Youth Social Action Resource Hub

US-based Earth Force uses Environmental Action Civics. Students share power with adults, practice democratic decision-making, and address local environmental problems using civics.

This group of young women was united by their passion to make their public spaces safer for the whole community of Stratford (London). They were fed-up with having to avoid particular places because of the fear of experiencing violence, harassment and unwanted attention. Others had experienced the same behavior's in their neighborhoods and on their way to school. Designed by young people, Pop Path creates joyful murals and informative campaigns that bring a sense of community. It also equips members of the community with the information and practical tools to deal with the negative impact of harassment.

Keeping it Wild is a programmed bringing together the youth and conservation sectors to provide opportunities for young people to engage with and protect the capital’s wild spaces, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. London Youth is part of a consortium of organizations led by London Wildlife Trust delivering a three-year programmer, encouraging young people to reflect on natural spaces, learn about protecting wildlife and then take part in developing and delivering a project or creative campaign to raise awareness and encourage practical conservation in local communities. This is a tried-and-tested methodology and there are some case study videos.

Young Food Ambassadors came together to launch their very own Right2Food Charter, calling on the Government to listen to their stories and those of millions of other young people across the UK who were living with increased levels of hunger and food poverty. They delivered their Right2Food Charter to 10 Downing Street with Dame Emma Thompson who is also supporting their advocacy. Since then, they have joined forces with Marcus Rashford’s #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign to make sure no child in the UK goes hungry.

Girls across Britain were having to skip school when on their periods because they couldn't afford menstrual products — with many using wads of tissue, newspaper, or even socks and old clothes instead.
So, Amika George launched her #FreePeriods campaign to tackle period poverty. A joint legal campaign was launched with the Red Box Project, urging the U.K. Government to comply with its legal obligations to ensure equal access to education for all children, irrespective of their sex. The Government committed funding for free period products in schools in England, mirroring similar commitments already made in Scotland and Wales.  

A National Citizen Service cohort of young people developed The Pink Paint Project, as they were keen to spread positive spirits in their local community and raise awareness about where people can find help for mental health issues as many young people struggle with this. They painted canvases and added the Samaritans helpline number onto them, before hanging them up in shops and community centres around Chesterfield (UK). They did a bake sale, making £268 for the Samaritans while raising the Samaritans’ profile. They chose the colour Baker-Miller Pink because it is shown to temporarily reduce aggressive behaviour.

On the International Day Against Hate Speech in 2023, two organisations - UNICEF and the Telekom Foundation for Macedonia - launched a new social media campaign against cyberbullying and online hate speech that was co-created with young people. Under the slogan “Bullying Bye-Bye” the campaign includes over 20 social media videos. Some include messages such as “Words carry weight so choose them carefully” to shed light on the harmful effects of cyberbullying. Others have messages calling on young people themselves not to be bystanders and to offer support if they witness cyberbullying.

Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the 2010 Equalities Act, yet it still happens in schools. Black students may internalize Eurocentric beauty standards and be told that their hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate or unattractive. The Equality & Human Rights Commission is monitoring the situation. However schools and young people can take action, such as signing up to the UK’s first Black hair code, The Halo Collective’s Halo Code. By adopting this, schools are taking a stand to ensure that no member of their community faces barriers or judgements because of their Afro-textured hair.