“My friends, it is solidarity we want. We do not want to find fault with each other, but to solidify our forces and say to each other: We must be together; our masters are joined together and we must do the same thing.” – Mother Jones
Young people face a unique situation. In their work at changing the world, children and youth are faced with the reality that their positions as young people are limited, at best, if only because of the expiration date set on every person as they become an adult.
Losing our identities as “kids,” many of us quickly try to swing over being a “youth” and immediately begin trying to act like “adults.” Fortunately though, there are a growing number of young people who are capable and desiring of being youth, and while they are they fight for change.
These are the young people who must stand together in solidarity. Adult allies of children and youth must stand with them, as well, and support their efforts to find cohesion and unity throughout our communities. This may mean providing transportation or money; buying supplies or food; finding space or making time; but this is what being an adult ally to young people is about.
Solidarity can allow any community to build its strength, and this must be taken to heart in any campaign for justice that actively engages youth. Only then can we move forward – together.
Adam F.C. Fletcher 