Earlier this year Action for Conservation (AFC) welcomed four new Youth Trustees from our network of Ambassadors and Alumni. Mal, Yusra, Ayla and Tamar are an incredible group of young people who will be helping to shape our work for the next few years. We're so excited to have them join our Board of Trustees and to celebrate International Youth Day 2024 we asked them how they felt about this new adventure, check out their thoughts below.
Mal, based in the North West.
"I am interested in nature and conservation because of its power to bring communities closer, improve health and wellbeing, and provide peace and tranquillity.
I became a Youth Trustee because I wanted to be a voice for young people involved in AFC and ensure they have an incredible and enriching experience as I have had throughout my journey with AFC.
The Youth Trustee role has enabled me to build many skills and gain insight into how AFC works and runs. The role can be challenging at times, but that makes it rewarding and fulfilling. Roles like Youth Trustees are incredibly important so that every voice is heard. I look forward to learning, facing, and helping overcome any challenges that may come my way and being a voice for the youth."
Yusra, based in the South East.
"I’m Yusra! I’m 18 and I currently live in London. I’m interested in nature because nature is all around us. It’s a vital part of our lives, does so much good for us and needs to be celebrated.
I wanted to become a Youth Trustee because it’s an amazing chance to collaborate with lots of different people and groups whilst having a positive impact on the environment and so far, it’s been amazing!
Having Youth Trustees is important because it allows young people to have a voice and help make decisions about the future, especially as these decisions will impact them more than older generations. Within the role, I’m looking forward to working with my fellow trustees, who are all amazing! I’m also looking forward to meeting lots of new people and working with them to help make opportunities for young people even better!"
Ayla, based in the South East.
"My name is Ayla, I’m 16 and I live in South-East London. Living in such an urban area, nature has always been a source of comfort and relaxation for me as I’ve grown up. Wild spaces are vital not only for animals and ecosystems but also for humans for both our physical and mental health. Whether it’s a huge nature reserve in the countryside or a cluster of trees on a busy urban street, these places can bring solace to people and communities and should be protected.
AFC has shown me how important youth engagement is for protecting wildlife and the environment, so becoming a Youth Trustee felt like a beautiful way to give back to AFC for the opportunities they’ve given me, whilst continuing to learn about and support a charity whose mission I’m so passionate about.
I’ve taken part in two meetings so far, and whilst it has been a little scary, it's made me realise just how important youth voices are in this space. We might not have university degrees or leadership roles, but we have the experience! I’ve learnt so much about how AFC operates as a charity and everything that goes on behind the scenes to power their work to bring young people and nature closer together. I’m very excited to see the board evolve as AFC’s work develops and to continue learning what I can contribute to these discussions. It’s been an incredible opportunity so far and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!"
Read Ayla's blog 'Women in Conservation' here.
Tamar, based in the North West.
"My name is Tamar and I live in Manchester.
Environmental activism is a place where anybody with an inclination towards nature can be and is a place indeed where more young people, particularly young people of colour should be encouraged to be."
Read Tamar's blog 'Saluting our Sisters' here.
Thank you so much for reading!
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