Support Young Leaders Implement Sustainable Action

With the support of our GlobalGiving donors, we have welcomed new and returning Youth Team members for the start of our second Youth Team year! 

When asking our Youth Team from 2023-2024, ‘What has been the highlight of your time on the Youth Team?’, one of the most common responses was that PeaceJam UK provides the support and opportunity to run a workshop. Alongside this response, our Youth Team commented that having these opportunities has allowed them to connect with other youth on key issue areas and learn from each other. This demonstrates the importance of creating safe spaces for youth voices to not only develop their skills but also impact and support others. This is the cyclical and comprehensive impact of the Youth Team year that you have made possible with your support. 

One of our new members, Chloe, was inspired by her experience volunteering for PeaceJam previously and applied for the Youth Team to help her achieve her goal of developing a social action project that advocates for hidden disabilities.

"Accessibility remains a barrier for many members of society, including those with hidden disabilities, which are often misunderstood largely due to a lack of awareness. As a neurodivergent and chronically ill person, I have experienced these barriers firsthand, and have become passionate about accessibility education.” Chloe.

Since joining the PeaceJam UK Youth Team, Chloe has been developing and running her Hidden Disability Workshop, to much success, as part of her Social Action Project. 

“This workshop aims for students to create draft campaigns to advocate for hidden disabilities, whether this focuses on a specific aspect of hidden disabilities, a specific access need or accessibility in a specific venue. Initiating conversations about disabilities is often the first step in improving accessibility and inclusivity.”Chloe. 

Many participants in her workshops have been able to identify with Chloe’s experience and, at our most recent event, the Leeds Slam, youth were inspired to create a role-play scenario, as well as posters and presentations of their own to share with their peers.

Chloe is planning to develop her social action project further in 2025 and feature her workshop in our upcoming PeaceJam Manchester Slam on the 21st of February. Additionally, the wider Youth Team is currently underway creating new social action projects and helping plan and shape our events in Manchester and then Bradford, which will take place on the 8th of March. For youth, by youth. 

Thank you for supporting young leaders to implement sustainable action, this would not be possible without your support.