We’re not just students of history. We’re also makers of history.
As we face an unprecedented combination of threats - antisemitism, systemic racism, toxic polarization, environmental destruction, authoritarianism, and the Covid-19 pandemic - the time is now for the history makers among us to transform remembrance into action.
That’s why we created the TWR Youth Action Network.
Who we are
We are a movement of student leaders across the world committed to bridging the gap between education and action to make “never again” a reality, once and for all. We apply the lessons of the past to the present to counter division and hate in our schools, communities, and on social media. With the help of TWR and its global coalition of partners, we are realizing our potential as human rights advocates - sharpening our skills, growing our networks, and designing student-led projects that have local, national, and international impact.
When Covid-19 threatened to keep us apart physically, we found meaningful ways to come together virtually. Since TWR’s Genocide Awareness Month campaign in April 2020, we’ve launched dozens of social action projects and we are just getting started.
Who We Work With
The TWR Youth Action Network is a joint initiative of the TWR Coalition, an international network of Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights museum centers dedicated to collaborating like never before to achieve our ultimate goal of a world without identity-based violence.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe students must gain hands-on experience attempting to make change happen in their community and learn what works and what doesn’t firsthand.
We believe students should be seen not just as knowledge consumers, but also as knowledge creators with historical literacy.
We believe students can learn from history while making history for the benefit of their communities.
We believe students can transform remembrance into action and end identity-based violence in our lifetime.
How we collaborate
We connect young people across the world committed to bridging the gap between education and action to make “never again” a reality. Our members have the opportunity to experience and shape monthly events and projects throughout the year with our Youth Action Fellows and TWR’s global partners, all in the name of reaching their potential as human rights advocates.
We recruit, train, and activate high-potential student leaders of high school and college ages (14-25) through our year-long leadership development program. TWR Youth Action Fellows are awarded a modest stipend and provided access to all major TWR programs throughout the year, including our Virtual Global Allyship Summit. They translate their learning into action through community remembrance projects that foster truth, justice, and reconciliation in their communities and beyond. Fellows engage as colleagues and peers with TWR’s global community, which includes survivors, educators, scholars, expert practitioners, and civic leaders. They are the dreamers and doers that lead the TWR Youth Action Network.
Each month, we write collaborative blog posts highlighting the diverse voices of our community members. We pose a challenging question sparked by current events or bring light to subjects not discussed often enough. We welcome our community members and broader networks to respond as well so we can spark inclusive and meaningful dialogue on the issues that impact our lives and the lives of others most.
Each month, we host at least one virtual event for our global community as well as special workshops to empower ourselves to be better human rights advocates. From art showcases to digital advocacy campaigns, we are always seeking ways to close the gap between education and action to achieve our ultimate goal. Our events often turn into long-term projects and initiatives that our members continue to lead to this day. Our job at the YAN is to support each other each step of the way to realize our full potential.
GET INVOLVED
Students: If you like what you see here, then let’s get you plugged in! The best way is to apply to become a member or apply to become a fellow.
Educators: Send your student-activists our way or bring our programs to your class (virtually of course).
Organizations: Partner with us on events and projects that turn remembrance into action. Our community is here to support YOUR human rights missions. And of course, encourage students to join our global community and apply to become Youth Action Fellows.
Funders: Whether you are an inspired individual or a generous philanthropist, the good work we do can’t happen without good folks like you. Donate here securely if you are ready to or contact us to discuss other meaningful ways you can support us.
Recent Projects
From virtual open mics to interfaith dialogues, we’ve been using digital organizing to connect and mobilize young people to turn remembrance into action. Relive the magic of these projects by exploring the multimedia content below!
