It's Your World--If You Don't Like It, Change It : Activism for Teenagers

by Halpin, Mikki

• ISBN13: 9781439108581
• ISBN10: 1439108587
• Copyright: 2008-06-24
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary

Youcanchange the world.Free Speech. Racism. The Environment. Gay Rights. Bullying and School Safety. Animal Welfare. War. Information about Safe Sex and Birth Control. Free Speech. HIV and AIDS. Women's Rights.These are the issues you care about -- and now you can do something about them.It's Your Worldwill show you how to act on your beliefs, no matter what they are, and make a difference.The information inside includes: The basics of activism Activism projects and outreach ideas The 5-minute activist How to be an activist at home, at school, and in your community Stories from teenagers who have taken on the world -- and won Resources including books, movies, and Web sites and much, much moreWhether at home, in school, or in your community, you have the power and the ability to create change, even if you aren't old enough to vote. Don't wait until you're eighteen to flex your political muscles -- start right now!

Table of Contents

Introduction

You Can So Change The World

Why People Become Activists

One Person Can Make A Difference

Choosing Your Cause

Do Your Research

How This Book Works

A Few More Things

Helping Animals

The Issues

Be A Responsible Pet Owner

Make Your Home A Cruelty-Free Zone

Refuse Dissection

Make An Animal Research College Guide

Volunteer At A Shelter

Be An Active Citizen For Local Animals

Start A Paws Chapter In Your Town

Shakira's Story

Emma's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Fighting Racism

The Issues

Test Yourself For Bias

Plan A "Race Matters" Movie Night

What If Your Family Is Racist?

Invite A Speaker To Your School

Mobilize Against Hate Groups By Writing A Letter To The Editor

Other Ways To Fight Racism

Chika's Story

Emmanuel's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Saving the Environment

The Issues

Measure Your Environmental Footprint

Give Your House An Environmental Makeover

Start An Environmental Mailing List

Find Out If Your School Spends More On Energy Than On You

Check Your Community Water Quality

Identify Local Polluters

Adam's Story

David's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Ending War

The Issues

Put Up A Peace Poster

Interview A Veteran Of War

Organize A Teach-In At Your School

Start A Faith-Based Peace Coalition

Go To A Big Protest

Ana's Story

Hannah's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Fighting the Spread of HIV/AIDS

The Issues

Get Tested

Fight For Comprehensive Sex Education

Get Local Businesses To Sign An Anti-Discrimination Pledge

Other Activism Ideas

Laura's Story

Henry's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Stopping School Violence and Bullying

The Issues

Make An Anti-Violence Contract With Your Parents

Distribute A Flyer About The Warning Signs Of Possible School Violence

Create A Bully Box

Connect With An At-Risk Youth

Britt's Story

Missy's Story

Resources

Defending Women's Rights

The Issues

Learn About Feminist History

Discuss Feminism With Someone From Another Generation

Speak Out About Dating Violence

Find Out If Your School Is Title Ix Compliant

Have A Letter-Writing Party To Fight For Women's Reproductive Rights

Sara's Story

Erica's Story

The 5-Minute Activist

Resources

Protecting Civil Rights and Civil Liberty

The Issues

Find Out What Data The Government Has On File About You

Start An Alternative School Paper

Do An Art Project About Surveillance In Your Community

Host A Video Screening About The Fourth Amendment

Ashley's Story

Alan's Story

Resources

Promoting Tolerance Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth

The Issues

Talk To Your Parents About An Lgbtq Issue In The News

Start A Gay/Straight Alliance At Your School

Assess Whether Your School Is Safe For Lgbtq Youth

Make A Voter Guide

Sarah's Story

Stacey's Story

Resources

Acknowledgments

General Activism Resources

Sources used in writing this book

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.