Resources to create change

One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.”  Malala Yousafzai

“I think I was too young to be nervous… I just wanted to get people clean water so they wouldn’t die.”  Ryan Hreljac

What would you most like to change?

  • The box on the right has a list of issues. Follow one that you’re passionate about to a page of information, videos and links on the topic.
  • If you want to know more about changemaking and how to do it, read on…

Watch some videos for inspiration…

There are lots of ways you can contribute to change through your own lifestyle…

  • Reduce your ‘environmental footprint’ (conserve energy, become a vegetarian, reduce, reuse, recycle).
  • Be caring and inclusive (get to know the neighbours, include those sometimes excluded).
  • Improve your conflict resolution or nonviolent communication skills (check for local or online courses online or ask the school to run some).
  • Choose a career that contributes to a better world (community service, advocacy, science & technology).
  • Shop responsibly (buy less, buy fair, buy recycled).

Then you might want to step up and take action to change your school, your community or the world…

  • Because you want to have a say in what your world looks like in 2040…
  • Because you’ve suffered an injustice or seen one done to someone else – a friend, a neighbour or someone on TV…
  • Because everyone on the planet is responsible for its future…
  • Because you know that everyone counts…

What next?

  • Get informed and stay informed about issues.
  • What are the problems (human rights, poverty, conflict, global warming)?
  • What are the causes of the problems?
  • What are possible solutions?
  • Who’s doing what to help or hinder?
  • Use the Internet – there is heaps of inspiration and information out there.

It’s always easier – and more fun – working with others…

  • Everyone has skills to contribute – stamping envelopes is just as important as making a public speech.
  • Discuss issues with friends and family – they might be more interested than you think.
  • Find out what others in the community are already doing – no point reinventing the wheel.
  • Write letters to politicians, the newspaper, organisations – they do listen!
  • Join with others in peaceful actions that raise awareness.
  • Volunteer time to a group that’s making a difference.
  • Work to improve your skills, so that you are more confident in contributing.

Think global when you act local…

  • Because global conflict, global warming and poverty affect all of us…

Greenhouse gases released in Europe make the ozone hole over Australia bigger.

  • Because what we do affects others around the world…

The money you use to buy something in a shop in Tasmania can end up helping a local farmer, a poor village in Africa, a sweatshop owner or a multinational company – it’s your choice.

  • Because we can learn useful skills…

By dealing with bullying at school you will learn new skills to prevent or resolve conflict peacefully.

  • Because we need to get our own community in order…

By noticing and caring for everyone in the schoolground we are making a fairer, more peaceful world.

Choose a topic

Our YouTube playlist has short videos on creating change

Propeller Fund: a range of short films about young Australians making a difference in their community.

The Global Goals: an animation about taking action, from World’s Largest Lesson.

Youth Voices: short clips made by students on a range of topics.

1 minute videos created by teenagers on a range of issues.

Ryan’s Well: at the age of six Ryan Hreljac learned that without access to clean water people become ill and sometimes even die… 

Oaktree Foundation: Australia’s largest youth-run organisation for creating change.

Ethical Consumer Guide: Shop with a clear conscience.

Yerp: a toolkit for 12-25 year olds with ideas for making change in the community.

Global Citizen: Lobbies world leaders, corporate leaders, and philanthropists to do their part.

Taking IT Global: a world network of young people tackling global challenges.

Global Youth Action Network: supports youth participation in decision-making, particularly within the United Nations.

Kiva: Lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

UNICEF’s Voices of Youth: Digital community for youth, by youth.

Do Something: Youth led movement for good.

Pay it Forward Day: Pay it forward with an act of kindness.

The (En)Rich List: celebrates people who have taken action for a better world.

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