by Jennifer Copeland

Today is World Children’s Day. Since 1954, United Nations has marked the 20^th of November every year as the day to celebrate children, their rights, and their power to bring about change.

Around the world, change is needed. The precursor to change is awareness, so here we are, on this day, raising awareness for the needs and rights of every child. The right to be educated. The right to clean, fresh water. The right to healthy food. The right to medical care. The right to be safe. The list goes on and on. Imagine if every mother everywhere knew that her baby would have all those things. Take some time this year to celebrate the children in your life. Also, give some thought to those across the globe that are deprived of what they need. Consider sponsoring a child or supporting in some way, whether big or small, organizations that are working to give children better lives.

Teachers will be telling kids all about the significance of this day. If you have kids of your own, have a conversation with them, too. We can and should be learning from children because the world needs to hear what they have to say. The younger generation is beginning to plan, campaign, and speak out about world issues with a unique perspective that belongs to them. We need children to advocate on the behalf of other children, and there’s one organization in particular called Voices of Youth, which has found a way to give them a voice.

Voices of Youth is an organization built by Unicef which provides an online space for youth to learn and to speak about important issues. Their website is interactive, beautifully designed, and attention-grabbing. It’s a fantastic place for kids to learn from other kids all around the world. Our up-and-coming generation has more ability for global influence than any before it. Social media plays a huge role in this, but it’s exciting to see an organization dedicated to the ideas of our young people.

If you’re between the ages of 13 and 24, you can apply to contribute a post to their blog. If you’re artistic, they’re holding an illustration challenge, and you can find out more about it here. Check out their Instagram and be inspired. If you know very little about global issues, that’s okay. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and this is a great beginning. Read what others have posted. Join the discussion.

Regardless of your age, take some time to check out their blog. The posts are inspiring, thoughtful, and wise beyond the years of the writers. Those of us who understand the need for change also understand the need to keep learning and understanding.

There’s still so much work to be done.