The Young People’s Decade of Commitment is a grassroots movement that recognizes that young people have the power to make a difference in the world and must act on those intentions for a better future.

There are many different ways to affect change and speak out, but each starts with a commitment. The Young People’s Decade of Commitment is a call for young people to care, to find a passion, pursue that interest, and finally to make a commitment to use that pursuit as an avenue to take action.

A better world is the final destination, but the roadways to reach that goal are as diverse as studying local laws in order to protect a plot of land, volunteering at a soup kitchen, writing music for your band that raises awareness about animal testing, creating an art exhibit that brings attention to the plight of refugees, writing poetry, or teaching dance to immigrant children while their mothers are at work.

The possibilities are endless. There is no pursuit too small and nothing too big that cannot be accomplished.

The Young People’s Decade of Commitment does not refer to any specific ten-year period. Instead, it refers to ten years in the life of an individual young person who has made a commitment.

How did it all begin?

The Young People’s Decade of Commitment was founded in 2003 by Jessica Rimington, a teenager who traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the Children’s Earth Summit (held in conjunction with the World Summit on Sustainable Development), which brought together over a 100 young people from all across the world to discuss a path toward a more sustainable future. Jessica is now traveling to speak to young people and adults about youth activism.

“The summit helped me realize that young people really can make a difference, and that if we speak up, people will listen. We don’t have to wait until we are adults to accomplish something, to help, to find a passion, and to work toward our dreams. Just as our action can have a positive affect on the world, our inaction can have a negative affect. No matter what we are doing, we are making a difference. It is up to each of us to decide what kind of difference we choose to make. Those involved in the Young People’s Decade of Commitment have made their choice and are affecting positive change everyday.”
-Jessica Rimington (age 17)

How to get involved

The Young People’s Decade of Commitment is not a club one can join; rather it is a movement that individuals can take part in. Young people are encouraged to make a commitment for a better future, fulfill it, and then share their accomplishments with the Young People’s Decade of Commitment. The Decade acts as a unifying host for youth activists. You may get involved by pursuing your passion and developing it in a way to help others and work toward a better future! You can pledge a commitment and report your accomplishments back to us to be featured on the website, gain recognition, and learn of future opportunities!

Update

All around the world young people are taking action as part of the Young People’s Decade of Commitment!

“I just want to help people. And music’s the best way I know to do that.”
-Caitlin, California

“I... began an educational movement in three different villages...we gathered all the children and women and told them about the importance of education and health.”
-Ashima of India

Click to read more from:
Ethiopia, South Africa, India, California, and Massachusetts!

Want to see your project here? Email us!

“I will be sure to keep the ideas of the Young People’s Decade of Commitment... in mind as I work with my colleagues in Congress.”
-Senator Edward Kennedy

“...A poignant reminder to political leaders that decisions today will have a lasting impact on the generation of tomorrow...”
-Rep. William Delahunt

Founder: Jessica Rimington
P.O. Box 214
South Yarmouth, MA 02664