What comes to your mind when you think of advocacy? Change? Defense? Paperwork? Only a few weeks ago, I would have said the same thing. My name is Wendoly C. I am in the 10th grade, and I have taken part in many programs here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, one of which being the Advocacy Careers Training program, also known as, ACT!. Throughout my time in the ACT! program, I attended 10 five-hour sessions. In these sessions, we learned about civic engagement, policy frameworks, diplomatic advocacy, and it was all made exceptionally interesting. The culmination of the program is creating a slideshow presentation along with a speech highlighting an issue you feel passionate about. I chose the global issue of overconsumption, an issue I feel is often overlooked.
I chose this topic to spread awareness about the fashion crisis and to improve my own spending habits. My project was centered around finding a more sustainable way to dispose of our clothing and to encourage less spending, while also informing others about the issue. To help fight overconsumption, my call to action was upcycling. Upcycling consists of taking old or damaged clothing and turning them into something new. This way, it not only helps clothing last longer but it reduces the textile waste that ends up in our oceans every day. I have always felt strongly about this issue but seeing all the research presented to me is nothing less than concerning. During one of our sessions, "Lunch with a Leader," we had the incredible opportunity to speak with community leaders in Sarasota. Their advice to add a more sentimental value to my project only helped strengthen my project and fuel my motivation. I brought in facts about the devastating effects Fast Fashion has in places like Ghana and the toll it takes on their people. Millions of low-quality articles of clothing end up in landfills, waterways, and informal dumps, contributing to plastic pollution and other forms of environmental contamination.
Some of the leaders who gave me this advice were also on the panel judging our projects and selecting the top three outstanding members at our Club Talk presentation. Our first-place winner got the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the Summit for America's Youth where they’ll engage with government leaders and elected officials to address national issues and advocate for their local communities. While learning about advocacy, I was also making great friendships and memories that I will continue to cherish. I think it's safe to say that I got more out of ACT! than I thought in the beginning and I'm so glad I got the opportunity thanks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. ACT! made me feel more confident speaking in front of a crowd and voicing my concerns. Funny enough, it also made me better at writing essays and most importantly it taught me that real change happens when YOU decide it's time to step out of your comfort zone. So, with that, I leave you with one question: What change do YOU want to see happen?
Click here to learn more about our advocacy programs for teens.
