How The Youth is Shaping Social Movements

Shaya Eidson
Sep 27
2 min read

By Shaya Eidson

9/27/25

An important feature of many successful nonviolent movements is the presence of young people. In recent history, there have been mass movements in Iran, Hong Kong, Sudan, Lebanon, Algeria, and others, which have all drawn strength from determined youth mobilization (Cebul).

However, this is not a new trend; activism has long been associated with the youth. From the student demonstrations during the Vietnam War to the Civil Rights Movement, young people have had a history of promoting social change (Carnegie). A popular nonviolent demonstration led by the youth has been school walkouts. In May of 1963, thousands of students skipped classes in Birmingham, Alabama, to participate in civil rights marches protesting segregation practices. Today, students have organized walkouts protesting issues like gun control and racial injustice (Apeles).

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, has faced many unique challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified climate change and the unstable economy. Moreover, with the rise of social media, young people are constantly exposed to information about social issues. This never-ending access to the news and social media has fostered feelings of anger and fear in the youth, ultimately forcing them to mobilize. Today, 70% of Gen Zers are involved in a political or social cause. They are also the most likely generation to boycott because of a social or political movement (Carnegie).

Youth participation helps social movements win, improving the quality of democracy. What fuels this participation, other than social media, is youth marginalization. Civil society organizations tend to treat young activism as needing to be led by older adults to be the most effective. Similarly, political parties are shaped this way as they are primarily run by older adults. As a result, youth issues are often set to the side, further fueling their motivation to mobilize and start their own movements (Cebul).

The youth are our next generation of voters, leaders, and policymakers. Civil organizations should do more to engage and recruit young people; this includes prioritizing their goals and desires rather than restricting flexibility through a predetermined agenda. Youth participation increases the likelihood of success in campaigns and social movements, further incentivising organizations to engage the youth. Research and expert analysis agree that youth activism is crucial for successful nonviolent activism and social movements. Young people have played a central role in some of the world’s most powerful nonviolent movements, and this trend shows no signs of stopping as the youth continue to shape society for the better (Cebul).

Sources:

Apeles, Teena. “Youth Activism in America: From Armbands and Walkouts to Bus Rides and

Voter Drives that Would Shape Our Democracy.” PBS SoCal, https://www.pbssocal.org

/shows/city-rising/youth-activism-in-america-from-armbands-and-walkouts-to-bus-rides-and-voter-drives-that-would-shape-our-democracy#:~:text=Walkouts%20have%20long%20been%20an,of%20numerous%20kids%20and%20teachers.

Carnegie, Megan. “Gen Z: How young people are changing activism.” BBC, 8 Aug. 2022.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220803-gen-z-how-young-people-are-changing-activism.

Cebul, Matthew D. “Youth Activism: Balancing Risk and Reward.” United States Institute of

Peace, 19 Jan. 2023. https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/01/youth-activism-balancin

g-risk-and-reward?utm_source=chatgpt.com.