundreds of people around the world. Through Turn Your World Around, I’ve also had the opportunity to speak and volunteer around the world. I also serve on Youth Service America’s National Youth Council, which works to promote youth voice, and the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, which implements a $5 million grant.
What was your first introduction to the world of activism and social change? How did that experience change your life and view of the world?
I was motivated to start making change after I visited India when I was thirteen. I had visited India many times before, but this experience was revelatory. My acute awareness of the poverty and sexism compelled me to do something. It was with this impetus that I started what is now known as Turn Your World Around. I realized that as a youth, I had a unique perspective and power that I could utilize to truly make an impact.
Who inspires you to do the work that you do?
I find inspiration in a variety of people. For example, Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, which couples female empowerment with protection of the environment, has always inspired me with her innovation. I am most inspired, however, by the people I impact; it is from service that I derive fulfillment and am motivated to do more.
Are you affiliated with an organization? If so, which one? Or did you create your own?
I started Turn Your World Around, an organization that works to engage youth in making a difference, when I was thirteen. Youth can get involved in our Turn-Your-World initiative, which works to help youth start their own projects by providing them with the resources and tools to make a difference. Youth can register online at http://www.turnyourworldaround.org and join our social-change portal, which provides them with the tools, community, and resources necessary to turn their passions into action.
Youth can also become involved in several other programs. The first is HOPE (Helping Orphans Pursue Education), which seeks to provide all children - regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity - with the opportunity to reach their full potential. HOPE has improved access to basic necessities in sites in India, Sudan, and now, Guatemala. Connect-a-Kid is another initiative; this works to increase access to technology for children in the developing world.
Our newest initiative is helping develop and enhance a holistic arts education program for the daughters of sex-trafficking victims in India. In total, we’ve raised about $40,000 and created change for hundreds of people.
What are some of the things you’ve learned from the work you do?
My work in service has reemphasized the value and strength of youth voice - in fact, I am even more dedicated to spreading the movement. I know I can play a part in the global quest for change and my experiences have taught me to always persevere to reach my social-change goals.
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