Youth Media take on social action
shmu’s young reporters have recently been enjoying learning about the various ways social issues can be challenged through social action. Through a series of recent presentations and guest interviews, they have been exploring issues around climate justice and hearing about some of the ways action can be taken.
At shmu, we have no shortage of creative and passionate young people, who want to make positive differences to the world and our environment. Which is why our Youth Media crew are delighted to be exploring the world of youth social action, with the help of funding from Children in Need and the Hunter Foundation. The Youth Social action fund has created a wealth of opportunity for the young people to explore their passions, act for the future and learn from others doing the same.
To help the group decide what social action they want to get involved in, and how to, the young people have been exploring the wide variety of ways of taking action from writing letters to Councillors, using music and art as tools to effect change, to participating in protests.
One of the more controversial methods of social action was recently explored during an interview with Lee, a Climate Activist with the global environmental movement, Extinction Rebellion.
Lee shared their story of joining Extinction Rebellion after taking part in the Just Stop Oil campaign and meeting other activists in the city. Both groups operate through a form of action known as “non-violent disruptive protesting”. Lee has been involved in various disruptive protests from oil terminal occupations to roadblocks and throwing paint at buildings!
“The first disruptive protest that I ever took part in where I occupied an oil terminal.” Lee explained, “that was a very scary one.”
Lee explained that there is often lots of risk involved with disruptive protesting, from legal ramifications to danger to personal safety and it’s important to be aware of and prepared for all the risks before taking part.
“I’m currently dealing with two different court cases. If taking part in climate activism in that way is something that people are interested in, then it’s important to think through those risks”
Lee’s advice for anyone who would like to have their voices heard on issues of importance to them is, “You have to really go for it. One of the things with activism is that if people can ignore it, they will so you have to make yourself as un-ignorable as possible. Shout as long and as loud as you can to the chants and just really belt it out. I think those are my two biggest tips.”
We don’t think our Young Reporters will be taking part in any disruptive protests any time soon, but it was interesting to hear what extremes some people are willing to go to for a cause they are passionate about!
If you’re between the ages of 12 and 17 and have a passion for activism or would like to find out more about Youth Media, Email shelley.mackenzie@shmu.org.uk for more details. If you would like to hear more of Lee you can watch Youth Media’s interview with them on our Youtube channel, shmuTV.
