One of the best things about speaking out and taking action is that by doing so you inspire others to go after their dreams. And that's how you change the world!
One thing leads to another, and another, and so on. It's like a domino effect. And then you stand back and realize you have a Community of Youth Action.
A Community of Youth Action is a local movement of young people working together to effect positive change. Below is the story of one Community of Youth Action on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Thy call themselves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cape Cod Young People's Decade of Commitment

Cape Cod is a small peninsula comprised of 15 towns. The young people of Cape Cod saw an opportunity to change their community. They saw the desire of their classmates to get out and do something, but they didn't see a vehicle for them to do so. So, they created their own methods of effecting change. They built their own infrastructure. After just a year and half they created a community of youth action. This community is comprised of the following:

Cape & Islands Youth Council on Sustainability: is a youth-led organization open to middle and high school students from Cape Cod and the Islands. The Youth Council was created by young people... to give young people a voice in the community. Since its inception in the spring of 2003 students from nearly every town on the Cape, representing eleven different schools have participated. Council members have worked to understand the concept of sustainability, identify issues that are of particular importance to the Cape, come up with real practical solutions, educate others, and take action.

Sustainability youth Action Summit: was a weekend 'think-tank' session, where eighteen select Youth Council on Sustainability members, representing different schools and towns, drafted the Cape Youth Sustainability Action Plan.

Sustainability Action Plan: includes specific, practical action steps that can be taken not only by young people but the entire community to achieve sustainability on Cape Cod. You can download a copy of the Action Plan at http://www.lighthouse.chtr.k12.ma.us/clubs/roots/sustainactsummit.htm

10 Roots & Shoots groups: Last year there were two chapters of the Jane Goodall Institute's global, environmental and humanitarian program for young on the Cape. Now, there are 1 0 Roots & Shoots groups on Cape Cod! Learn more about Roots & Shoots at www.janegoodall.org.

The Write Connection: a local teen publication written by and for young people.

Student Film Festival: will be an exciting opportunity for high school film creators to showcase their work to the public, meet others interested in film, learn about film production, and compete for great prizes. All the money raised during this Spring 2004 event will benefit a local charity.

Student Political Forum: will be an evening event held in the Spring of 2004 to provide the young people of Cape Cod with a forum to discuss political issues in a bi-partisan environment. The event will encourage voter registration, raise enthusiasm for the 2004 presidential election, and invigorate the youth's involvement in local and national politics.