Youth Bill of Rights

Thursday March 18, 2010

Join 389 other signers below!

INTRODUCTION

Many have talked about change, many have seen change, but we know that youth are the change. We, the Youth 4 Change Alliance[1], believe that young people are entitled to certain rights and are important members of the community. Like the civil rights and youth movements that have come before us, we fight for youth rights as a way for young people to become empowered. Young people have a stake in our communities, and we believe that they should have voice and power as local decision makers. 

THE RIGHT TO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Youth have the right to provide input that is valued and incorporated into institutional and public policies that affect them, their families, and communities.[2]  Youth also have the right to pre-register to vote at the age of 16 years.

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION

Youth have the right to free, equitable, high quality education, including college and technical schools with public sponsorship.  This includes the right for young people to be properly informed about all their educational options as well as the right to equal participation in school governance.  Students should have access to highly skilled and effective administrators and teachers, who will care for, guide, and mentor them.  Students’ education should reflect their current life and future endeavors and include the support and encouragement necessary to succeed.

THE RIGHT TO PROGRAMS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

Youth have the right, regardless of economic background, to a wide variety of free opportunities outside of school.[3] These activities should be outlets for expression, where young people can safely express their views and opinions.

THE RIGHT TO ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

Youth have the right to free monthly bus passes if they live more than 1 walking mile away from their school.[4] No young person should have to struggle or feel unsafe getting to and from schools, jobs, and other after-school opportunities. Schools and/or cities should work with families to accommodate different types of transportation – from an affordable and reliable busing system to carpooling and safe walking routes.

THE RIGHT TO HEALTH

Youth have the right to a high quality of life, which includes access to healthy food in schools and neighborhoods, shelter, and clothing. Quality health education in schools and the community should help young people understand their rights and empower them to make healthy decisions that will help them transition smoothly into adulthood. Free high quality health care should be provided to all youth.

THE RIGHT TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Youth have the right to safe schools and communities that are free from drugs and violence.  Youth have the right to assemble in their own neighborhoods and not be targeted because of their appearance and ways of expression.  Youth have the right to be trained in, create, and lead nonviolent conflict resolution initiatives that develop the skills necessary to confront any forms of mistreatment.

THE RIGHT TO JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT

Youth have the right to employment opportunities including the fair payment of wages, accessibility to job trainings, and protection from unfair labor practices and abuse. Youth have the right to work and internship opportunities that develop the skills necessary to secure high quality employment throughout their lives.

THE RIGHT TO FAIR AND JUST CONSEQUENCES

Youth have the right to face consequences that are appropriate for any misconduct. Youth convicted of criminal misconduct have the right to institutions that not only rehabilitate them, but also care for them and open doors to provide opportunities that will not be rerouted to a more dangerous life of crime.

CONCLUSION

Young people are entitled to these rights and have a place of power in the community along with the adults they share it with.  We, as youth and adult allies, not only want this power recognized, but also want it realized as a priority.  We are people with a voice and we will keep using it until youth get their rights.

[1] Visit www.y4cri.org to sign on in support of the Providence Youth Bill of Rights.

[2] Including, but not limited to, educational guidance, health services, military recruitment, school and teacher evaluations, accountability of law enforcement, and government spending on public services.

[3] Such as, but not limited to, non-profit enrichment programs, leadership development opportunities, sports and recreation, artistic and cultural exhibitions and outlets, and access to quality mentors and facilitators.

[4] A walking mile accounts for real walking distance, not “as the crow flies.” Students with special circumstances, including, but not limited to, physical or economic hardship, who live within 1 mile of school have the right to appeal to the school department for transportation passes.