Being aware of social justice issues such as the fair distribution of wealth, privileges and opportunities, is a key part of building an equitable and compassionate society. By advocating for fair economic policies and supporting poverty alleviation programs, young people can contribute to building a fairer society.
Who’s Responsible
Whataretheydoing?
The UK Government has undertaken various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting social justice and addressing inequalities within society. They implemented equalities legislation and protections to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all citizens. This includes laws prohibiting discrimination based on characteristics such as race, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework for combating discrimination and advancing equality in areas such as employment, education, housing, and access to services.
Whatcanyoudo?
By taking action to support social justice, you can help contribute to building a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate world for all individuals and communities. Take the time to educate yourself about social justice issues, including systemic inequalities, discrimination, and marginalisation faced by different groups in society. Read books, articles, and research papers, watch documentaries, and engage with diverse perspectives to deepen your understanding of social justice issues and their root causes. Listen to the experiences and perspectives of people from marginalized or underrepresented communities. Take the time to learn from their lived experiences, challenges, and concerns. Practice active listening and empathy, and be open to having difficult conversations about privilege, power dynamics, and inequality. Get involved in advocacy efforts and grassroots movements working to promote social justice and address systemic inequalities. Support organisations and campaigns focused on issues such as racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and economic justice. Attend rallies, marches, and protests, or participate in online activism and social media campaigns to raise awareness and demand change.
Greta’s peaceful protests inspired a worldwide youth movement, got politicians to engage with climate change issues, and improved public awareness. Her impact has been called the ‘Greta effect.’
The first Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament representing Race Council Cymru. Angel made impactful contributions to call for Black and People of Colour’s histories to be part of Wales’s school curriculum.
Marcus’s highest profile impact was influencing the UK Government to extend free school meals for children. He also raised the profile of the issue in the media and public leading to a national conversation about food poverty.
Poppy is a strong advocate for equality, social justice and human rights. She’s a passionate climate change activist and considers herself as an internationalist, believing countries should work together.
Greta’s peaceful protests inspired a worldwide youth movement, got politicians to engage with climate change issues, and improved public awareness. Her impact has been called the ‘Greta effect.’
The first Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament representing Race Council Cymru. Angel made impactful contributions to call for Black and People of Colour’s histories to be part of Wales’s school curriculum.
Marcus’s highest profile impact was influencing the UK Government to extend free school meals for children. He also raised the profile of the issue in the media and public leading to a national conversation about food poverty.
Poppy is a strong advocate for equality, social justice and human rights. She’s a passionate climate change activist and considers herself as an internationalist, believing countries should work together.
Greta’s peaceful protests inspired a worldwide youth movement, got politicians to engage with climate change issues, and improved public awareness. Her impact has been called the ‘Greta effect.’
Local councils
Many parts of the UK have two tiers of local government, county councils and district, borough or city councils. County councils are responsible for services across the whole of a county including education, planning, and waste management. District, borough and city councils cover a smaller area and are usually responsible for services like housing, recycling, and rubbish collection. Parish, community and town councils operate at a level below district and borough councils and can help on local issues like providing allotments, bus shelters, and consultation on neighbourhood planning. Wales is divided into 22 unitary authorities, also known as principal areas, which function as county or county borough councils (replacing the previous two-tier system of county and district councils).
Cymru/Wales Parliament
The Welsh Parliament, Senedd Cymru, is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. It makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes, and oversees the work and spending of the Welsh Government. It does this through debates, questioning ministers, and with the investigative work of its committees. Debates allow Members to voice your concerns in the Senedd, discuss topical issues, and decide on new laws. Committees look at the work of the Welsh Government and other public organisations in Wales in specific devolved areas.
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the elected part of the United Kingdom Parliament. Ministers are the members who are in the government. Political parties not in government are called the opposition. The Speaker is an MP who has been elected by other MPs to act as Chair during debates.
House of Lords
The House of Lords provides a second opinion to the House of Commons and the government. The main role of the House of Lords is making laws, checking and challenging the government and investigating public policy.
Createapetition
If you feel strongly about an issue you may want to start or sign a petition, on either the UK Parliament website or Senedd website. You can also create non-parliamentary petitions, on sites like 38 Degrees or Change.Org.
Peacefulprotest
Peaceful demonstrations are legal under UK law and you can attempt to achieve change through non-violent and legal demonstrations.
Standforelection
Anyone over the age of 18 who is a citizen of Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth, and resides in the UK, is entitled to stand as an MP. You can also stand to become a Member of Senedd or a local councillor. Standing for election offers people an opportunity to contribute directly to the democratic process, shape public policy, and represent the interests of their communities. There are several compelling reasons why someone might consider standing for election.