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	<title>mercy for animals Archives - YEA Camp</title>
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	<description>A summer camp for social change</description>
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	<title>mercy for animals Archives - YEA Camp</title>
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		<title>These Generous Companies Make YEA Camp’s Food Even More Delicious</title>
		<link>https://yeacamp.org/2019/09/30/these-generous-companies-make-yea-camps-food-even-more-delicious/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[YEA Camp]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:05:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Youth Empowered Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activist camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amy's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amy's kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butler foods]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[chicago vegan foods]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[peta]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tofurky]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[vegan activism]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[vegan pizza]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yeacamp.org/?p=8976</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As another summer draws to a close and the leaves begin to fall, it&#8217;s time to extend another “thank you!” This time, we want to recognize all the people that made camp possible. That means it&#8217;s time to feature our amazing food donors! From fruit smoothies to warm chocolate chip cookies to pizzas with more&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2019/09/30/these-generous-companies-make-yea-camps-food-even-more-delicious/">These Generous Companies Make YEA Camp’s Food Even More Delicious</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As another summer draws to a close and the leaves begin to fall, it&#8217;s time to extend another “thank you!” This time, we want to recognize all the people that made camp possible. That means it&#8217;s time to feature our amazing food donors! From fruit smoothies to warm chocolate chip cookies to pizzas with more toppings than we could count &#8211; our chefs do an amazing job keeping us fueled with delicious, nutritious, and ethical meals. </span></p>
<div id="attachment_8981" style="width: 281px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Pizza-with-all-the-topings.png"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8981" class="wp-image-8981 size-medium" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Pizza-with-all-the-topings-271x300.png" alt="Who says vegan pizza has to be boring? Check out all these toppings!" width="271" height="300" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Pizza-with-all-the-topings-271x300.png 271w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Pizza-with-all-the-topings.png 520w" sizes="(max-width: 271px) 100vw, 271px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-8981" class="wp-caption-text">Pizza with Miyoko&#8217;s Cheese and &#8220;more toppings than we could count!&#8221;</p></div>
<div id="attachment_8978" style="width: 264px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-pancakes.png"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8978" class="wp-image-8978 size-medium" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-pancakes-254x300.png" alt="We practice every day activism by eating vegan at camp!" width="254" height="300" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-pancakes-254x300.png 254w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-pancakes-127x150.png 127w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-pancakes.png 473w" sizes="(max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-8978" class="wp-caption-text">One way we practice every day activism is by our food choices at camp.</p></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For some of our campers and our staff, the allure of an all vegan camp is how they heard about us in the first place. For others, our vegan food is just another blurb on the FAQ page. YEA Camp is all about social justice and, at the end of the day, everyone at camp wants to build a more peaceful and sustainable world. That is why YEA Camp is vegan with a heavy focus on fair-trade, organic, and local options. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The food we choose at the grocery store or out for dinner with friends is one of the simplest acts of every day activism we can do. Because of that, we hire a skilled team of vegan chefs to cook us amazing food that everyone can appreciate. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This summer, we had some incredible companies donate their plant-based products to help us more affordably showcase the very best in vegan eating. </span></p>
<h2></h2>
<h2>Thank you to&#8230;</h2>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.amys.com/">Amy&#8217;s Kitchen</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a family-owned food company that was organic before “organic” was a national certification. Pioneers of the organic food industry (and maker of endless delicious vegan options), Amy’s has been with YEA Camp since year one and we are so grateful for their support!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another family-owned business, </span><strong><a href="https://www.butlerfoods.com/">Butler Foods</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> donated their famous Butler Soy Curls, an all natural alternative to meat. Our chefs traded the traditional Chicken Noodle Soup for “Soy Curl Noodle Soup” for an extra dash of heart-healthy perfection. </span></p>
<div id="attachment_8979" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-COookies.png"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8979" class="wp-image-8979 size-medium" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-COookies-300x230.png" alt="Teaching campers how to make vegan cookies!" width="300" height="230" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-COookies-300x230.png 300w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-COookies.png 543w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-8979" class="wp-caption-text">Sometimes we even let campers into the kitchen for baking demos!</p></div>
<p><strong><a href="http://chicagoveganfoods.com/">Chicago Vegan Foods</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a 100% vegan company (did the name give it away?) From their frozen dessert line to their gooey non-dairy cheese to their vegan marshmallows, Chicago Vegan Foods has something for everyone. Thank you Chicago Vegan Foods!</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp Trivia: Do you know what vegan company Camp Founder &amp; Director Nora Kramer named her rescue dog after? Daiya the dog approves of </span><strong><a href="https://daiyafoods.com/">Daiya Foods</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and all the “deliciously dairy-free foods” they bring to our camp. You can even find vegan frozen pizzas from Daiya in grocery stores around the country. Yum!</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Started in 1970 when four friends “opened a seven-seat soup, salad, and sandwich counter in the back of small natural food store in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California,” </span><strong><a href="https://followyourheart.com/">Follow Your Heart</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> now offers over 60 dairy-free products in over 25 countries. We are so grateful for their support and their reminder to, “when in doubt, Follow Your Heart.” </span></p>
<div id="attachment_8977" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8977" class="wp-image-8977 size-medium" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss-300x300.png" alt="Vegan pizza at camp!" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss-300x300.png 300w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss-150x150.png 150w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss-75x75.png 75w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/YEA-Camp-Miyokos-masss.png 536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-8977" class="wp-caption-text">We couldn&#8217;t get in line fast enough for this Miyoko&#8217;s inspired vegan pizza!</p></div>
<p><a href="https://miyokos.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Miyoko&#8217;s Kitchen</strong></span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> provided us with many a mid-day snack. Their cheese wheels were a hit at every session of camp and we especially love this quote, pulled from their website: “</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compassion for animals is at the heart of everything we do. It always has been. It always will be.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like Amy’s Kitchen, </span><strong><a href="https://tofurky.com/">Tofurky</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has been a generous support of YEA Camp for eleven years. We even wrote a </span><a href="https://yeacamp.org/2019/04/15/yea-camp-celebrates-10-years-of-tofurky-sandwiches/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">feature post about them here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! Tofurky has been providing us with plant-based protein since our very first session. Truthfully, it wouldn’t feel like camp without them!</span></p>
<h2>We are so lucky to have their support!</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp would not be nearly as delicious were it not for the support of these awesome companies who are revolutionizing what it means to eat vegan. Campers often tell us that YEA Camp is what propelled them to eat a plant-based diet! What an honor to help our campers become more conscious about their food choices. We are so grateful to have the support of these compassionate companies. Their dedication to making the world a kinder and more ethical place inspires us all.</span></p>
<p>The time to announce dates for YEA Camp 2020 is coming soon. Be sure to <a href="http://eepurl.com/AZCz">sign up for e-news</a> to make sure you&#8217;re the first to know!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2019/09/30/these-generous-companies-make-yea-camps-food-even-more-delicious/">These Generous Companies Make YEA Camp’s Food Even More Delicious</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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		<title>YEA Camper Activist Spotlight: Lauren Scheller-Wolfe Is a Star</title>
		<link>https://yeacamp.org/2018/03/21/7098/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[YEA Camp]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2018 18:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activist Profile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Activist Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social justice summer camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen leadership camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[youth activism]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[youth leadership camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[academic summer camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal Activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climate change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feminism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership summer camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy for animals]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan camp]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[volunteer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteering]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yeacamp.org/?p=7098</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When we first met Lauren Scheller-Wolf at YEA Camp, she was a little bit reserved, but we have learned over the years that sometimes our quieter campers do the most activism! Lauren shows that activists can make a difference while working to address several different causes and pursuing multiple passions. Not only does Lauren volunteer&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2018/03/21/7098/">YEA Camper Activist Spotlight: Lauren Scheller-Wolfe Is a Star</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When we first met Lauren Scheller-Wolf at YEA Camp, she was a little bit reserved, but we have learned over the years that sometimes our quieter campers do the most activism! Lauren shows that activists can make a difference while working to address several different causes and pursuing multiple passions. Not only does Lauren volunteer for an animal sanctuary, she also performed in a play to raise awareness about dating violence, and is on an all-girls robotics team that challenges the male-dominated fields of STEM. And she&#8217;s also an amazing intern for YEA Camp! And she&#8217;s been volunteering since she was 11!</p>
<p>Sorry, we don&#8217;t mean to give away all the spoilers! We were happy she fit this interview with YEA Camp into her busy schedule and are glad to let her tell you more.</p>
<p><b>YEA Camp: Tell us about the activism you’ve been doing.</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lauren: I’ve volunteered with two organizations for several years now &#8211; <a href="http://www.animaladvocates.net">Animal Advocates</a> (an animal shelter where my family and I take care of cats) and </span><a href="https://www.globallinks.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global Links</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which packs and sends donated medical supplies to hospitals that can’t afford to buy their own, or to places that have recently gone through a natural disaster. For instance, right now, we’re sending a lot of stuff to Puerto Rico.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_7100" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7100" class="size-medium wp-image-7100" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail-2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail-2.jpg 667w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-7100" class="wp-caption-text">Lauren tabling with her robotics club</p></div>
<p>In addition, I’ve written several articles and blog posts about activism, animal rights, and veganism for different websites and organizations.</p>
<p>I’m also on an all-girls high school robotics team (<a href="http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/girlsofsteel/">The Girls of Steel</a>). Our mission is to empower women and girls in the pursuit of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by exemplifying female success in robotics. STEM fields are still very male-dominated &#8211; our mission is to change people’s attitudes about women in STEM and helping young girls know they can be successful in a STEM career.</p>
<p><b>How did you get involved with activism and what you’re currently working on?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My parents were vegan and doing animal rights activism before I was born, and I’ve been explaining veganism to people since forever, so I guess you could say I was born an activist! However, I started volunteering when I was about 11, and I started writing and doing other forms of activism after attending my first session of <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org">YEA Camp </a>in 2015. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right now I’m working on a few things, along with writing, volunteer work and Girls Of Steel. I’m on </span><a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farm Sanctuary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’s Youth Advisory Board, giving input on pamphlets etc. they want to create for younger activists, as well as kids that want to learn about veganism.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, I’ve done a few art-activism things. I just finished performances of a play called “You Belong to Me” with a local theater company. This play aims to raise awareness about, and prevent, teen dating violence, and it’s an incredibly powerful piece that has been performed in schools all around the Pittsburgh area. I want to be an actor when I grow up, so this was a great way for me to combine acting and activism! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m also a </span><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Intern!</span></p>
<div id="attachment_7099" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7099" class="size-medium wp-image-7099" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail2-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail2-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail2-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thumbnail2-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-7099" class="wp-caption-text">Lauren at a farm animal sanctuary with rescued turkeys</p></div>
<p><b>What challenges have you faced as an activist and how have you dealt with them?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time management has always been a bit of a problem for me, but I’ve discovered it helps me be the most effective if I have one specific goal (maybe it’s to “Write one article before Sunday”) and then I budget my time over the week to make sure I get it done; vs having an open-ended goal (“Write as many articles as you can this week”).</span></p>
<p><b>What advice do you have for new activists just getting involved?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Go for it! Even if you don’t think you’ll be good at it. Even if you can only do something you consider small or unimportant. You’ll get better (and gain confidence) with practice and every single action matters and will make a difference, no matter the size or scope.</span></p>
<p><b>How did <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org/">YEA Camp</a> help you in your activism, if it did?</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.yeacamp.org"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> helped me in tons of ways! I gained more knowledge (about many things, but specifically about how to answer tricky questions), as well as a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities as an activist. </span><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also connected me to a ton of organizations and people that I have worked with or could work with in the future. It’s also helped me a lot to just know that there are amazing people out there who care as passionately about issues as I do.</span></p>
<p><b>What activist goals do you have in the future?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gain more confidence. Reach more people. Take part in more activism.</span></p>
<p><b>Have you been involved with any organizations or used any as resources for your activism?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes! </span><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YEA Camp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (obviously), </span><a href="https://www.animaladvocates.net"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Animal Advocates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.globallinks.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global Links</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.farmsanctuary.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farm Sanctuary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/girlsofsteel/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Girls of Steel Robotics</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are the main groups with which I have worked that have helped me to grow in my activism. </span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you care about making a difference just like Lauren does? Want help getting more involved? Come to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a> this summer!</span></em></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lauren Scheller-Wolf is a 17-year-old activist for many causes, though her focus is on animal rights. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended YEA Camp New York in 2015 and 2016.</span></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2018/03/21/7098/">YEA Camper Activist Spotlight: Lauren Scheller-Wolfe Is a Star</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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		<title>10 Ways Parents Can Empower Their Courageous Child Activist</title>
		<link>https://yeacamp.org/2016/06/02/10-ways-parents-can-empower-their-courageous-child-activist/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nora Kramer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2016 23:49:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activist Tips]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[youth empowered action]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[youth leadership]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yeacamp.wordpress.com/?p=3481</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At YEA Camp, we specialize in empowering children and teenagers to make the world a better place. That’s why we’ve devised a helpful list so parents can nurture their courageous child activists.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2016/06/02/10-ways-parents-can-empower-their-courageous-child-activist/">10 Ways Parents Can Empower Their Courageous Child Activist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjabTS5kac" target="_blank">this video</a>? An adorable 6-year-old activist, Henry Marr, gives an emotional plea to his mother about wanting to save the environment. If you’re not one of the nearly 17 million people who have seen it, then watch it right now. You’ll thank us.</p>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjabTS5kac]<br />
Endearing, right? How can you not be moved by this kid’s passion for the environment?</p>
<p>At <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a>, we know that as a loving parent it warms your heart to see your kid display such enthusiasm for an important cause. We also know that it can be upsetting to see your child feel so helpless over wishing they knew how to make a difference.</p>
<p>Don’t fret, loving parents, at YEA Camp we specialize in empowering children and teenagers to make the world a better place. That’s why we’ve devised a helpful list so you can nurture your courageous kid’s activism.</p>
<h3><strong>1. Make It Fun</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_3492" style="width: 1868px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3492" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3492" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1-makeitfun.jpg" alt="1 MakeItFun" width="1858" height="1090" /><p id="caption-attachment-3492" class="wp-caption-text">Look Ma, activism is a blast!</p></div>
<p>The cause itself may be super serious, but your kid’s fight for the cause doesn’t have to be.</p>
<p>Did someone say delicious vegan cupcakes? How about assisting your child in holding a bake sale to raise money for their cause?</p>
<div id="attachment_3502" style="width: 622px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3502" class="alignnone  wp-image-3502" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1-cupcakes.jpg" alt="1 Cupcakes" width="612" height="547" /><p id="caption-attachment-3502" class="wp-caption-text">I&#8217;ll have three, please! Okay, let&#8217;s make that four!</p></div>
<p>Tapping into their artistic or creative talents, using social media, or getting friends involved are other great ways to make activism fun. Your kid’s much more likely to stick with their activism if they have a good time doing it.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Connect With Organizations</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="  wp-image-3509 aligncenter" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2-featured-organizations.png" alt="2 Featured Organizations" width="386" height="478" /></p>
<p>Now that your child is inspired to care about a particular cause, it’s important that he or she understands that cause and sees how others are tackling the issue.</p>
<p>The best way to learn is by introducing them to respected organizations that are leading the way on their respective issue.</p>
<p>Don’t have time to do all that research? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a <a href="https://yeacamp.org/what-you-can-do/" target="_blank">helpful cheat sheet</a> of amazing organizations that are fighting for the environment, LGBT rights, human rights, animal rights and more.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Listen To Your Kids… Really Listen</strong></h3>
<p>Children are full of wisdom if parents take the time to listen to them, and we’ve got two epic examples of parents who do just that.</p>
<p>In this first video, a young child in Nepal finds out that his parents are taking his beloved goat to be slaughtered, so he does everything in his power to get his parents to spare the animal’s life. His tenacity and kindness are an inspiration to behold. Imagine the trauma if his parents had ignored his pleas.</p>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwIK7cjfVpg]<br />
In this second viral video, a toddler in Brazil has a heartfelt debate with his mother at the dinner table about the ethics of killing and eating other animals. His points are both innocent and poignant, as only a child can articulate.</p>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrU03da2arE]<br />
These videos aren’t depicting children throwing bratty tantrums. These kids are sensitive souls who realize that the adults around them are harming animals, and it upsets them. The parents are respectful enough to listen to their children’s merciful pleas and agree not to harm the animals. These are beautiful moments of compassion caught on camera.</p>
<p>Whatever issues inspire your kids to express their passion, your support empowers them to think for themselves and to pursue their compassionate nature to be a caring person.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Introduce Them To A Mentor</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_3524" style="width: 412px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3524" class="  wp-image-3524 aligncenter" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/shelby_kim.jpg" alt="shelby_kim" width="402" height="536" /><p id="caption-attachment-3524" class="wp-caption-text">Say hi to Shelby!</p></div>
<p>A great way to learn about a subject is to seek guidance from someone who specializes in that field. Help your child find an expert who’s willing to advise them on their journey of discovery.</p>
<p>This is an area in which we really pride ourselves at YEA Camp. Our <a href="https://yeacamp.org/about-us/#staff-bios" target="_blank">talented staff</a> is comprised of highly qualified professionals with teaching credentials and expertise in youth development, as well as accomplished former campers like Shelby, with much wisdom to impart. We give each camper the counseling they need to get their activism off to the right start.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Join Them!</strong></h3>
<div id="attachment_3533" style="width: 404px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3533" class="  wp-image-3533 aligncenter" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/photo-1-2.jpg" alt="photo 1 (2)" width="394" height="526" /><p id="caption-attachment-3533" class="wp-caption-text">Joyce &amp; her mother Mildred on their way to the People&#8217;s Climate March. What an inspiring team!</p></div>
<p>What better way to encourage your budding activist than to join them in their activism? Not only can this make it more fun (see #1) and double their impact, but it also creates a supportive family culture, where it’s understood that people care about others and stand up for what they believe in. Plus, you’ll definitely have more to talk about at the dinner table than what they learned (or didn’t learn) in school.</p>
<h3><strong>6. Well, Join Them… Within Reason</strong></h3>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3Fg61KWing]<br />
No kid wants their parent hanging out with them all the time. Give them space to follow their passion independently as well. Sometimes that could mean just giving them a ride somewhere, helping them manage their schedule, or asking if they need any help.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Say, “Yes, You Can,” Not “No, You Can’t”</strong></h3>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdCbYflyD68]<br />
See all those demoralizing insults Simon Cowell spewed at aspiring singers on &#8220;American Idol&#8221;? As a parent, do the opposite.</p>
<p>If your kid tells you that he or she wants to reduce homelessness in your town, don’t discourage them with details about how difficult it’s going to be. Celebrate that they care about such a crucial cause, and help them set goals for bringing about that change. Twelve-year-old Megan <a href="https://yeacamp.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/12-days-of-yea-camp-heroes-day-1-megan/" target="_blank">has raised thousands of dollars</a> with her school club for homeless people in Boston.</p>
<p>Kids need someone to tell them to dream big, and to help them strive for their goals, not set low expectations.</p>
<h3><strong>8. Help Them Believe In Themselves</strong></h3>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY]<br />
All too often our worst enemy is ourselves. Kids can be really hard on themselves, shooting down their own great plans before they’ve even given them a try, because they’re afraid they’re not up to the task. As their parent, you can give them the confidence they need to tackle any undertaking, no matter how impossible it may seem.</p>
<p>Providing a safe and loving home environment, encouragement in their endeavors, as well as support, perspective and understanding when things don’t go as planned.</p>
<h3><strong>9. Set A Positive Example</strong></h3>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zoS2IfXRW4]<br />
Be the type of person who rescues a baby elephant who is stuck in a mud hole. Your kids will be better people with a role model like that. Whether it’s rescuing an animal (have you noticed we like animals at YEA Camp?), donating money to a nonprofit or candidate, volunteering, or conserving, the lessons your kids learn from watching you will last a lifetime.</p>
<h3><strong>10. Teach Intersectionality</strong></h3>
<p>This one’s a Level 5 on the empowerment scale, but it’s important to note that oppressive institutions—racism, sexism and so on—are interconnected and you’ll expand your child’s understanding of the world by helping them make those connections.</p>
<p>Does your child care about the environment? Great! Teach him or her the ways in which <a href="http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2012/unequal-exposures" target="_blank">pollution disproportionately affects poor people and people of color</a>, or how the environment is <a href="http://www.mfablog.org/overpopulation-is-destroying-the-planet-but" target="_blank">negatively impacted by the meat industry</a>.</p>
<p>Does your child want to stop bullying? Fantastic! Teach him or her about how <a href="http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/bullying-and-gay-youth" target="_blank">LGBT youth are nearly twice as likely to be bullied than their non-LGBT peers</a>.</p>
<p>We need the next generation of advocates to be aware of the interconnection of the many different issues we face and to be allies for these different causes.</p>
<h3><strong>Best Parent Of The Year!</strong></h3>
<p>Thank you for being your kid’s greatest champion! We need more brave young change-makers in this world, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!</p>
<p>You’ve raised a compassionate kid who wants to make a difference. It would be our great honor at YEA Camp to meet your wonderful young activist (the camp is open to kids ages 12-17) and guide him or her to follow their dreams. At <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a>, they’ll be surrounded by like-minded peers and adults who want to help them, and they’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to take action on what really matters to them.</p>
<p>Follow the above tips (and <a href="https://yeacamp.org/registration/" target="_blank">send your kids to YEA Camp</a> or <a href="https://yeacamp.org/get-involved/nominate/" target="_blank">nominate someone</a> who you know would love it!), and they’ll be well on their way to achieving great things, because any parent should support a kid who’d <em>really</em> rather visit a broccoli farm than support animal abuse at the circus.</p>
<p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7yMZGA2lzg]</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2016/06/02/10-ways-parents-can-empower-their-courageous-child-activist/">10 Ways Parents Can Empower Their Courageous Child Activist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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		<title>What Vegan Ice Cream Can Teach Us About Changing the World</title>
		<link>https://yeacamp.org/2016/02/04/what-vegan-ice-cream-can-teach-us-about-changing-the-world/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nora Kramer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:30:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Youth Empowered Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ben & jerry's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change.org]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[ice cream]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yeacamp.wordpress.com/?p=2450</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ben &#38; Jerry's launch of vegan ice cream flavors was a long time coming. Thousands of activists spent years making it happen.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2016/02/04/what-vegan-ice-cream-can-teach-us-about-changing-the-world/">What Vegan Ice Cream Can Teach Us About Changing the World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="_45m_ _2vxa">
<p>by Nora Kramer</p>
<p>Once a year, <span class="_5u8u">Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s</span> celebrates Free Cone Day, where they give out free ice cream all day long. The line of people waiting for ice cream is around the block.</p>
<p>For years on that day, when I lived in San Francisco a few blocks from the Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s on Haight Ashbury, a group of local vegan activists and I wheeled out a TV and VCR (yup) out front of the ice cream shop, showing all those people waiting for ice cream footage of the <a href="http://dairy.mercyforanimals.org/" target="_blank">horrific cruelty happening to cows</a> on dairy farms.</p>
<div id="attachment_2453" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2453" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2453" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/conedaysmall.jpg?w=300" alt="conedaysmall" width="300" height="200" /><p id="caption-attachment-2453" class="wp-caption-text">courtesy of FARM</p></div>
<p>A lot of us took the day off from work each year to do it.<br />
We gave out hundreds of samples of delicious vegan ice cream we bought at the health food store down the street with our own money. (This was before the amazing <span class="_5u8u"><a href="http://vegfund.org/" target="_blank">VegFund</a></span> came along to fund activists giving out vegan food samples).</p>
<p>We passed out leaflets about the <a href="http://www.chooseveg.com" target="_blank">benefits of vegan eating</a>, and we got people to sign a petition (on pieces of paper that I mailed to Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s corporate (this was years before <span class="_5u8u"><a href="https://www.change.org/p/tell-ben-jerry-s-you-want-non-dairy-ice-cream-options" target="_blank">the Change.org petition</a> that got almost 30,000 people to sign</span>) asking them to add vegan flavors.</p>
<p>Those days were inspiring but frustrating. People waiting in line were appalled by the mistreatment of the cows, loved the vegan samples, and agreed that Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s should carry non-dairy ice cream, but they weren&#8217;t getting out of line for their free dairy ice cream either.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<p>At the end of the day, we, a bunch of activists who called in sick to work to help animals and the environment by using our own money to buy hundreds of strangers vegan ice cream, spent hours on our feet out of our comfort zone talking to hordes of people who were in line for a leisurely ice cream, and we privately wondered if it made a difference.</p>
<p>For years, Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s ignored activists&#8217; efforts and people&#8217;s requests for a vegan option, ignoring <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/business/energy-environment/how-growth-in-dairy-is-affecting-the-environment.html?_r=0" target="_blank">all the data about how bad dairy is for the environment</a> while disingenuously marketing itself as eco-friendly and as a wholesome small company, while it is in fact owned by massive multinational soap company <span class="_5u8u">Unilever</span>.</p>
<p>Maybe we wasted all that time and effort and heart and money on free vegan ice cream?</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2615" src="https://yeacamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/screen-shot-2016-02-04-at-2-25-53-am.png?w=288" alt="Screen Shot 2016-02-04 at 2.25.53 AM" width="288" height="300" />Today I am reminded how change often happens.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/02/03/ben-and-jerrys-launches-vegan-ice-cream-line/79771378/" target="_blank">Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s is launching</a> four incredible-looking flavors of vegan ice cream made from almond milk.</p>
<p>And so the world changes.</p>
<p>There were years of activists trying and trying, dealing with our frustrations about change not happening as fast as we&#8217;d like and the injustices and cruelties that continue in the meantime.</p>
<p>There was doubting whether things will ever change, giving ourselves and others pep talks to keep going, trying to stay positive and continue in our activism on this and lots of other causes.</p>
<p>Years of activists making sacrifices, not giving up (and of course there are those who did give up), and continuing to push for change &#8212; even in the simple way of getting a leading ice cream company to offer a vegan option that spares cows and has a much smaller ecological footprint &#8212; is what causes social change.</p>
<p>Of course, amazing cruelty-free pioneer vegan food companies like <span class="_5u8u"><a href="http://www.tofutti.com/" target="_blank">Tofutti</a></span> and <span class="_5u8u"><a href="http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/" target="_blank">So Delicious Dairy Free</a></span> led the way for the mainstream to follow, introducing all of us, including the people in line for a free ice cream at Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s on Free Cone Day, how delicious vegan ice cream is and how unnecessary it is to involve cows in making our desserts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>And then years later, with no proximate or clearly direct relationship between each activist&#8217;s individual efforts and this result today, there&#8217;s a win.</strong></p>
<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve definitely had a large demand from our consumers to have a non-dairy offering,&#8221; Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s spokesperson Lindsay Bumps said recently.</p>
<p>But she said it years after we spent hours giving out free vegan ice cream and mailing them hundreds of petitions. And then doing it again the next year and the year after that, and all the countless things we all did every day in between and before and since.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s because for years Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s ignored us. And that&#8217;s what change sometimes looks like. A social change victory &#8212; whether in legalizing gay marriage or the right to vote or raising the minimum wage or a massive ice cream company adding some vegan ice cream flavors &#8212; is often like seeing light from a star that was emitted years ago and is no longer there. To mix metaphors, the fruits may come a long time after the labor.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t mean to equate Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s making vegan ice cream with some type of Berlin Wall coming down. But the massive impact of livestock production on <a href="http://www.chooseveg.com/environment" target="_blank">the environment</a>, <a href="http://www.chooseveg.com/animals" target="_blank">animals</a>, and <a href="http://www.chooseveg.com/health" target="_blank">human health</a> make this a social justice issue, and expanding the accessibility of vegan items to bring them into the mainstream is critical to reducing our society&#8217;s near suicidal dependence on factory farming.</p>
<p>This win is part of a tipping point of related victories on this issue in recent years, even recent days &#8212; from dozens of companies implementing <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/confinement_farm/timelines/timeline_farm_animal_protection.html" target="_blank">major animal welfare reforms</a> in meat and egg production, to Hellman&#8217;s following <a href="https://www.hamptoncreek.com/" target="_blank">Just Mayo</a>&#8216;s lead by <a href="http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/02/02/unilever-eggless-sandwich-spread" target="_blank">offering a vegan mayo</a>, to <a href="http://www.vegan.com/posts/target-vegan-meats/" target="_blank">Target&#8217;s new line of vegan meats</a>, to companies like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut12s2jeP1w" target="_blank">Wendy&#8217;s</a> and <a href="http://cok.net/blog/2015/06/1000-subways-vegan-menu/" target="_blank">Subway</a> incorporating new vegan options.</p>
<p>These wins are all the result of a massive accumulation of years of activists&#8217; efforts. From handing out free vegan ice cream, to donating to nonprofit organizations advocating for corporate reforms, to <a href="http://www.chooseveg.com" target="_blank">choosing more vegan meals each day</a>, to <a href="http://www.adoptacollege.org/" target="_blank">handing out leaflets</a>, to <a href="http://ffacoalition.org/" target="_blank">giving presentations</a>, to <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/investigations" target="_blank">undercover investigations of the cruelties</a> happening on factory farms, to so many other things dedicated people are doing to make a difference, we are cumulatively bringing about change on a massive issue.</p>
<p>It just sometimes takes a while to see the results of it.</p>
<p>As a summer camp for social change, <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a> trains young activists to make a difference on social justice issues they care about. We even have a session just for animal advocates. (You or the 12-17 year-old in your life can <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">find out about it or register here</a>.) I can tell you these passionate teens want to bring about change NOW.</p>
<p>It can be tough, but we emphasize the need for action amidst the need for patience and faith to keep at it even though change often takes a lot longer than we&#8217;d like, and we don&#8217;t always see the results of our efforts. It is a tough but important lesson.</p>
<p>To all the activists whose efforts are changing our food system, or any other element of social justice, we hope you&#8217;ll acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments by trying out some delicious new vegan ice cream, now available, thanks to so many people&#8217;s efforts, at a supermarket near you.</p>
<div class="_45m_ _2vxa"></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2016/02/04/what-vegan-ice-cream-can-teach-us-about-changing-the-world/">What Vegan Ice Cream Can Teach Us About Changing the World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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		<title>6 Teens Who Will Bust Stereotypes and Inspire You to Change the World</title>
		<link>https://yeacamp.org/2015/06/09/6-teens-who-will-inspire-you-to-change-the-world/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nora Kramer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:09:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Youth Empowered Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#noaggag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aclu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activism camp]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[animal rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blackfish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change.org]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climate action campaign]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[community service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farm sanctuary]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[social justice camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen activists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen changemakers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[womens rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[youth activists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[youth leadership]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yeacamp.wordpress.com/?p=1542</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Quick. Word association. When you think of teenagers, what do you think of? If the words &#8220;inspiring,&#8221; &#8220;motivated,&#8221; &#8220;dedicated,&#8221; &#8220;compassionate,&#8221; and &#8220;changemaker&#8221; don&#8217;t immediately spring to mind, read on, because those are the exact words we use to describe the teens who attend YEA Camp, including some of the ones we&#8217;re highlighting below. (And if&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2015/06/09/6-teens-who-will-inspire-you-to-change-the-world/">6 Teens Who Will Bust Stereotypes and Inspire You to Change the World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Quick. Word association. When you think of teenagers, what do you think of? If the words &#8220;inspiring,&#8221; &#8220;motivated,&#8221; &#8220;dedicated,&#8221; &#8220;compassionate,&#8221; and &#8220;changemaker&#8221; don&#8217;t immediately spring to mind, read on, because those are the exact words we use to describe the teens who attend <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a>, including some of the ones we&#8217;re highlighting below. (And if you do know a teenager like these, get them to YEA Camp this summer!)</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/11139442_10152949116671843_1257294549136478588_n.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1559" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/11139442_10152949116671843_1257294549136478588_n.jpg?w=300" alt="11139442_10152949116671843_1257294549136478588_n" width="300" height="300" /></a>Sixteen-year-old <strong>Claire Tamburello</strong> from Michigan has been advocating for animals since she went vegetarian at age 11. She has organized protests against the circus, rallied at the State Capitol to oppose the hunting of wolves, regularly volunteers with a local animal shelter, and recently organized a cleanup of a local park.</p>
<p>Last week Claire traveled to Texas to be part of the &#8220;Empty the Tanks&#8221; campaign to protest  <a href="http://blackfishmovie.com/" target="_blank">Sea World</a>, she&#8217;s fundraised for <a href="http://www.farmsanctuary.org" target="_blank">Farm Sanctuary</a>&#8216;s &#8220;Walk for Farm Animals&#8221;, and she&#8217;s seen here as part of  <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org" target="_blank">Mercy For Animals</a>&#8216; <a href="http://www.noaggag.com" target="_blank">#noaggag campaign</a> protesting the &#8220;ag gag&#8221; laws silencing whistleblowers for exposing cruelty on factory farms. “I’m against ag gag laws because they prohibit the documentation of what really happens on factory farms,” Claire explained. “If these laws are passed, nobody will know what happens behind the closed doors of the animal agriculture industry.”</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/1902080_356802881153528_3177190054884859916_n.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1451 alignright" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/1902080_356802881153528_3177190054884859916_n.jpg?w=169" alt="1902080_356802881153528_3177190054884859916_n" width="169" height="300" /></a><strong>Ana Little-Sana</strong>, from San Diego, has done more to make a difference in her 15 years than most people do in their whole lives. Ana was recently recognized as a Rising Star by the <a href="http://www.sdleadership.org/" target="_blank">San Diego Leadership Alliance</a> and has worked on a wide variety of social justice issues. From speaking at a press event for <a href="http://www.climateactioncampaign.org/" target="_blank">Climate Action Campaign</a> about the impact of climate change on young people, to lobbying against police brutality at the State Capitol with the <a href="http://www.naacp.org/" target="_blank">NAACP</a>,  rallying for women&#8217;s access to <a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood</a>, advocating outside of Wal-Mart to push for a <a href="http://fightfor15.org/latest-news/" target="_blank">minimum wage increase</a> for workers, leafleting for the <a href="https://www.aclu.org/" target="_blank">ACLU</a>, attending fur protests, organizing demonstrations against <a href="http://blackfishmovie.com" target="_blank">Sea World</a>, being vegan, and so much more, the impact this young changemaker is having across so many important issues is truly stunning.</p>
<p>Ana was also an extremely dedicated intern on Congressman Scott Peters&#8217; successful re-election campaign, and her efforts impressed Vice President Joe Biden so much that he took a selfie with her.</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/joyce.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1629" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/joyce.png" alt="joyce" width="137" height="256" /></a>Fifteen-year-old <strong>Joyce Frink</strong> from New Jersey has done a huge variety of things to make a difference in issues at her school, her community, and even globally. Joyce was chosen by her teachers to be a peer mediator and in that role organized a school-wide assembly and presented in several classes to address bullying and create a safer school environment. She also initiated “Mix It Up” Day at her school, where students sit with different people in the cafeteria than they usually do, and organized a successful food and clothing drive.</p>
<p>Outside of school, Joyce spent Thanksgiving out with her mom, distributing food to the homeless in her town. This fall she also attended her first protest at the <a href="http://peoplesclimate.org/" target="_blank">People&#8217;s Climate March</a> in New York City and has been active in her community. &#8220;I enjoy speaking up for those in need because I know what it feels like to not have anyone speak up for you. And I never want anyone to feel that way,&#8221; Joyce told us. &#8220;That may sound cliché, but that&#8217;s truly how I feel. When people thank me for making them feel better, that&#8217;s truly a good feeling.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/10629364_764220346953349_7312786443164990861_o-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1630 alignright" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/10629364_764220346953349_7312786443164990861_o-3.jpg?w=168" alt="10629364_764220346953349_7312786443164990861_o (3)" width="168" height="300" /></a><strong>Kakari Boateng</strong> is a social justice advocate in Sacramento who uses art, music, and other forms of creativity to spread his message of fairness and sustainability. He has passed out leaflets about vegetarian eating, raps about issues he cares about, and most recently created a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/new-sac-high-dress-code-policy-compromise-with-student-dress-code-return-to-normal?recruiter=286346&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=autopublish&amp;utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-no_msg&amp;fb_ref=Default" target="_blank">petition on Change.org</a> to try to change the School Board&#8217;s decision to implement a new dress code at his school. The petition has garnered over 700 signatures in less than a week.</p>
<p>In the petition, Kakari points out that a new dress code &#8220;will mean buying new clothes that some families may not be able to afford.&#8221; He also points out that the school board did not consult the students or accept any student input in this decision and tells us that the petition is about &#8220;more than the dress code. The school board doesn&#8217;t take us seriously when we try to advocate for change&#8221; and this is one effort to do that. <a href="https://www.change.org/p/new-sac-high-dress-code-policy-compromise-with-student-dress-code-return-to-normal?recruiter=286346&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=autopublish&amp;utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-no_msg&amp;fb_ref=Default" target="_blank">You can sign here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/7359_10153103663224698_2080961949964019024_n.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1393" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/7359_10153103663224698_2080961949964019024_n.jpg?w=224" alt="7359_10153103663224698_2080961949964019024_n" width="224" height="300" /></a>Thirteen-year-old <strong>Megan Frisella</strong> of Massachusetts told us the story of a trip she took into Boston her birthday. &#8220;I saw an old man walking around, begging for money, so I gave it to him. This happened four or five more times, and I realized this tragic problem. I was nearly crying from the sadness of seeing so many people just out there, living in the streets with no one caring about them.&#8221; So this school year she started a school club, Helping Hands for the Homeless.</p>
<p>As a fundraiser, she and the other club members created and sold calendars, raising over $2000 net. Rather than give the money directly to a shelter, the club created 80 care packages that &#8220;will let homeless people know they are cared for and to hope for a brighter future.&#8221; Megan was thrilled that the club&#8217;s success attracted the attention of a neighboring school, which is starting a similar club.</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/roberto.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1448" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/roberto.png?w=153" alt="roberto" width="153" height="300" /></a><strong>Roberto Warren</strong>, 18 from North Carolina, looks for every opportunity to speak up for the social justice causes he believes in. Whether he&#8217;s posting political articles on social media, using school projects to research and educate classmates on issues like voting rights and racism, making politically motivated art, or attending protests, his voice is so needed in the conservative area where he lives.</p>
<p>Roberto has been dedicated to the inspiring Moral Mondays movement happening in the state to rally against the Conservative policies that have led to cuts in funding for education and the poor, non-implementation of the Affordable Care Act, efforts to disenfranchise voters, and more. He has been to protests by the <a href="http://www.hkonj.com/" target="_blank">HKonJ, Historic Thousands on J St. Coalition</a>, and supports <a href="http://www.hkonj.com/14_point_agenda" target="_blank">their agenda</a>  &#8220;because they are fighting for the right things, such as voting rights for all, equal marriage rights, criminal justice, and more. They are standing up against the North Carolina legislature and governor to promote an agenda that would benefit North Carolina in many ways from helping to pay for college, fixing our tax code, and more. It is really fun to go to these protests because you can feel the love flowing through the people there.&#8221;</p>
<p>Do these teens&#8217; stories sound a little different than the stereotype of the apathetic teenager? There are plenty of young people out there who want to make a difference on the issues above and so many others, and plenty more teens who get inspired to make a difference when they see that people their age are taking action. There are also lots of teens who might get involved if only they had an experience that boosted their self esteem, showed them ways others are making a difference, and welcomed them into a community of like-minded, supportive changemakers.</p>
<p><a href="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/yea-promo-spot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1587" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/yea-promo-spot.jpg?w=300" alt="Print" width="300" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a> is a summer camp for social change designed for 12-17 year-olds who care about social justice, human rights, animals, or the environment. With sessions in California, Oregon, and New York, motivated teens come to YEA Camp from all over the country to get skills training, like starting a school club and planning a campaign. They come to YEA Camp to develop their confidence to speak up about what they care about and communicate more effectively.  They come to YEA Camp to learn more about the issues facing our world and to meet like-minded changemakers who are working to make a difference. At camp they choose an issue they want to focus on and create an action plan to make a difference when they go home. So many go on to do inspiring things that they credit to YEA Camp.</p>
<p>“Before YEA Camp, I wanted to be involved with activism and help out, but I truly didn’t know where to start or what exactly to do,&#8221; Joyce Frink told us. &#8220;Going to YEA Camp taught me many things: how to leaflet, how to table, start a club, campaign, and even more. If it wasn’t for these skills, I never would’ve attempted the things that I’ve done recently…. I honestly wouldn’t have done any of these things without YEA Camp.”</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1228 alignleft" src="https://yeacamp.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/10421153_10153066909384698_2203082768185614677_n-1.jpg?w=300" alt="10421153_10153066909384698_2203082768185614677_n (1)" width="300" height="166" />“YEA Camp gave me a community that I’ve never had the privilege of being a part of, and that was a group of teenage activists,&#8221; Ana Little-Sana said. &#8220;That ability to spend so much time with so many like-minded people definitely gave me the confidence to go out and advocate for change in my own world.”</p>
<p>You can learn more about <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEA Camp</a> and <a href="https://yeacamp.org/?page_id=55#campers" target="_blank">what campers say about it here</a>.</p>
<p>There are so many more young people like this making a difference on an issue of importance to them.  Inspired? What issue do you care about? We&#8217;ve got some <a href="https://yeacamp.org/?page_id=23" target="_blank">Resources </a>to help you get started or take your change-making to the next level.</p>
<p>Know a young activist or changemaker-to-be? Or does that sound like YOU? YEA Camp is just around the corner, and we have some limited spots still available.</p>
<p>Our California camp is July 12-19. Our Oregon camp is July 25-August 1. Our New York camp is August 9-16. Get all the details and register at <a href="http://www.yeacamp.org" target="_blank">YEACamp.org</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://yeacamp.org/2015/06/09/6-teens-who-will-inspire-you-to-change-the-world/">6 Teens Who Will Bust Stereotypes and Inspire You to Change the World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://yeacamp.org">YEA Camp</a>.</p>
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