Who are we?
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition is Australia’s largest youth-run organisation, our mission is to build a movement of young people leading solutions to the climate crisis. Young people have the most to lose from global warming, but we also have a lot to gain. Climate change is our best opportunity to create a world that works for everyone, not just a few. We can power our lives with the wind and sun, and ensure access to clean energy and job opportunities for all.
Why does the world need us?
We believe that the only way to solve the climate crisis is through a social movement – a groundswell of support and momentum that is powerful enough to inspire the change we need and hold decision makers to account.
What’s our vision?
Our vision is for a fair and just world, with a stable climate and healthy environment for our communities and future generations. We can have a better world – with clean energy that never runs out, diverse and thriving cultures, fairer and more connected communities, restored natural environments and biodiversity. We’re working for a future grounded in climate justice, where people on the frontlines of climate change can take back power and lead solutions from the ground up.
Why young people?
It is young people who will inherit the consequences of decisions made today. Through history, young people have demonstrated how we have the creativity, passion and innovation to lead social change movements. This is why we are building a movement of young people, standing in solidarity with those on the frontlines of climate change, to lead solutions to the climate crisis. We are empowering our generation to make sure history is not written for us, but by us.
What do we do?
– Empower and educate
– Run strategic campaigns that win
– Shift the narrative
– Build a movement
How do we win?
It is only through a huge, diverse and committed social movement, led by those with the most at stake, that we will see just and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis realised. Decision makers in governments, businesses and our communities will only make the changes required if there is a strong social movement demanding it. We educate, inspire and mobilise young people to win campaigns for a safe climate, to keep fossil fuels in the ground and build a future powered by clean energy.
Our Values
FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP: We centre the leadership, demands and sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the fight for climate justice. There is no climate justice without justice for First Nations people. We act in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities towards decolonisation, self-determination and land rights.
JUSTICE AT THE CENTRE: We’re driven by a vision for justice, in the solutions we seek and the ways we work together. We seek solutions to the climate crisis that tackle the root causes of the problem, dismantle systems of oppression and create a fairer world for everyone. We build the power of communities most unfairly impacted by the climate crisis and take leadership from those on the frontlines.
AMBITION AND IMPACT: We’re ambitious, strategic and do what it takes to win big. Our starting point is always what needs to be done, not what we’ve been told is possible. We thrive in change, which means we’re creative and move fast when opportunities arise. This work isn’t easy, but we rise to the challenge with courage, resilience and resourcefulness.
EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: We join together from all walks of life in a radically inclusive and accessible movement. Even when our opponents seek to divide us, we know we’re stronger together. We create spaces where every young person can thrive – regardless of who they are, their abilities, or the colour of their skin. We celebrate diverse identities and break down barriers wherever we find them. Racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and any other form of discrimination have no place in our movement.
CARE, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY: We are a community that supports each other in collective action. Connection, trust and supportive relationships power our movement. We collaborate, show care and build each other up, because we’re stronger together. We’re in this for the long haul, so we celebrate wins along the way and bring joy and hope while changing the world.
YOUTH AND GRASSROOTS POWER: We believe deeply in our collective power as young people to create big change. We take on the toxic influence of the fossil fuel lobby with people power and by changing the story of the action our governments must take. We support each other to grow our leadership through training, mentoring and action. And we’re constantly growing our movement by talking to our communities.
SOLIDARITY: We look outwards and form relationships of solidarity to build the biggest, broadest movement possible. We have the people power that’s needed to win, but only if we’re united across our differences. We empower young people working all across the continent — from coal communities to regional towns and working-class neighbourhoods — and build bridges with people our enemies would pit against us.
INDEPENDENCE: We’re political, but non-partisan. We don’t align with any particular political parties and we evaluate all candidates and parties’ policies impartially, in line with the best climate science and our vision for climate justice. We are a movement funded and powered by our communities, not big business or government.
NON-VIOLENCE: We’re a non-violent movement, with no exceptions. Being non-violent allows us to win the hearts and minds of the public and welcomes the most people to participate.
LEARNING: We’re always learning. We make honest mistakes and have honest conversations about how to be better, and we sit with our discomfort when we’re challenged. We welcome imperfection, and contribute to solving problems by offering solutions.
INITIATIVE: We show initiative. We ask for advice, not permission, and anyone can take action in the name of our movement by abiding by our principles and forming a team with two other people. (Sourced from website https://www.aycc.org.au/ 29/10/2021)
We’re fighting for climate justice.
Our mission is to build a generation wide movement to solve the climate crisis before it’s too late. We believe that climate change is the single greatest threat facing humanity, and puts young people and future generations at risk. We also believe that addressing the climate crisis is our biggest opportunity to create a world that is more sustainable, just and fair. We believe that the only way to solve the climate crisis is through a social movement – a groundswell of support and momentum that is powerful enough to inspire the change we need and hold decision-makers to account. This will require thousands of people committed to changing hearts and minds and willing to take deep action.
At the AYCC we believe that the best way to build this movement is to give young people the tools to make it happen. It’s our future at stake, and it’s our creativity and vision that will inspire those around us to act. That’s why since 2006 we’ve helped thousands of young Australians take action in their schools, their universities, and their communities, and take part in campaigns that put climate change in the national spotlight. The AYCC now has more than 120,000 members, 100 local groups, and more than 500 regular volunteers.