Practical Strategies to Empower Youth to Use Their Voices, Advocate for Change, and Make an Impact
At the STEM school I worked at, the teaching staff and faculty were all referred to as "coaches." When I first heard this, I immediately thought of athletic coaches—like a football or track coach. But at the STEM school, everyone was considered a coach because we all played an active role in facilitating the learning process. This concept completely shifted how I viewed myself as an educator, and it stuck with me as I moved into different roles throughout my career.
Coaching young people to find and use their voices to drive change is truly an art. It requires more than just teaching—it’s about mentoring, understanding, and building strong relationships. It’s about getting to know the whole person: understanding what’s going on in their lives, how they’re impacted by policies, systems, and the culture they live in. This takes time and involvement. You have to show up—attend their sporting events, be there for their school performances, and support them in their communities. It’s about showing that you care and building trust.
The real work of coaching begins with getting to know the student. It’s through this understanding that you can guide them to realize their full potential. Many students live between two worlds, balancing the expectations of school with the challenges of their outside lives. One of my favorite examples is a student named East Cooley. East was a leader both on the football field and in the classroom, but his life outside of school was anything but certain. He faced challenges in his community that shaped his experience and how he navigated the world.
Despite those challenges, his greatness shone through. He rose above adversity and developed into a strong leader with exceptional public speaking skills. Watching him grow and overcome obstacles was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. West went on to college, where he continued to excel and is now playing college football.
"I want to be a coach who makes a difference in their lives. I want to help them see their potential, help them be successful, not just in sports, but in life." - Deion Sanders
Being a coach is not just about teaching—it’s about inspiring and guiding students to reach their full potential, no matter the circumstances. Through understanding and support, we help them find the strength to rise above and achieve greatness.
Create Safe Spaces for Expression: Encourage youth to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment. This can be through open discussions, writing exercises, or creative outlets like art and music. When students feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to use their voices confidently and authentically.
Model Effective Communication: Show youth how to express themselves clearly and respectfully by demonstrating active listening, using thoughtful language, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Coaching them on how to navigate difficult conversations and advocate for themselves helps build the skills they need to speak up for change.
Empower Through Action: Help young people understand that their voices are powerful tools for making an impact. Encourage them to participate in projects, community initiatives, or advocacy work where they can take a stand on issues they care about. When they see the real-world impact of speaking out, it builds their confidence and drive to use their voices for positive change.
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