The idea of advocacy oftentimes feels like something that is reserved only for adults with titles, experience, and years of expertise. But despite how daunting it may seem, teenagers and young adults can play a powerful role in supporting their communities.
I started my advocacy journey in Speech and Debate. Learning to grow my voice, express myself in factual and meaningful ways grew my confidence and love for speaking. Competing in Speech and Debate events such as Congressional Debate taught me that there are many aspects of the community that are overlooked and underfunded, such as public libraries.
The first step I took was understanding why libraries needed advocates in the first place. Many public libraries face budget shortages that can lead to fewer programs, reduced hours, and fewer new books. When funding becomes tight, youth services are often the first to go. Knowing the challenges your local library is facing helps you advocate with purpose.
Once you understand the issues, you can start small and local. Visit your library and let the staff know you want to help. Librarians are some of the most helpful people I have ever met and they can guide you toward volunteer opportunities or ongoing needs. This might include helping with summer reading programs, organizing book donations, or promoting library events at school. These experiences not only support the library but also help you understand how everything works behind the scenes for advocacy.
From there, you can take on larger advocacy projects. Many teens start by raising awareness. You can share information about library programs on social media, create posters for your school, or talk to classmates who might not realize how much the library offers. During one of my own school fundraisers, several students told me they had never used their public library and that was a reminder of how important it is to spread the word.
Fundraising is another impactful way to get involved. Student-led events like book drives, bake sales, or partnerships with local businesses can raise money for new books or programs. Green Elephant Books has so far raised $2,900 for public libraries! These projects show your community that teens care about literacy and are willing to put in the work to support it. They also help you build leadership skills that universities and organizations love to see.
If you want to take advocacy further, consider reaching out to local officials. Teens can attend city council or library board meetings, write letters to representatives, hold voter education campaigns (see attached image of one that Green Elephant Books recently held!) or even speak during public comment sessions.
Advocacy stems from passion. Begin by finding what you’re passionate about and then figuring out how to expand that to your community. As a teenager, you already have a voice that can spark change. If you’re passionate about libraries, your support can help them stay strong, accessible, and alive for the next generation of readers.
-Anna Lee