Giving Compass' Take:

• Chandler Green shares four things that adults should know about supporting the youth climate movement. Most importantly: Let youth lead. 

• How can you best support youth leaders in your community? What are youth in your community concerned with? 

• Learn more about supporting youth organizing. 

Here are four key lessons they shared for adults and young people:

1. Actually listen to young people first. The age-old mantra is that parents know what’s best for their children, but climate change is shaking up the dynamic. Children will bear the brunt of inaction, as impacts like extreme weather are projected to worsen in their lifetimes; therefore, young people deserve to be heard on what’s best for their futures.

2. Please don’t overstep. “Adults can be the best and the worst ally,” warned Kristin. She and Alexandria have witnessed too many adults and organizations come into the youth movement, offering support, but actually taking advantage of young people – capitalizing on the moment to force their own agendas and to build their own mailing lists.

3. Be inclusive and recognize privilege. At every level, the movement for climate action must be driven by diversity, including all peoples of color, all gender identities, and those with disabilities. Both Alexandria and Kristin stressed inclusivity, recognizing that vulnerable communities, such as indigenous people and lower-income families, who are on the front lines of climate impacts. To build effective solutions that leave no one behind, all communities must be heard. But of course, not every person can afford to take action in the same way.

4. Stay optimistic. Activism is tiring. The work that young people put into organizing, getting out their message, and constantly staying up to date on the latest climate news can be exhausting. Confronting the reality of the climate crisis every single day is no doubt mentally draining in and of itself (no wonder some people just ignore it altogether!).

Read the full article about supporting the youth climate movement by Chandler Green at United Nations Foundation.