Once Youth, Leading Youth of Today

by: Kay Switzer

Change is an inherent and inevitable part of life, marking the various phases we navigate as individuals. Embracing change is not just a choice but a crucial mindset for personal growth and societal progress. Each stage in life presents unique challenges and opportunities, and it is through change that we learn, evolve, and shape our identities.

The youth of today, poised on the cusp of tomorrow, view change as a catalyst for positive transformation. By welcoming change, they open themselves up to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives that foster innovation and resilience. In a world marked by rapid advancements, adapting to change becomes an indispensable skill. Instead of resisting change, youth are leaning into it, using it as a force to build a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

I am privileged to witness firsthand the transformative power of youth activism and leadership. It is evident that today's youth, with the access and awareness generations in the past have lacked, are at the forefront of driving positive change.

In 2008, as a 13-year-old, I witnessed the historic legalization of gay marriage, one of many events that shaped the course of our country's leadership. Fueled by a deep commitment to health equity, I recognized how education is bridging gaps and dispelling biases. The classrooms of rural Iowa highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive sex education, a tool that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health and challenge outdated norms. Also taking into account the need for specific sex education for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we learn more we are encouraging growth in equitable education and health care practice, yet it underscored the ongoing need for further progress.

The youth on EyesOpenIowa's advisory council are embodying the spirit of change through their fervent activism for reproductive justice. Fearlessly, they are propelling themselves into positions where their voices can be heard by individuals in power. By passionately articulating the issues facing marginalized youth, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community, they are not merely advocating for change but demanding it. These young advocates are sparking crucial conversations, urging those with influence to confront and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized identities. Their dedication to activism goes beyond rhetoric; it is a catalyst for tangible action and transformative change in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Leading our youth advisory council, I am impressed and astounded by the remarkable work our youth accomplish. The youth that serve on our advisory council echo this fervent passion. Their dedication resonates with progress, underscoring the strides we are making toward a future where informed youth stand at the forefront.

These young advocates embody a commitment to issues that were once overlooked in previous generations. Their passion serves as a reminder that the access and awareness we cultivate today were elusive for many, including myself, in times past.

While acknowledging that challenges persist, the progress we witness is a testament to the collective determination to empower future generations. The commitment of these youth activists is instrumental in steering us towards a future where informed, empowered, and engaged youth become the architects of positive change.

"You may not control all the events that happen to you,

but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

- Maya Angelou