YPS in Action!  

A cornerstone of advocacy is the skill of public speaking which is enhanced through debate. When two sides argue with each other with thoughtful argumentation, they tend to discover loopholes in each other\'s words. This leads to the development of excellent critical thinking skills, which correlates to stronger advocacy on topics one may be passionate about concerning world issues.Critical thinking is a valuable skill to have in our world with all of the misinformation circulating…

If you’re scrolling on social media, whether Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, or even Facebook, you might have already been trapped. Check your feed—you might be in an echo chamber.Echo chambers, according to the Moody College of Communication at UT-Austin, are defined as a situation in which people are only exposed to opinions of one type. This is the result of the algorithms that social media companies use to find content you will likely engage with. According…

The emergence of humanity marked the start of a new era for Earth; the beginnings of an increasingly complex and divergent ecosystem from the preceding billions of years. As the human population grew and technological and industrial advancements were made, the environment experienced a drastic decline, one that is still ongoing and speeding up with each passing year. Human activities profoundly affect wildlife, often leading to habitat destruction, climate change, and the spread of invasive…

You probably learned in school that once you’re 18, you can register to vote in elections to select representatives to govern on your behalf—from mayors and school boards to senators and the President themself. However, what you might not be as well versed in is that once you become a California voter, you have the right to vote on the laws themselves through something called “the initiative process.”According to the National Conference of State Legislatures,…

While standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are widely used to assess the academic abilities of students, the tests are unfair and do not represent all parties equally. Almost all students around the nation participate in standardized tests as part of a requirement. This includes the wealthy students, the middle-class students, and the unfortunate, poor students. The significance in the differences in status is that the rich have far greater resources to prepare for…

With social media and digital platforms exponentially gaining recognition throughout the world, it massively impacts political advocacy by allowing individuals and others to spread awareness in their campaign or organization. Due to the extent of social media, political promotion can be spread around the world with little to no resources. The message being sent can transcend geographical borders, engaging with any audience it wishes.Although social media and different digital platforms can raise awareness and gain…

Student feedback is important in that it enables learners to take charge of their education and actively participate in their learning process. Because students are motivated to express their minds and be involved in decision-making, they become more involved and enthusiastic towards their studies. The participation of students brings growth in academic performance and leads to an active and progressive learning environment.Including student contributions ensures that many opinions are acknowledged and enables teachers to perceive…

Humans and wildlife have been crossing paths and competing for resources for as long as both have existed. However, these interactions are growing more common and increasingly detrimental to the wellbeing of both. Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a pressing issue that threatens both the survival of elephants and the safety and livelihoods of communities living alongside them. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and population growth, the need for…

According to recent studies, being civically involved is extremely beneficial for the development of young adults.Civic involvement is extremely beneficial for the development of young adults.According to Youth.Gov, recent studies found that among youth, volunteering plays a valuable role in shaping how youth learn to interact with their community and develop the skills, values, and sense of empowerment necessary to become active citizens. There are various ways for teens to get involved in their communities,…

Traditionally, climate zones have been defined by stable patterns of temperature and precipitation, but recent data and articles show these patterns are becoming increasingly erratic and spontaneous. Due to increasing global temperature in the world, the boundaries of these climate zones are moving at a significant rate, affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and human habitation in these regions. This global warming is altering the fundamental climate patterns that define these zones, causing a phenomenon where climate categories…