All young people should be supported to be active and engaged citizens. That’s at the heart of the #iWill social action campaign, and why it has attracted commitments from over 900 organisations across the UK to make volunteering and campaigning the norm for young people aged 10-20.
Recognising their passion for local nature and strong concerns for global environmental issues, a newly launched #IWill4Nature campaign wants organisations in Scotland to champion the vital role young people can play, and to “embed youth social action into their work and long-term strategies”.
FSC Scotland, as leaders in bringing Nature, Science and Sustainability together, supports the #iWill4Nature campaign, and in 2020 has pledged to:
- Involve at least 2,000 young people in youth social action for the environment through residential experiences, and 1,000 through outreach activity.
- Work with cross-sector partners to help young people build their skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute to their schools and communities through Citizen Science, fieldwork and STEM By Nature initiatives.
- Celebrate the positive role young people can play through social action.
This new campaign has been announced to tie in with Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, and asks each of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities to pledge to host a special Environment Committee in 2020 where young people and local politicians can work together on policy to reduce waste and pollution at local level.
FSC Scotland will have opportunity to share information, stories and case studies with the wider #iWill community, and showcase its unique resources and expertise to support youth social action. Watch this space throughout 2020!
Read the FSC Scotland Pledge, and others.
Written by Rob Bushby.