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Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use It
Climate change activist and Zero Hour founder Jamie Margolin offers
the essential guide to changemaking for young people.
The 1963 Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama. Tiananmen Square, 1989. The 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. March for Our Lives, and School Strike for Climate. What do all these social justice movements have in common?
They were led by passionate, informed, engaged young people.
Jamie Margolin has been organizing and protesting since she was fourteen years old. Now the co-leader of a global climate action movement, she knows better than most how powerful a young person can be. You don't have to be able to vote or hold positions of power to change the world.
In Youth to Power, Jamie presents the essential guide to changemaking, with advice on writing and pitching op-eds, organizing successful events and peaceful protests, time management as a student activist, utilizing social media and traditional media to spread a message, and sustaining long-term action. She features interviews with prominent young activists including Tokata Iron Eyes of the #NoDAPL movement and Nupol Kiazolu of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, who give guidance on handling backlash, keeping your mental health a priority, and how to avoid getting taken advantage of.
Jamie walks readers through every step of what effective, healthy, intersectional activism looks like. Young people have a lot to say. Youth to Power gives you the tools to raise your voice.
The 1963 Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama. Tiananmen Square, 1989. The 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. March for Our Lives, and School Strike for Climate. What do all these social justice movements have in common?
They were led by passionate, informed, engaged young people.
Jamie Margolin has been organizing and protesting since she was fourteen years old. Now the co-leader of a global climate action movement, she knows better than most how powerful a young person can be. You don't have to be able to vote or hold positions of power to change the world.
In Youth to Power, Jamie presents the essential guide to changemaking, with advice on writing and pitching op-eds, organizing successful events and peaceful protests, time management as a student activist, utilizing social media and traditional media to spread a message, and sustaining long-term action. She features interviews with prominent young activists including Tokata Iron Eyes of the #NoDAPL movement and Nupol Kiazolu of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, who give guidance on handling backlash, keeping your mental health a priority, and how to avoid getting taken advantage of.
Jamie walks readers through every step of what effective, healthy, intersectional activism looks like. Young people have a lot to say. Youth to Power gives you the tools to raise your voice.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2020
36 people are currently reading
1003 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Margolin
4 books16 followersJamie Margolin is a Colombian-American organizer, activist, author, public speaker, and Film & TV student (2024).
When she was 15, she co-founded the international youth climate justice movement called Zero Hour that led the official "Youth Climate Marches" in Washington, DC and 25+ cities around the world during the summer of 2018. Jamie is also a plaintiff on the Our Children's Trust Youth v. Gov Washington state lawsuit, Aji P. vs. State of Washington, suing the state of Washington for denying her generation their constitutional rights to a livable environment by worsening the climate crisis.
Jamie is the author of countless thought provoking Op-Eds for various publications such as The New York Times, Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, TIME Magazine, DAZED, Refinery29, and The Guardian. Jamie’s debut book, "Youth To Power: Your Voice and How To Use It,” is out, (you can order the book at www.youthtopowerbook.com) and it serves as a guide to organizing and activism.
When she was 15, she co-founded the international youth climate justice movement called Zero Hour that led the official "Youth Climate Marches" in Washington, DC and 25+ cities around the world during the summer of 2018. Jamie is also a plaintiff on the Our Children's Trust Youth v. Gov Washington state lawsuit, Aji P. vs. State of Washington, suing the state of Washington for denying her generation their constitutional rights to a livable environment by worsening the climate crisis.
Jamie is the author of countless thought provoking Op-Eds for various publications such as The New York Times, Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, TIME Magazine, DAZED, Refinery29, and The Guardian. Jamie’s debut book, "Youth To Power: Your Voice and How To Use It,” is out, (you can order the book at www.youthtopowerbook.com) and it serves as a guide to organizing and activism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 21, 2020
There are a lot of resources out there that talk about why the world needs to change. There are fewer resources that suggest solutions for how the world needs to change. This is one of the rare books that actually provides a practical path forward for how to help make that change happen.
It's an excellent book on how to get started making a difference in the world. Whoever you are, this book is a helpful, motivating, and practical guide.
It's an excellent book on how to get started making a difference in the world. Whoever you are, this book is a helpful, motivating, and practical guide.
November 4, 2020
Proteste scheinen im Moment sehr stark von Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen auszugehen. Und das finde ich sehr spannend. Deswegen stelle ich euch heute ein Buch vor, das Jugendlichen dabei helfen will, Teil sozialer Bewegungen zu werden.
Die Autorin ist auch selbst Aktivistin und hat ihren Aktivismus auch mehrere Jahre lang neben der Schule betrieben. Von dem her glaube ich auch, dass sie da vielleicht bessere Tipps geben kann als ein/e erwachsene/r AutorIn, wenn er oder sie einen Artikel für Jugendliche schreibt. Die Autorin erklärt, was man beachten muss, wenn man eine Organisation gründet, wie man Proteste organisiert, wie man sich seine Zeit eingeht und Konflikte vermeidet, wie man sich mit politischen Vertretern in Verbindung setzt... Das volle Programm also! Alles, was ein/e jung/e AktivistIn wissen muss, wird hier in einfachen Worten erklärt.
Das Buch liest sich sehr gut und durch die persönlichen Erfahrungen der Autorin ist dieser Ratgeber stellenweise so spannend wie ein Krimi. Aufgepeppt wird das Buch durch Interviews mit anderen AktivistInnen: KlimaschützerInnen, AktivistInnen für die LGBTQ+-Community, für die Rechte von ImmigrantInnen in den USA und so weiter und so weiter. Nur eines haben die Interviewten gemeinsam: Sie sind alle noch sehr jung und können deshalb ein Liedchen davon singen, wie schwierig es ist, neben der Schule oder der Ausbildung auch noch Aktivismus zu betreiben.
Nur eines hat mich an diesem Buch wirklich gestört: Die Autorin scheint junge Leute als moralisch überlegen anzusehen. Stellenweise schreibt sie das sogar explizit so. Das kann ich leider einfach nicht unterschreiben. Klar ist das hier wahrscheinlich als rhetorisches Mittel gedacht, das Jugendliche einfach motivieren soll, aktiv zu werden, aber die Aussage hat bei mir einfach jedes Mal eine Abwehrhaltung ausgelöst. Junge Leute können sich genauso daneben benehmen, wie jeder andere auch. Wir können genauso Fehler machen, gemein sein, moralisch falsch handeln. Wir sind nicht besser oder schlechter als andere Menschen, nur weil wir jung sind.
Mein Fazit? Generell eine sehr gute und hilfreiche Anleitung, wie man als junger Mensch Schule und Aktivismus unter einen Hut bringen kann. Nur der Aussage, dass Jugendliche Erwachsenen moralisch überlegen sein sollen, kann ich einfach nicht zustimmen.
Die Autorin ist auch selbst Aktivistin und hat ihren Aktivismus auch mehrere Jahre lang neben der Schule betrieben. Von dem her glaube ich auch, dass sie da vielleicht bessere Tipps geben kann als ein/e erwachsene/r AutorIn, wenn er oder sie einen Artikel für Jugendliche schreibt. Die Autorin erklärt, was man beachten muss, wenn man eine Organisation gründet, wie man Proteste organisiert, wie man sich seine Zeit eingeht und Konflikte vermeidet, wie man sich mit politischen Vertretern in Verbindung setzt... Das volle Programm also! Alles, was ein/e jung/e AktivistIn wissen muss, wird hier in einfachen Worten erklärt.
Das Buch liest sich sehr gut und durch die persönlichen Erfahrungen der Autorin ist dieser Ratgeber stellenweise so spannend wie ein Krimi. Aufgepeppt wird das Buch durch Interviews mit anderen AktivistInnen: KlimaschützerInnen, AktivistInnen für die LGBTQ+-Community, für die Rechte von ImmigrantInnen in den USA und so weiter und so weiter. Nur eines haben die Interviewten gemeinsam: Sie sind alle noch sehr jung und können deshalb ein Liedchen davon singen, wie schwierig es ist, neben der Schule oder der Ausbildung auch noch Aktivismus zu betreiben.
Nur eines hat mich an diesem Buch wirklich gestört: Die Autorin scheint junge Leute als moralisch überlegen anzusehen. Stellenweise schreibt sie das sogar explizit so. Das kann ich leider einfach nicht unterschreiben. Klar ist das hier wahrscheinlich als rhetorisches Mittel gedacht, das Jugendliche einfach motivieren soll, aktiv zu werden, aber die Aussage hat bei mir einfach jedes Mal eine Abwehrhaltung ausgelöst. Junge Leute können sich genauso daneben benehmen, wie jeder andere auch. Wir können genauso Fehler machen, gemein sein, moralisch falsch handeln. Wir sind nicht besser oder schlechter als andere Menschen, nur weil wir jung sind.
Mein Fazit? Generell eine sehr gute und hilfreiche Anleitung, wie man als junger Mensch Schule und Aktivismus unter einen Hut bringen kann. Nur der Aussage, dass Jugendliche Erwachsenen moralisch überlegen sein sollen, kann ich einfach nicht zustimmen.
February 1, 2021
Empathetically and effectively written, Margolin humbly leads a generation of young activists through the nitty gritty of being a change maker. Her honesty, passion, and dedication to collaboratively facing climate change shine through as she shares her experiences and wisdom while elevating the voices of other activists throughout the book. She is inspiring, relatable, and helpful!
August 23, 2020
This is an inspiring and useful how-to manual on how to make change and fight for causes you believe in, even if you don't have a lot of institutional power like age and money and an influential job. Even as an adult activist, I found much of Jamie's advice relevant.
She covers a wide range of topics including how to balance life, school and activism; how to lobby local state government officials; how to handle the media; and event organizing.
Jamie represents multiple intersecting identities as a young, queer, Jewish Latina. She takes inspiration from her family still back in Columbia, and from indigenous activists, as well as her own personal experiences.
Although her main cause is climate activism, she provides examples in each of her chapters relating to a variety of causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, opposing gun violence, and racial justice. At the end of each chapter are short excerpts of interviews with other youth activists. Those excerpts, plus the forward by Greta Thunberg, are effective demonstrations that Jamie Margolin is not a one-off superkid, but rather part of a movement of young people taking matters into their own hands as they watch the adults around them fail their causes again and again.
I would highly recommend this book to any teen who is looking to get more involved in activism. In fact, I am thinking of donating my copy to such a teen. (Edit: I have already donated my copy.)
She covers a wide range of topics including how to balance life, school and activism; how to lobby local state government officials; how to handle the media; and event organizing.
Jamie represents multiple intersecting identities as a young, queer, Jewish Latina. She takes inspiration from her family still back in Columbia, and from indigenous activists, as well as her own personal experiences.
Although her main cause is climate activism, she provides examples in each of her chapters relating to a variety of causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, opposing gun violence, and racial justice. At the end of each chapter are short excerpts of interviews with other youth activists. Those excerpts, plus the forward by Greta Thunberg, are effective demonstrations that Jamie Margolin is not a one-off superkid, but rather part of a movement of young people taking matters into their own hands as they watch the adults around them fail their causes again and again.
I would highly recommend this book to any teen who is looking to get more involved in activism. In fact, I am thinking of donating my copy to such a teen. (Edit: I have already donated my copy.)
December 1, 2020
Nützlich wenn man eine eigene Organisation gründen möchte. Hat einige Mutmacher und Inspirationen, um selber Aktivist:in zu werden. Vieles, was im Buch beschrieben wurde, war für mich aber komplett logisch und ging meiner Meinung nach zu wenig in die Tiefe. Hatte grössere Erwartungen an das Buch.
September 5, 2023
Would recommend this book to any young person who wants to strive for their cause and make their voice heard. Wish I had read this when I was a teenager.
February 4, 2022
This is a truly excellent handbook for organizers. At 75, my decerped body has long since given up pounding the pavement but this book answers every question I ever had. I found particularly useful the definitions of terms like the different approach to be taken for Op Eds and Letters to the Editor. For an old codger all the information about how to use social media was new and fascinating. I wish the very best for everyone who uses this book to help them with their climate change actions.
August 6, 2021
This book is about how to stand up for the causes that you care about.
I guess I kind of liked this book. Maybe it would be good for people who actually want to commit to activism, but I realized, that's not me. I thought this book would be more of a book on how to gain confidence and make others in society take you more seriously (it kind of talked about that last part), but it's more about how to actually be a activist that works more 20 hours a week in that department. I suppose that's completely okay, but it's not a commitment I'm willing to make, at least right now.
I suppose if you actually wanted to vouch for political action, this book may be really helpful.
Honestly, I kind of don't know what to make of activism. I like the idea of influencing laws. But when I see the protests on the streets, I kind of get annoyed. I don't really have better ways of getting their message across though, but I don't think anyone changes that much after seeing a couple of people protesting or graffiti on the wall. Actually, the author kind of refuted that point by saying we (youth) make up so much of the population that our commitment is necessary, even in those small-step ways. That's a decent point, and I may accept it. But still, I'm not sure if a lot of "activism" is useful. I think maybe a little bit of affirmative action and a strong effort to make education of all subjects more accessible by the product (literally giving people more WiFi) would be helpful. Perhaps I should probably try to some of that a reality rather than voice my opinion about what would be helpful.
One thing I have a small complaint for is that all of the activists in the book to learn from were similar in political beliefs: queer, or queer friendly, very liberal, environmentalist people, and I say this as a queer, POC, lib-tart, environmentalist 😛. Although, the American youth, and in fact, the global youth is indeed heading in that direction, I would have been a really interesting perspective if there was an activist like big-truck defender, or someone arguing that solar panels cause gayness, okay probably not that extreme, but you get my point. Well, if I was quite liberal, I would be pretty angry I some parts.
I liked how the author is extremely honest and empathetic. Admitting many of her mistakes and flaws. I really respect this author, don't get me wrong. However, this book is driven almost solely off anecdotes and experiences rather than statistics which I have a little bit of a problem with.
Well, I'm glad a book that helps youth really use their voice exists. I suppose my only frustration, is that after reading this book, I still have no idea on what to do, and what's worthwhile for me. I'll probably just stick with what "feels like".
I guess I kind of liked this book. Maybe it would be good for people who actually want to commit to activism, but I realized, that's not me. I thought this book would be more of a book on how to gain confidence and make others in society take you more seriously (it kind of talked about that last part), but it's more about how to actually be a activist that works more 20 hours a week in that department. I suppose that's completely okay, but it's not a commitment I'm willing to make, at least right now.
I suppose if you actually wanted to vouch for political action, this book may be really helpful.
Honestly, I kind of don't know what to make of activism. I like the idea of influencing laws. But when I see the protests on the streets, I kind of get annoyed. I don't really have better ways of getting their message across though, but I don't think anyone changes that much after seeing a couple of people protesting or graffiti on the wall. Actually, the author kind of refuted that point by saying we (youth) make up so much of the population that our commitment is necessary, even in those small-step ways. That's a decent point, and I may accept it. But still, I'm not sure if a lot of "activism" is useful. I think maybe a little bit of affirmative action and a strong effort to make education of all subjects more accessible by the product (literally giving people more WiFi) would be helpful. Perhaps I should probably try to some of that a reality rather than voice my opinion about what would be helpful.
One thing I have a small complaint for is that all of the activists in the book to learn from were similar in political beliefs: queer, or queer friendly, very liberal, environmentalist people, and I say this as a queer, POC, lib-tart, environmentalist 😛. Although, the American youth, and in fact, the global youth is indeed heading in that direction, I would have been a really interesting perspective if there was an activist like big-truck defender, or someone arguing that solar panels cause gayness, okay probably not that extreme, but you get my point. Well, if I was quite liberal, I would be pretty angry I some parts.
I liked how the author is extremely honest and empathetic. Admitting many of her mistakes and flaws. I really respect this author, don't get me wrong. However, this book is driven almost solely off anecdotes and experiences rather than statistics which I have a little bit of a problem with.
Well, I'm glad a book that helps youth really use their voice exists. I suppose my only frustration, is that after reading this book, I still have no idea on what to do, and what's worthwhile for me. I'll probably just stick with what "feels like".
December 8, 2020
3.5 rounded to 4
What It Is (summarized from goodreads description)
Climate change activist and Zero Hour founder Jamie Margolin offers the essential guide to changemaking for young people. Featuring interviews with prominent young activists across different movements, this book is filled with tips and guidance on how-tos, taking care of priorities and your own mental health, and more.
The How (I Felt)
Jamie Margolin talks about her hows and whys of activism. And while it is powerful and accessible as well as useful for everyone, it will definitely be immensely of use to those of her generation and younger, for tweens, teens, and young adults.
I liked how she emphasizes that you are enough to make a change; and it all begins with that small step right at the beginning.
Jamie lays out the books using different ways to make your voice heard – by chapters – accompanied with interviews with youth activists who did exactly what she talks about in that chapter. I was thinking of including examples of the various ways and the interviews but then I realized I might not be able to stop, so it is better you read the book yourself.
Overall, the book is a sure to be a wonderful handbook for all readers (youth and older) who are eager to be the change but don’t know how to enter the world of activism. The book has lots of practical advice with something that every reader can take and apply in their lives, no matter who/where they are. Written in a straightforward manner and geared perfectly towards the intended audience, this book is relevant and powerful.
Perfect Pairing
The books mentioned for the previous book work well for this one too; as well as another that caught my eye and I am yet to read – How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation
In Summary
In short, a book that is powerful and a must-have for all who want to make a difference (no matter their age).
What It Is (summarized from goodreads description)
Climate change activist and Zero Hour founder Jamie Margolin offers the essential guide to changemaking for young people. Featuring interviews with prominent young activists across different movements, this book is filled with tips and guidance on how-tos, taking care of priorities and your own mental health, and more.
The How (I Felt)
Jamie Margolin talks about her hows and whys of activism. And while it is powerful and accessible as well as useful for everyone, it will definitely be immensely of use to those of her generation and younger, for tweens, teens, and young adults.
I liked how she emphasizes that you are enough to make a change; and it all begins with that small step right at the beginning.
Jamie lays out the books using different ways to make your voice heard – by chapters – accompanied with interviews with youth activists who did exactly what she talks about in that chapter. I was thinking of including examples of the various ways and the interviews but then I realized I might not be able to stop, so it is better you read the book yourself.
Overall, the book is a sure to be a wonderful handbook for all readers (youth and older) who are eager to be the change but don’t know how to enter the world of activism. The book has lots of practical advice with something that every reader can take and apply in their lives, no matter who/where they are. Written in a straightforward manner and geared perfectly towards the intended audience, this book is relevant and powerful.
Perfect Pairing
The books mentioned for the previous book work well for this one too; as well as another that caught my eye and I am yet to read – How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation
In Summary
In short, a book that is powerful and a must-have for all who want to make a difference (no matter their age).
September 11, 2020
I loved this nonfiction book for youth by @jamie_s_margolin; so much concrete advice for young #changemakers!
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"You don't have to get it right on the first try. You don't have to come from a wealthy or privileged background to start a movement. You don't have to have all the knowledge and resources from the get-go. If you have a strong vision, resilience, and a refusal to give in, you can make waves."
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With chapters like "A Day in the Life of a Teen Activist"; "Politicians, Congress, and Lobbying, Oh My!" and "Jealousy, Competition, and Ego," Margolin breaks down what it's like to be a teen activist, as well as some of the difficulties she's experienced and mistakes she made. I found this book inspirational, educational, and full of hope. Every chapter ends with an interview with a fellow teen activist with further tips for young activists on how to get noticed, stay motivated, and take care of their own mental health.
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A literal guidebook on how to start and sustain a movement directed for change, this book belongs in every middle school and high school library. Highly recommended. Would pair perfectly with the 10 Questions for Young Changemakers (see my link in bio for more information!)
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"You don't have to get it right on the first try. You don't have to come from a wealthy or privileged background to start a movement. You don't have to have all the knowledge and resources from the get-go. If you have a strong vision, resilience, and a refusal to give in, you can make waves."
.
.
.
With chapters like "A Day in the Life of a Teen Activist"; "Politicians, Congress, and Lobbying, Oh My!" and "Jealousy, Competition, and Ego," Margolin breaks down what it's like to be a teen activist, as well as some of the difficulties she's experienced and mistakes she made. I found this book inspirational, educational, and full of hope. Every chapter ends with an interview with a fellow teen activist with further tips for young activists on how to get noticed, stay motivated, and take care of their own mental health.
.
.
.
A literal guidebook on how to start and sustain a movement directed for change, this book belongs in every middle school and high school library. Highly recommended. Would pair perfectly with the 10 Questions for Young Changemakers (see my link in bio for more information!)
August 1, 2020
“From the minute we are tossed into preschool we are told, Be quiet, raise hand if you want to speak, listen to authority always, put your head down and do your work, and never question anything you are told. Memorize information and regurgitate it back onto a piece of paper. We are told, If you follow the rules, there is a safe and clear path ahead of you: get good grades and you’ll be successful. Study hard for a bright future. But what happens when there is no future to study for?”- Youth to Power by Jamie Margolin.
Jamie Margolin has such a way with words. From the first page I was hooked. I was worried this was going to be one of those “here’s the information now go do something” books. But it wasn’t. It was AMAZING. I mean you hear it being explained thoroughly, by a someone around your age. They help to guide you through this journey. After reading this now all I want to do is go join organizations, protest, and use my voice. Hopefully one day I can help to make change to world.🌎
Jamie Margolin has such a way with words. From the first page I was hooked. I was worried this was going to be one of those “here’s the information now go do something” books. But it wasn’t. It was AMAZING. I mean you hear it being explained thoroughly, by a someone around your age. They help to guide you through this journey. After reading this now all I want to do is go join organizations, protest, and use my voice. Hopefully one day I can help to make change to world.🌎
October 27, 2020
5/5 stars. This is a well-written, passionate and unique book on the life of a teen activist, the power of youth voices, and how to harness your own voice in a particular movement. I loved how much Jamie Margolin's voice shined through throughout this novel, even when she was talking about the business side of activism! I especially loved the diverse array of youth activists that she garnered stories and advice from in the making of this book and I think these additions - in addition to her own experiences as a climate and LGBTQ+ youth activist - really enhance this novel's message that ANYONE can rise up and have their voices heard. Even though this took me a while to get through - not because it was a necessarily hard read but because school! - I am so so glad I read this and I hope to one day own this book and keep its impactful message of the sheer power of youth voices in mind as I advocate for causes close to my heart in my own writing and art.
October 24, 2025
3.5/5, rounded up. This probably would have been 4 stars if I was of the target age (which I would say is 14-18). It's written in that conversational, "by a high-schooler for other high-schoolers" style. But that's where my complaints end. This is a great book to give to a teenager who's interested in activism. Author Jamie Margolin has created an incredible resource for budding activists that covers all bases from finding a cause, to raising money, to using the press and social media, to lobbying, to self-care, and more. She re-iterated a lot of what I've been taught in a succinct manner, and made some excellent points I've never considered before. Even though she's clearly an extraordinary, accomplished, and experienced young person, she doesn't brag to her audience or talk down to them. Quite the opposite. She dispels any notions that you have to be a perfect, high-achieving student in order to be a leader. She talks realistically about where she's gone wrong, mistakes she's made, and what she's done to repair or come back from them. I'd definitely recommend this book to my younger self.
October 22, 2020
Very passionate and readable description of how young people can make a difference through organization and activism. Margolin uses her own experience as a guide but stresses that every kid will be different and she should be seen as an example but not the only way.
I like this but it seemed too immersed in her own life. As her disclaimers say, she mostly knows about how her own work played out, so her examples are deeply rooted in the challenges and problems she faced, why she knows there are other experiences out there but doesn't know what they are. She's deeply immersed in the Pacific Northwest liberal viewpoint (me too!) but this means that she has less to say to kids coming from a different political position. So it's a narrower focus that it could be.
I like this but it seemed too immersed in her own life. As her disclaimers say, she mostly knows about how her own work played out, so her examples are deeply rooted in the challenges and problems she faced, why she knows there are other experiences out there but doesn't know what they are. She's deeply immersed in the Pacific Northwest liberal viewpoint (me too!) but this means that she has less to say to kids coming from a different political position. So it's a narrower focus that it could be.
October 19, 2023
A book I'd recommend to any young person wanting to get into activism.
There's a lot in here that would be of value to an older person who is nonetheless new to activism, so if that's you, it's worth your time. There are lots of very practical tips, from the basics of how to contact media and write opinion pieces, to how to manage burnout and personality conflicts.
It is very specifically targeted at the youth audience, though, so while a lot of the lessons will be very broadly applicable, some of them are very specific to teenage activists who have to deal with school and their parents and so on.
There's a lot in here that would be of value to an older person who is nonetheless new to activism, so if that's you, it's worth your time. There are lots of very practical tips, from the basics of how to contact media and write opinion pieces, to how to manage burnout and personality conflicts.
It is very specifically targeted at the youth audience, though, so while a lot of the lessons will be very broadly applicable, some of them are very specific to teenage activists who have to deal with school and their parents and so on.
May 30, 2021
Good. Aimed at young people, so some of the stuff is specifically for the high school audience. However, there were some good nuggets that I took away from the book. It's really important to take care of your mental health when trying to make the world a better place. Step back. Smile. Have fun. Do something silly. I also felt some validation in doing activism stuff that's not "stand on the street corner." Things like teaching, holding climate cafes, podcasting, talking to friends and family, messaging elected officials - that's all activism too.
December 16, 2020
Youth to Power de Jamie Margolin me ha ayudado a entender que la generación Z se mueve por las causas en las que creen y como luchan por vivir en un planeta mejor. Creo que es importante que las generaciones jóvenes lean este tipo de libros para darse cuenta del impacto positivo que pueden tener en el mundo con sus buenas acciones.
Más allá de eso, no me ha aportado mucho más y me ha parecido un libro sencillo y fácil de leer.
Más allá de eso, no me ha aportado mucho más y me ha parecido un libro sencillo y fácil de leer.
April 1, 2023
Educational and entertaining! Jamie Margolin has a great sense of humor.
This book includes ways to start local groups, find your group of allies, how to lobby, how to write an op-Ed, mental health as an activist, boundaries in activism, how to find time for activism as a student, and lots more.
100% recommend!
In my opinion, this book is for ages 12 and up (this book includes advanced vocabulary words and wordy sentences that some children may not understand)
☺️💗📚
This book includes ways to start local groups, find your group of allies, how to lobby, how to write an op-Ed, mental health as an activist, boundaries in activism, how to find time for activism as a student, and lots more.
100% recommend!
In my opinion, this book is for ages 12 and up (this book includes advanced vocabulary words and wordy sentences that some children may not understand)
☺️💗📚
July 20, 2020
This. We need to get this book in the hands of more young people. It is literally a handbook for activism & changing the world. I love the practical, instructional, & applicable quality. I love the plain language & references geared towards young people. I love the interviews with many diverse young activists. A relevant and powerful read.
November 20, 2020
Very useful information on how to become an activist for a cause you feel very strongly about. Written from a teen's perspective, it addresses the advantages and disadvantages of being a young activist, and gives great advice on how to find one's cause and find the shape your activism will take.
Included in 2020 blog on Great Teen Nonfiction of 2020.
Included in 2020 blog on Great Teen Nonfiction of 2020.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
This is a FANTASTIC BOOK!! I 100% recommend that you read it - it’s a brilliant guide to youth activism, how to organise yourself, your time and your activism. How to get any organisations you might start, off the ground.
It’s a really easy read, which is really interesting and inspiring but also feels like you’re talking to an old friend who is there for you and just giving you some advice.
It’s a really easy read, which is really interesting and inspiring but also feels like you’re talking to an old friend who is there for you and just giving you some advice.
May 27, 2021
It’s a really great book. Just more for high schoolers and younger pre-uni aged activists, unlike me. Still, this book only grew my respect for and awe towards Jamie Margolin and other intersectional youth activists. Truly inspiring. I will keep it around to reference as needed in my future organizing work and I hope to pass the book on to my future kids some day.
July 3, 2021
I think this book is very powerful but I think it takes way too many breaks from the main idea to talk about her life and how her process has played out. Like there’s really random parts where she goes from climate change to queer kids and a whole bunch of other stuff that just comes out of nowhere. But still a very important book.
April 1, 2022
Great Organizing/Activist 101 book. It covers a wide range of ways to be an activist, especially for folks who are younger. It's also accessible. A problem with other books that teaches folks to be activists is that it uses more complex sentences, words, and jargon which can easily lose some readers. Activism should be taught in a way in which it is accessible to all.
August 10, 2020
I received an arc of Youth to Power from Hachette Books. I liked the book and it gave a lot of information on how to become a youth activist. It is a great book to read if you are a youth looking to become an activist or starting a nonprofit.
September 16, 2020
This is an absolutely phenomenal book and a necessity for those seeking to make a difference. Margolin does an amazing job of laying out the different aspects of being an impactful youth activist. Her personal touches make all the difference.
August 18, 2022
I would recommend this for any young person who is interested in any kind of community organizing or activism. Margolin goes into much detail about the experience of youth activists and gives great, useful advice!
August 17, 2024
James Margolin, activiste américaine, nous livre son parcours et ses expériences dans l'activisme. Un mélange de parcours personnel et de conseils. Livre parfait pour celles et ceux qui veulent se lancer, mais ne savent pas par où commencer.
February 14, 2023
Excellent book for young adults that are looking to make a difference in their communities
July 16, 2024
A how to guide for pre-voting youth to voice their concerns, opinions in significant ways.
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