By Laura Gallant, 8/17/2023, https://positiveexperience.org/blog/
When youth engage in advocacy efforts, they learn that their voice matters, and that they can make a difference. This is one way for children and youth to experience the engagement Building Block of HOPE. A great example of this was demonstrated with a group of 16 children and youths, ranging from 5 to 22, who sued the Montana state government for violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment. This past Monday, Judge Kathy Seeley in the First Judicial District Court of Montana ruled entirely in their favor, changing the further actions of the government to evaluation the impact of fossil fuel development has on climate change, and the health impacts on young people.
This policy change is one of the strongest decision on climate change ever issues by the courts, and youth lead this change. When youth are able to advocate for their health and the quality of their future, they learn that their voice has value and is important, and leads to strong and resilient adults. This example of engagement is a strong showing of how valuable youth voices are in our communities. When we include youth, we are able to see new perspectives and learn new information. This policy change will benefit us all, not just those in the Montana, and it was through the social and civic engagement of youth that the world has a chance to heal.
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