supporting young people to lead the way

At our Midlands region 'Creation Care & Climate Justice' gathering on 23rd November, one of the workshops in the afternoon (led by my friend and colleague here in Hodge Hill, Tim Evans of Worth Unlimited) brought together a handful of young people and adults, all passionate and articulate about the issues, to explore together how young people are leading the way, and how adults can support young people to do so - both within church contexts, and far beyond. Here are some of the things they discovered together:

What helps:

• Family and friends encouragement
• Supportive headteacher
• Protection from negative adults
• People telling their story/having space to tell my story
• Having a platform
• Adults who cheer us on and who get its an inter generational concern
• Feeling part of something bigger/that you're making an impact
• Being driven by a sense that something is unjust and unfair 
• Understanding that this is educational - e.g. logistics, communication, teamwork, public speaking, art/photography etc 

What gets in the way:

• Parents who do not see it as important or a form of education
• Not being listened to properly/taken seriously
• When others come along doing 'unrelated protesting'
• Unsupportive Headteachers
• Being isolated with the consequences of speaking out/action

What can adults do to support:

• Create platform/space for young people
• Educate Headteachers and parents that this is important and educational
• Enable connections and networks for young people
• Get that this is an inter generational issue and persuade other adults
• Be in solidarity
• Get climate change on the curriculum
• Help young people set up 'earth societies' etc in school
• Bring experts into schools/youth groups etc to help other young people understand

What else are young people bringing:

• Sense of urgency - the now
• Educating adults
• Making a point eg by not being in school
• Praxis learning - action and reflection that then enables the participation of other young people

If you are a young person keen to lead on creation care and climate justice issues, or if you are an adult who is keen to support young people to lead (within a church congregation, or in other parts of society), then we in Hodge Hill are keen to support, network and help find resources for you. Do get in touch via hodgehillvicar@hotmail.co.uk