“We uncover the truth and hold the power to account.” As an international organization dedicated to the idea of “people united,” Amnesty International continues to push for change at both the local and global level through youth activism.
At the international level, the organization advocates for the rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In keeping with this mission, Pleasant Valley’s local Amnesty chapter sent senior Amelia Morgart to Amnesty International Youth Lobby Day.
“The purpose of this event was to get youth members of Amnesty chapters involved in taking action for issues they care about,” Morgart said. “There were over 100 youths who lobbied that day. Each person got to have meetings with their representatives’ offices, where they were able to lead the meetings and gain experience with lobbying.”
Historically, young people have often been at the forefront of political and social change, constantly demanding from their government that which is enshrined to them in the Constitution: democracy and liberty. Consequently, youth activists played major roles in both the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War era.
Today, however, many young Americans feel increasingly disconnected from government and politics with only 13% of young Americans saying the US is heading in the right direction. Fortunately, across the country, some young people are using their disillusionment to propel their movement forward and carve a new way forward for their country. It can even be as simple as engaging in meaningful conversations.
At Pleasant Valley’s A Positive Place club, students aim to create change by providing a safe space for open conversations about sensitive topics.
Siddhi Bharadwaj, a senior and current club president, said the organization gives students an opportunity to find connections in an increasingly polarized environment. “It’s something our wonderful members look forward to each early out,” Bharadwaj said. “It is an opportunity to connect with students and teachers who seek to improve our school environment.”
Two years ago, after a student shared frustration about teachers frequently mispronouncing their name, the club launched a districtwide initiative focused on name pronunciation and inclusivity. Students could submit the phonetic spelling and audio pronunciation of their names through a Google Form at the beginning of the school year.
“Currently, over 1900 students across the country and juniors have taken part in the initiative,” Bharadwaj said.
More recently, the club organized a hygiene drive to provide free feminine hygiene products in school bathrooms.
“It all stemmed from a discussion about what resources we can provide students to feel comfortable and cared for,” Bhardwaj said.
At its core, progress begins with conversation. Whether those discussions happen in congressional offices in Washington D.C., or in a cramped classroom with 20 other audacious students, its existence is vital to the sustainability of every democracy, for the greatest changes always start small.
Through organizations such as A Positive Place and Amnesty Club, students are finding opportunities to speak up, connect with others and advocate for change.
