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We Are Not At Risk

Take our pledge. Join our global day of action on Nov. 14!

We Are Not at Risk is a youth-led, social media campaign to build awareness and change linguistic behaviors. The campaign calls attention to, and changes, the harmful rhetoric around youth and lifts up the voices of young leaders.

We Are Not at Risk challenges our communities – especially the media and nonprofits – to “Watch Your Words” and stop using coded racist and colonialist language to describe and talk about youth.

#wearenotatrisk  #y4l  #youth4liberation 

Take the Pledge

I will watch my words.

I pledge to be intentional in my words when I speak to or about young people. I pledge to correct media, nonprofits, and funders when they use coded language to describe youth. I pledge to stand with young leaders as they work to transcend the harmful narratives around youth, as they take control of their own stories. 

ENGLISH - SPANISH - INDONESIAN - SOMALI - KIRUNDI - SWAHILI - FRENCH - ARABIC

Nov. 14: Day of Action

3 ways to join our Day of Action

On Nov. 14, youth around the world will facilitate discussions, exhibits, and other social action projects. Here's how you can take part:

1. Download, print, and create your own “We are not at risk” sign. Take a photo of yourself holding it, and share it on social media using #wearenotatrisk,  #y4l, and #youth4liberation.

2. Share messages, images, and videos from young people on social media by reposting from the #wearenotatrisk, #y4l, and #youth4liberation hashtags.

3. Plan social actions related to the We Are Not At Risk campaign in your community, including panel discussions, roundtables, art exhibits, day of silence, poetry slams, etc. Share photos and stories on social media using our hashtags. Click here for some ideas.

And don't forget to take the pledge! Get your community to join us in this global ask to stop the harmful words we use to talk about young people.

#WeAreNotAtRisk

Blog

The power of words: A look into racism and colonialism

We explore the racist and colonialist roots of words used to dehumanize communities and maintain power and control.

Get involved

Join young people in communities around the world in pledging to watch our words. 

#WeAreNotAtRisk 

Nov. 14

Join our Day of Action

Sign up for our social media day of action on Facebook!

Youth in Action

Meet the global network of youth leaders working together to strengthen their capacity to transform their respective communities.

More resources

Facebook live video

We Are Not at Risk

Download

"We Are Not" signs and posters

Download and print signs in six different languages. Share a photo of yourself holding one on social media. 

Day of Action Ideas

7 actions you can organize for Nov. 14

Want to plan a We Are Not at Risk event in your community? Here are some ideas to get you started.