Last month marked the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, widely seen as the start of the American Revolution and the catalyst for what would eventually result in the formation of the United States of America. That push back against the British government was no outlier in the grander timeline of protests and revolutions that have continued to shape the governments and laws that govern the world today.

We often quickly assume that the power brokers in “the room where it happened” were adults. But the ages of those who fought for American independence in the late 18th century? Mostly those between 15 to 30 years old. They were the Gen Z and Millennials of their day. Alexander Hamilton was only 21 when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Imagine the bulk of Gen Z, currently 14-26 years old, fighting for the rights they see as dire to their pursuit of freedom and justice. Maybe history does repeat itself. The revolutionary push for a freer future is still stored in the collective consciousness of those under 30. It could be because we have yet to be scorned by the trials of life or that our still-developing prefrontal cortex is less risk-averse. Nonetheless, there is something to be said for young people of past and present taking action to move the needle forward. It makes you wonder what the teenagers and twentysomethings of tomorrow will be fighting for.

A Passionate Pursuit of Justice

A common thread weaving through these historical movements is the idealism and passion that fueled the activism of young individuals. Whether it was the pursuit of independence, civil rights, or opposition to war, the youth of these movements were driven by a commitment to challenging the injustices embedded within their societies. They met the moment using the tools available to them and created a better world as a result. Consider the ways in which inequity may be embedded within the culture of your own organization or how you doing business exacerbates existing inequities in the community you operate in or society as a whole.

Leveraging Technology

In the modern era, technology has come to the forefront as a powerful tool for change. Armed with social media platforms and smartphones, young people have harnessed the digital realm to communicate, organize, and amplify their voices. The resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 was largely caused by the connectedness forged through social media. Easy access to information, community building, and protest planning thrived due to being chronically online. Learn from this by actively embracing and utilizing technology to connect with youth audiences, leveraging social media for authentic interactions and incorporating digital platforms as part of your social impact initiatives to drive engagement.

Unity in Diversity

Across these movements, young activists transcended differences in backgrounds, ethnicity, and ideologies to unite in a common cause. As the United States plummeted into war in Vietnam and pulled young men from their communities to ship them abroad, a social war was raging among the nation’s young people as well. Already emboldened by the ongoing Civil Rights Movement, a diverse collective of students came together across the country to make their voices heard - Left and Right, Black and White, men and women - students of all spectrums airing their grievances collectively to fight against the Selective Service draft. To build on this social force, promote inclusivity within your organizations by ensuring diverse voices are represented in decision-making processes and acknowledging the strength that comes through our differences.

Questioning Norms

A consistent theme in the historical tapestry of youth-led movements is the audacious challenge posed by young people to authority figures and established norms. From the Civil Rights Movement to anti-Vietnam War protests, young activists courageously questioned the status quo, demonstrating a rebellious spirit that pushed the boundaries of societal and political expectations. The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in China began as a student-led hunger strike to end corruption and push for political and economic reform. It rose as a means to engage in conversation with political leaders and ended with more than one million protesters expressing their support and demanding change. By embracing voices that challenge the status quo in your organization, you can build a culture that celebrates new ideas and fosters continuous change and innovation.

An Enduring Impact

The impacts of youth-led movements extend far beyond the immediate historical moment from which they originate, imprinting a lasting mark on the trajectory of societies for generations to come. Consider the far-reaching impact of your brand legacy by adopting social responsibility and sustainability as part of your brand values, ensuring its practices contribute positively to the well-being of current and future generations.

All in All

As we reflect on the past, businesses and brands need to recognize the enduring impact of youth activism worldwide and consider how these lessons can inform and inspire positive change both now and for the many years ahead. By actively embracing technology, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging innovation, you can incorporate social responsibility into your brand’s M.O., just as young people have been doing for all of history. From the foundations of the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement to college-organized protests during Vietnam and the Black Lives Matter movement, time and time again it is young people who drive forward social change and force the collective rethinking of what principles to fight for. The unyielding spirit of youth will always be a catalyst for social change – especially when we ensure that youth have a seat at the table.