Around the world, young people are living the Earth Charter in their mindset, actions, and vision. You can use the Earth Charter as your tool to strengthen your current work OR as a framework for a new project to make a positive change in your community.
How does our vision align with the Earth Charter?
Would the EC be a useful educational tool for your project, whether for organizers or beneficiaries?
Could endorsing the EC help strengthen/clarify your vision and values?
Could the EC be a useful reference for publications and promotions?
Are there individuals or organizations in the EC Network with whom you may want to collaborate?
Do you want to be part of the Earth Charter Network and movement for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world?
If you have the energy and passion to create positive change, but aren´t currently working with a project or organization, are you considering developing a new project? As you´re getting started, you may consider:
What is the problem you want to address?
What are your strengths, skills, and interests?
Who might you contact (friends, businesses, organizations) to help with this project?
What is your timeline and time commitment?
What resources (money, materials, venue, etc.) are available to you?
Download the Earth Charter Youth Toolkit for help starting a new project to tackle a problem in your community.
Young people have been finding low-cost, creative ways to implement Earth Charter-inspired projects in their communities. Some past projects have included campaigns, rallies, workshops, fundraisers, classes, trainings, video conferences, concerts, sports events, clean-ups, installing waste management and drinking water systems, participating in International Days and events, forming youth groups, discussion groups, radio talks, etc.
The video below launched by NCDO (National Committee for International Cooperation) and Earth Charter Youth Network in 2005 offers an overview of several youth projects inspired by the Earth Charter. In the Philippines, two youth organizations Eco Trekkers Society and Gawad Kalinga are examples to demonstrate how Earth Charter principles have inspired young people to make the world a better place. In Sierra Leone, youth organizations PeaceLinks and Firestone Community have carried out several projects, such as arts project, music, dance and drama training project, and conducted workshops based on human rights, HIV/AIDS, peace building and vocational skills training. These projects and other activities are founded on EC principles and excel as examples of empowering young people in the Philippines and Sierra Leone.
Whether you´re interested in integrating the Earth Charter into you current work or motivating to develop something new, take advantage of the guides, curricula, and other materials that other young people have created and shared in the virtual library . Also, contact the Coordinator for Youth Project at youthcoordinator@earthcharter.org for support.