Embedded Files
By the end of this lesson, I can understand the power of voice and support, as I explore to
By the end of this lesson, I can understand the power of voice and support, as I explore to
express my 'why' in making/impacting change; and
learn the importance of people's support in advocacy
“Thank you for the clear demonstration, Mei Ling. You have made a point, for sure,” said Mr. Chang.
“Let me show you some examples to further explain what Mei Ling meant,” he proceeded to turn on his laptop to show the following images.
Through campaigns like Seeds For Democracy, UNDI18 educates Malaysian youths to encourage active participation in citizenship.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka gives awareness on the use of correct spelling.
At a certain point, we might have experienced a day where a police officer taught us about crime prevention and safety so we can stay vigilant and safe.
“Wow, I have seen that video before,” Kieran exclaimed.
“Yes, these are examples of advocacy campaigns, which are activities that call or demand for a specific action/change from the people,” Mr Chang explained.
“What Ana and Mei Ling have done, in getting all of you together to improve the condition of the playground, is a form of advocacy. Advocacy attracts more people to make changes together.”
Motivation to Carry Forward in Making Change
Motivation to Carry Forward in Making Change
Pointing to the UNDI18 image, Mr. Chang looked enthusiastic and shared,
“Look at this example, the UNDI18 campaign. Have you heard of it?
It’s a student initiative turned Malaysian youth movement that successfully advocated for the amendment of the Federal Constitution to reduce the minimum voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18 years old!”
Ana asked, “So how is the UNDI18 campaign similar to what we want to achieve here?”
The Importance of People's Support in Advocacy
The Importance of People's Support in Advocacy
“As you can see, the advocacy by UNDI18 did not just magically become successful.
Change is not a one man show.
The more people who support and side with us, the better chance we have of out vision of change becoming a reality,” Mr. Chang explained.
Malaysian Students’ Global Alliance.
Access to numerous Malaysian student/youth organisations
across the world and throughout Malaysia.
Participants of workshops
on voter education, town halls, forums
and public engagements.
200 or more people
that participated in
the Mana Undi Kami protest in 2021.
18 youths in Kuala Lumpur
and 5 youths in Kuching
who submitted a judicial review on the delay of implementation of minimum voting age to the High Court of Kuala Lumpur and of Kuching.
Support from politicians on all sides, including
YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman
(the former Minister of Youth and Sports).
Obviously other people are part of the process.
Without all these people championing the campaign and overcoming one challenge after another (check Module 2 Resilience), lowering the voting age will be difficult to come true.
There is no advocacy without a cause. What is your hope for your community?
Do you wish to make any change? What needs to be done to achieve it?
Share your thoughts in this Padlet below.
Click on the '+' button, put your name, the city you are from and start writing.
Page updated
Report abuse