Youth Activism as a Form of GCE Agenda Appropriation

• In Event: Global Citizenship Education, Solidarity, and Youth Activism in Turbulent Times: Complementary Perspectives

Proposal

In recent years, youth activism has emerged as a powerful force for social change across the globe, while Global Citizenship Education (GCE) has gained recognition as a crucial educational framework for nurturing informed and engaged global citizens.
In this paper I will present a range of perspectives on youth activism, examining various forms such as campus activism, digital activism, facilitated activism, and activism in marginalized contexts. I will delve into the factors that influence youth activism, including socioeconomic backgrounds, upbringing, and the impact of various contextual factors. By systematically analyzing the literature in the field, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances surrounding youth activism.
Furthermore, the paper will cover the theoretical frameworks that underpin the relationship between youth activism and GCE. Through a critical exploration of existing theoretical frameworks (critical, post-colonial, liberal, neoliberal), I will highlight the potential role of GCE in empowering young activists to become informed and active global citizens. I will focus on the skills, values, and competencies that youth activists acquire through their engagement in GCE, including critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, communication, collaboration, and a deep understanding of global challenges.
I will also address the reciprocal nature of this relationship by examining how youth activism contributes to contemporary social movements. By studying the impact of youth activism on various social movements and social movement organizations, I will shed light on the significant role that young activists play in shaping societal change.
The paper will conclude with a focus on educational strategies and approaches that effectively integrate youth activism and GCE. By sharing insights, best practices, and innovative initiatives, I hope to provide valuable guidance for educators and policymakers seeking to create enabling environments that foster youth activism and empower young individuals to become active agents of change.
Overall, this paper offers a multidimensional exploration of the links between youth activism and GCE, emphasizing the transformative potential of these interconnected concepts.

Author

• Miri Yemini, Technion