By Alana Mauger

Observed annually by the United Nations (UN) on August 12th, International Youth Day focuses on challenges faced by teens and tweens around the world. The theme for 2022 – Intergenerational Solidarity – goes beyond youth to address the need for people of all ages to work together to tackle global issues.

According to the UN’s Global Youth Report, more than two-thirds (69%) of people agree political systems would be better if there were more opportunities for younger people to have a say in policy development and change. Yet, 76% of those under age 30 think that politicians don’t listen to young people. Released in May, the report accompanied the launch of the UN’s Be Seen, Be Heard campaign, which promotes the need for youth participation and voices in public life. Key campaign actions include:

• Lowering the voting age for local, municipal or national elections;
• Increasing youth representation through the establishment and recognition of formal youth bodies;
• Removing systemic barriers for young people to participate in public life; and
• Amplifying young people’s leadership in policy development.

The theme Intergenerational Solidarity also addresses ageism, which can be experienced by people of all ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards others or oneself, based on age.” The UN says young people continue to report age-related barriers, such as employment, political participation, health and justice, which can impact wellbeing and livelihoods of youth into adulthood.

The American Red Cross has volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, many of which encourage varying age groups to interact and benefit from each other’s knowledge. Our Red Cross SEPA Communications team is a prime example. Our team includes high school, college and graduate students, Millennials and Gen Xers+, those working full- and part-time, some raising families, and those who are retired and empty nesters working together toward a common goal of telling the Red Cross story. We are not unique; every Red Cross department operates the same way.

In addition to integration within our existing departments, the Red Cross has regional Red Cross Clubs for grades K-12 + college, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign for ages 13-24 and a National Youth Council. You can find Red Cross volunteer opportunities for all ages by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday.