july e-news: thank you!

July is when the Youth Engagement and Action (YEA) team does our “year in review.” Check out the stories of teen activists (you might see your own!) and news of next year’s campaigns. And thank you for empowering youth!

March 2012: Fabiola, age 18, visiting Plan’s offices from Plan Cameroon, prepares to record the song that she wrote about girls rights. [Allison Costa / Plan

examples of empowerment

Throughout this past year, you have raised awareness about important global issues and advocated for youth around the world. Here are a few examples of your awesome activism!

In August 2011, Ebonee shared that YUGA Leadership Camp was a life-changing experience. In October, the United Nations declared October 11 to be the International Day of the Girl–thanks to the advocacy of young people like you!

In February 2012, youth gathered for a Multicultural Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. This bilingual event was empowering for everyone involved–including Plan International USA’s CEO, Tessie San Martin. In March, students at the Lincoln School coordinated the entire celebration of International Women’s Day. And in April, Gabi posted on how YUGA changed her life!

Finally, in May, youth participants from El Salvador spoke at the 2012 InterAction Forum. And a Walk for Wells in New Jersey raised over $1000 to build wells in Burkina Faso.

June 2012: Three members of the Youth Engagement team, plus one former team member, all do #girlpose with the owner of a fabulous vegan food truck, “Like No Udder.” [Allison Costa / Plan]

take action!

1. Follow for more info. Follow YUGA on Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress. We’ll be featuring stories of youth and by youth–and you’ll be inspired!
2. Tweet for us! You can add your voice to the YUGA network. Contact us at yuga@planusa.org to become a contributor on our Twitter or our blog!
3. Promise to protect. Support the Because I Am a Girl campaign by making the promise to improve the lives of 4 million girls by 2015. Thank you!