Children can be very effective advocates. Consider including children who want to be involved as participants and even spokespeople for your local awareness-raising events. Encourage their ideas – from hosting a local bake sale to creating multimedia presentations that reach their peers. There are many ways to include children and youth in advocacy efforts. Remember, the best ideas for their involvement often come from them.

World Vision works to empower youth to engage their local and national government officials. Resources and publications for youth, including free downloads, are available at www.worldvision.org. It is important to educate children about global issues and encourage them to take meaningful action. You may want to begin with one of the following options:

• Start a children’s club at school that is committed to advocating for an issue that impacts children globally. Children may want to create their own campaign to raise awareness about child labor or provide more children with bed nets to protect them from malaria.
• Create a public rally or event to highlight the plight of children in crisis. Don’t forget to inform the media, and consider collating petition signatures to present to key legislators. Invite the children or youth leaders of your event to meet their senator or member of Congress. This may have a lasting impact on their commitment to advocacy.
• Establish an award for children’s writing, art, drama, or other talent that tells the story of children living in conditions of extreme poverty and injustice. If needed, help participants locate appropriate resources.