Youth Rising: From Participation to Power in Climate and Justice Movements
Around the world, young people are not waiting for permission — they are designing climate solutions, mobilizing communities, and shaping justice movements from the ground up. Yet their leadership often remains underfunded, undervalued, or confined to symbolic spaces. True youth participation means shared power — in decision-making, philanthropy, and systems change itself.
This dialogue will bring together youth advocates, funders, and movement allies to explore what it really means to co-lead adaptation and justice efforts across generations. From rural innovators adapting to climate change, to Indigenous youth defending their lands, to participatory philanthropy that shifts power to young changemakers — we’ll reimagine youth not as the future, but as present-day architects of transformation.
Speakers
Mark J. Terry — Adjunct professor, researcher, and award-winning author whose work at York University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the Young Lives Research Lab explores climate communication, geomedia, and youth engagement in UN climate policy.
Sheela Bowler — Equity-driven social entrepreneur with 15+ years strengthening global child rights movements, leading networks, and supporting community-rooted changemakers.
Shampi Anna Ngendo Gakuna — Programs Lead at Northern Vision CBO and bilingual climate justice advocate advancing land rights, resilience, and grassroots education for women, youth, and Indigenous communities in Northern Kenya.
What to Expect
Center grassroots youth voices – Hear from young leaders advancing locally led adaptation, community resilience, and climate justice.
Connect intergenerationally – Explore how children and youth can shape systems alongside civil society, policy, and philanthropy actors.
Rethink participation – Move beyond symbolic inclusion to shared power, resources, and accountability between youth and institutions.
Build caring systems – Discuss how empathy, care, and interdependence can guide climate action and governance for generations to come.
Transform philanthropy – Learn how participatory and youth-led grantmaking models are shifting how funding decisions are made.
Why Join?
Understand how youth leadership is redefining adaptation, justice, and philanthropy.
Learn from real examples of youth-led initiatives scaling local and global impact.
Explore practical ways to embed youth power into funding and decision-making.
Reconnect with the sense of care, purpose, and solidarity driving generational change.
Who Should Attend?
Youth activists, organizers, and innovators leading local and global movements.
Funders, intermediaries, and policymakers committed to participatory philanthropy.
Educators, civil society leaders, and allies supporting intergenerational justice.
Anyone passionate about co-creating a more caring and equitable future.