Two non-profits are joining forces for youth around the world. A podcast highlights News-Decoder and the International Congress of Youth Voices.
‘We believe there is great power in getting young people together.’
ICYV brings together youth who are passionate about social issues and keen to drive change in their communities. Its annual conference convenes more than 100 young writers and activists — referred to as delegates — from around the world, as well as leaders from a variety of sectors. ICYV is holding its second global gathering in Puerto Rico this month. “We believe there is great power in getting young people together,” Uhle told the podcast. “Physically. In the same space. We know that young people have important perspectives and are doing important work. And we thought there would be great power in uniting them.” Throughout the year, ICYV works with delegates to help them get published in media outlets in the United States and beyond. News-Decoder works with ICYV delegates to help them deepen their understanding of the world and develop core journalistic skills and behaviors — such as suspending judgment, considering multiple viewpoints and conducting reporting. “Having experienced journalists like Nelson’s organization does is a tremendous asset for a young writer who needs to frame their writing in the context of publication, in the context of who is going to read this and how do I sway them towards my opinion, how do I convey facts impartially, how do I convey a situation that is very real and very intense — especially in a teenage perspective — to a broader audience,” Uhle said. Graves said it makes sense that News-Decoder and ICYV should team up. “ICYV delegates are curious, articulate and committed — characteristics that make for a very strong foundation for anyone who wants to become a thought leader.” To listen to the podcast, click here.Lauren Heuser is the managing editor and strategy officer of News-Decoder. She previously worked as a deputy editor and columnist for the National Post, a national Canadian newspaper. Lauren has a master of business administration from INSEAD and a law degree from the University of Toronto. Amari Leigh is News-Decoder’s 2019 summer intern. An American citizen, she is studying French and world politics at university in the U.S. state of New York. Born and raised in New York City, Leigh has lived in Brazil, France and Portugal. She enjoys theater, learning languages and exploring new cities.