They’re the leaders TODAY.
The kids are alright. In fact, the kids are more than alright – they’re one of the loudest and most active voices in the world of social impact. They’re showing up for communities, starting movements for causes they believe in and making their values known louder than ever through social media. And then mobilising those words into action.
This month, TheOneHourProject turns its focus – and appreciation – to the youth movement. As a social impact and volunteer organisation, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the incredible movement coming from our younger counterparts. The youth are leading the way today, for the tomorrow that they value.
For instance, did you know that in Singapore, youth aged 15–24 have consistently outpaced the national volunteering rate, crossing 40% as early as 2018? This is well above the percentage for adult volunteers.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, the youth were asking for more ways to equip them and act on the issues that they felt were important. UNICEF surveyed over 700 youth on climate disasters and its effect on their generation and the response wasn’t too give up. The response was a request – for more training and access to information and chances to volunteer.
Apart from climate issues, the ‘kids’ are also focused on making sure no one gets left behind – they’re setting up nonprofit organisations and social movements that look out for their fellow youth. The young folk who may be economically disadvantaged, especially.
We go heart-to-heart with Venice Siat – a teenager who has already set up her own organisation aptly called Youth for Youth. Youth for Youth mobilises donations and volunteers to give educational access to disadvantaged children. This, if anything, gives a clear indication of hope for our future.
And Riley Venice is one of many shining examples. In fact, at the Asia-Pacific 2025-2056 Generation Hope Goals initiative, young people submitted over 300 youth-led projects. These projects tackled a myriad of issues – from access to clean water and clean energy to sustainable cities. And these were presented directly to policy-makers. The young are moving beyond their classrooms and enacting change in the real world and urging the rest of the world to do so.
The youth are not the leaders of tomorrow – they’re the leaders moving NOW so we can all have a tomorrow.
Know of any youth movements that need volunteer support? Let us know. We’d be honored to support them! Drop us an email at hello@theonehourproject.com.
