During our virtual Aldridge Foundation Social Leadership 1 Day Bootcamp young people considered some of the current challenges we’re facing locally and globally and submitted their thoughts to create this incredibly powerful piece of writing. 

Over the next 30 days, the Bootcamp participants have been challenged by us and our delivery partner Future Foundations to become Global Social Leaders; to take action and take the first steps to address one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Global Goals they are passionate about.

Change is coming…

We can all make a difference

Leaves falling from the trees, the wind blows them from side to side

Young people all around the world have voices to be heard

We are the change and the change is within us

#SaveLives

No more worries

It will get better

Don’t be afraid of change

Stop all the pollution

We are stopping discrimination

Everyone will be equal

Always be happy

Younger lives will have a bigger voice

When you look forward, not back

Our generation is the change the world needs

Something small can become something big

Everyone’s voice can make a difference

Stay positive, it will get better

Change will come, but stay strong

No matter who you are or where you are you can make a change

One day it will be a better world

If you want to change something focus on it and get there

You can get through this

Never blame yourself

Change can be a good thing

Reduce waste for the earth

Sexism online isn’t a joke

The change is inside us, and only we can free it

Change is coming no matter what

Change will happen no matter how

Be kind

It will be okay

Don’t be afraid to speak out

You only live once

Always be kind

Change has to start from ourselves

Believe in yourself and be confident

I’m busy; but not in the way most people accept

I’m busy calming my fear and finding my courage

I’m busy listening to my friends

I’m busy getting in touch with what is real

I’m busy growing things and connecting with the natural world

Be yourself

We are all equal and nobody is more important than other people

Be the change that you wish to see in the world

Help is on the way

Change is coming, but we will have to work for it

We will

Change is coming…

Poem collectively written by Y8 students from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.

Featured image – photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash