Dear Writers,
You're doing it - you're studying, then writing. Taking in info and putting it out on the page. For the next couple of days, you'll continue soaking up as much info as you can about teen activists. I've collected some texts - articles, interviews, video clips, newscasts, and more. There is more to read than you can possibly tackle. Your challenge will be to learn about teen activism quickly, in a day or two -- thinking as you learn, "What is it I want to teach others about this topic? What do others need to know?"
Remember the rhythm - STUDY. WRITE. STUDY. WRITE. Now, go!
Benefits of Teen Activism and Community Service
“Why Is Community Service Important?” By Caridad Sanchez, VP of Academic Affairs, Florida National University. Fnu.edu
A text on Florida’s National University’s web page that lays out the physical and emotional benefits of helping others for teens.
“How to Become an Activist.” WikiHow.com
A text that lays out the process of activism. (Longer text, but can be broken easily into parts.)
Global Teen Activists and Their Plights
Environmental Issues
Alex Lin, Environment, Teen Activist
“Alex Lin, Teenage Activist.” By Salvatore Cordoni. Takepart.com
This article spotlights a teen who is finding ways to reuse and recycle e-waste (computers and other electronics) as well as lobbying the legislature to pass bills requiring this type of recycling.
“The Clock is Ticking: Youth and Environmental Activism.” By Joi Officer, Laura Cockman, and Rebekah Taft. What Kids Can Do.Org.
This text from takepart.com, explores actions and initiates being taken by young people to address the growing environmental issues.
Equality In Girls’ Education
Malala Yousafazi, Girls Education, Teen Activist
“A Heroic Return.” By TIME for Kids. Time for Kids.com. March 20, 2013.
This article from Time Magazine for Kids, is about Malala’s heroic journey of healing after being shot by the Taliban for advocating for gender quality in education.
“Supporting Education and Activism on Malala Day.” By Sarah Jackson and Jessie Kirk. Womankind.org.
A web page that describes women and girls from across the world inspired by Malala Yousafazi to carry on the fight for equal educational rights.
Child Labor
Iqbal Masih and Craig Kielburger, Child Labor, Teen Activist
“Our Story.” Free the Children.com.
This article is about kid activists inspiring each other to take action around child labor exploitation.
“Child Labor Around the World: How to Help.” By Karen Fanning. Teacher. Scholastic.com.
This text is about a middle school class in Massachusetts that heard firsthand about Iqbal’s plight for child labor laws and took action.
Animal Abandonment
Faye Carey, Animal Activist
“Teenage Girl Is Dogs’ Best Friend.” By Briar Marbeck. 3 News.co.nz.
This article is about a young girl that gives abandoned animals a second chance at life at her local animal shelter.
“Pet Overpopulation.” American Humane Society.org.
This web page lays out the reasons behind animal abandonment.
Bullying
Alex Libby, Bullying, Teen Activist
“Life after Bully: Teenage Star of Hit Documentary Finally Escapes His Tormentors. . . and Finds Happiness in New School.” By Hannah Rand. Dailymail.co.uk. May 21, 2012.
An article on how the courage to speak out about being the victim of vicious bullying resulted in unlikely fame and activism.
“Anti-Bullying Activist Spreads Message of Kindness.” By Nia McMillan. ReadingEagle.com. March 26, 2013
A text about the young founder of WeStopHate, an anti-bullying advocacy group that helps kids strengthen their self-esteem.