The Philippines is known for being prone to environmental crises due to the increasing frequency of heavy rainfalls and floods. That said, there must be a burning desire within us to take action on climate change. Even though we might feel a sense of helplessness and confusion about what we can do, we do not have to worry because we can still make a significant contribution.
In response to these, here is a list of empowering youth-led organizations that you can learn about, join, and possibly make a marked difference for a sustainable tomorrow.
1. Kids For Kids
Kids for Kids is a non-profit organization solely run by youth to take action for a sustainable tomorrow.
This organization comprises a group of young individuals who are advocates of environmental conservation and want to make a positive impact in their communities, raise awareness about environmental concerns, and inspire the next generation of peacemakers, world shapers, and changemakers to take action.
The said organization carries things out by organizing educational activities and campaigns that support environmentally friendly practices, including composting, recycling, and reducing waste, along with local businesses and organizations for promoting environmentally friendly products and services.
Moreover, the organization engages in various events, including community gardening, tree planting, and beach clean-ups, equipping young individuals with practical knowledge and experience in environmental preservation.
On the other hand, Kids For Kids also provides opportunities for young individuals to grow as leaders and mentors to other young individuals who share their interest in preserving the environment, instilling in them the value of leadership and allowing them to not only create a sustainable future but also become competent leaders in dealing with communities.
2. Kilos Ko Youth
As the organization’s core principles, namely: active citizenship, volunteerism, and youth empowerment, Kilos Ko Youth urges youth to actively participate in shaping the future trajectory of the entire country and to become more involved in their communities.
As Kilos Ko Youth emphasizes youth empowerment’s importance, the said organization includes giving youth the instruments, resources, and possibilities necessary to achieve their greatest potential.
Kilos Ko Youth serves to give young individuals the understanding, skills, and mentality necessary to become successful leaders and change agents through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Additionally, the organization collaborates with various organizations and groups to give youth access to activities, encouraging civic involvement and social responsibility, which consists of advocacy campaigns, leadership development programs, and community service initiatives.
3. Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines
The organization served as an inspiration to Greta Thunberg, a young activist from Sweden who began a school strike in 2018 to raise awareness of climate change. Young individuals who have concerns about the effects of climate change on our planet established the Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines (YS4CP) initiative.
This seeks to encourage individuals to take action to lessen their carbon footprint and increase awareness of the critical need for action on climate change.
In addition, the conservation movement advocates for measures that will lessen greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change through lobbying and organizing campaigns.
4. Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP)
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) is a statewide alliance composed of young organizations, individuals, and student councils in the Philippines.
It was founded in 2019 and is now formally recognized as YACAP Inc. This alliance is committed to pushing for immediate global climate action because it thinks that young individuals and the most impacted groups should be at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
To mobilize a diverse group of youth, YACAP stands for youth-led collective action, urgent climate action grounded in scientific evidence, and climate justice.
Its goal is to hold governments as well as corporations responsible for their roles in contributing to environmental deterioration. In addition, the organization also promotes systemic changes to move towards a more just, sustainable, and ecologically conscious global community and highlights the protective role of environmental defenders.
YACAP was first established to address organizational collaboration in response to the expanding youth-led climate movement, especially in the run-up to global climate strikes.
However, the alliance changed to allow for individual involvement, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, local organizations were formed all across the Philippines.
As the alliance grows, these chapters represent different regional groups, intending to add chapters at the provincial and city levels. Furthermore, YACAP strives to strengthen the voices of Filipino youth in the fight against climate change and make a significant impact on systemic change at the local and international levels through grassroots action and advocacy.
5. Youth for Climate Hope
Increasing public knowledge of the effects of climate change on the Philippines and the rest of the developing world is one of Youth for Climate Hope’s primary objectives.
The organization draws on workshops, community engagement initiatives, and educational campaigns to carry out this. Additionally, they aim to encourage young people to fight against climate change by joining rallies, collaborating with local authorities to enact sustainable regulations, or adopting to eco-friendly lifestyle to lessen their environmental impact.
Youth for Climate Hope advocates for social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability. The group acknowledges that marginalized groups, including low-income areas and indigenous peoples, have been particularly affected by climate change.
Therefore, they push themselves to guarantee that these communities are not left behind in the move to a sustainable future and that they have a voice in the battle against environmental degradation.
The future of our world is in our hands, and it is in urgent need of environmental support and societal change. Now is the perfect time to join a Filipino youth-led environmental organization to change the world.
As youth in the Philippines respond to the call to action by initiating significant environmental undertakings, you will have a meaningful experience as well as help make the world a better environment by joining one of these groups.
