The power and value of youth voice
In 2018, a 15-year-old named Greta Thunberg took a stand on climate change by sparking a global movement that mobilized thousands of young people worldwide. This movement underscored the transformative potential of youth voice. When young people are empowered to speak up, they can drive monumental shifts in society, influencing issues that range from the environment to social justice.
Youth voice goes beyond being a nice-to-have; it’s an essential force that allows young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities, offering fresh perspectives and unique solutions. Whether influencing the services they use or addressing global issues, young people have a valuable role to play in shaping the world around them.
The Diverse Landscape of Youth Voice in Bristol
Bristol offers a rich variety of youth voice and social action groups that provide platforms for young people to express their ideas and influence change. These groups include WECIL’s Listening Partnership, Young Carers Voice, the Children in Care Council, OTR’s Freedom Youth, CYN’s We the 33, Integrate UK, Babbasa, Youth Moves, and the Shadow Safeguarding Board. Each of these organizations ensures young people can have a direct impact on improving the city.
In addition, Area Youth Forums are held three times a year across North, South, and East Central Bristol, providing young people with even more opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers and shape local priorities.
What is Bristol City Youth Council?
The Bristol City Youth Council (BCYC) is a key example of youth voice in action. As a democratically elected group of 29 young people, BCYC actively campaigns on the issues that matter most to their peers. Members of BCYC represent the city’s youth both locally and nationally, working to ensure young people are heard at every level.
On November 6th, BCYC will host a Youth Voice Conference at City Hall, further demonstrating the power of youth voice in bringing important issues to the forefront.
For further detail you can check out BCYC’s Instagram page.
Why Youth Voice is Essential
Youth voice is about more than just being heard — it’s about taking action based on young people's input. As set out in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, young people have the right to express their views on matters that affect them. When adults listen and collaborate with young people, the resulting decisions are often more inclusive and impactful. Young people are experts in their own experiences, and their insights can drive innovative solutions to complex challenges.
It’s crucial that organizations and institutions invest time and resources into creating spaces where young people can share their views. These spaces foster a cycle of learning, mutual respect, and real change. When young people feel that their contributions are valued and their input is acted upon, they become empowered members of their communities, equipped with the confidence to continue shaping their world.
Youth voice is a catalyst for positive change. When we listen to young people and give them the tools to influence decisions, we not only create better policies and services but also cultivate a more equitable society. The work we do to support youth voice today lays the foundation for a more inclusive future, where young people are not just participants but leaders in shaping our world.
