How Gen Z is Changing the World

By: Sarah Barone

Generation Z is redefining activism in ways we’ve never seen before. Gone are the days when activism was limited to rallies and protests alone; today, Gen Z is using digital platforms, creative storytelling, and grassroots organizing to spark global change. Whether it’s through fighting for climate justice, advocating for gender equality, or tackling issues like gun violence and racial inequality, teens today are making their voices heard louder than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore the inspiring and innovative ways that Gen Z is leading the charge in activism, highlighting teen-led organizations that are creating real, lasting impacts on the world

Youth-Led Movements and Programs Making Waves
The Sunrise Movement: Climate Justice Led by Youth
The Sunrise Movement, an organization started by young activists in 2017, is making waves in the fight for climate change. Focused on passing the Green New Deal, this movement has brought climate change into the political spotlight, urging governments to take bold, decisive action. By using peaceful protests, sit-ins, and lobbying efforts, the Sunrise Movement has attracted thousands of young people across the U.S. who are fighting not just for environmental protection, but for social and economic justice.
Led by teens like Varshini Prakash, the movement challenges the idea that addressing climate change must come at the expense of economic growth, instead pushing for policies that create green jobs. The group’s success in mobilizing youth energy and pushing for climate justice has influenced legislation, inspired political candidates, and elevated climate change as a critical issue in the political debate.
The Period. End of Sentence: Breaking the Menstrual Stigma
Another incredible Gen Z-led organization is The Period. End of Sentence, which has brought global attention to the issue of menstrual equity. The movement was started by a group of young women in California who wanted to raise awareness about the stigma around menstruation and the lack of access to sanitary products, especially in developing countries. Their efforts have not only included educating communities about menstruation but also providing sanitary products to girls and women in underserved regions.
In 2019, the organization’s documentary, Period. End of Sentence., won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short, amplifying their message on a global stage. Through their advocacy, the group is working to dismantle the taboo around periods, ensuring that menstruation is treated as a natural process and not something to be ashamed of. The organization’s work is proof that teens can tackle the most personal of issues—breaking the silence and stigma around menstruation while providing real solutions for women in need.
Girls Who Code: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Tech Leaders
Girls Who Code, founded by Reshma Saujani, has been a game-changer in addressing the gender gap in technology. While Saujani is an adult, the program is geared toward teens and young women, and its influence is largely driven by the youth who participate. By offering coding clubs, after-school programs, and summer immersion programs, Girls Who Code has reached over 300,000 young women, providing them with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to pursue careers in computer science and technology.
The initiative is particularly important because it focuses on giving young women a seat at the table in an industry traditionally dominated by men. With tech shaping the future in every area of life, Girls Who Code is ensuring that young women are not just part of the conversation—they are leading it. It’s a movement that’s helping young women break into the tech world and paving the way for gender equality in an increasingly digital world.
March for Our Lives: Gun Control Led by Teen Survivors
After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, a group of teen survivors created March for Our Lives to address the epidemic of gun violence in the United States. Led by teens like Emma González and David Hogg, the movement has become one of the most visible and impactful youth-led organizations in the country. The group advocates for stronger gun control laws, safer schools, and an end to the normalization of gun violence in American society.
What makes March for Our Lives stand out is its focus on legislative change, political advocacy, and voter mobilization. By organizing marches, rallies, and petitions, the group not only raised awareness but also helped inspire political action. Their work has already led to new laws in various states and has ensured that the conversation around gun violence is one that continues to demand action, particularly from young voters who see the issue as an urgent priority.
How Gen Z Can Continue to Make a Difference
So, how can other teens get involved? The beauty of today’s activism is that it’s not limited by geography, and anyone with access to a smartphone can make a difference. Teens don’t need to start their own movement to get involved; they can join organizations that are already making waves. Whether it’s Fridays for Future, The Sunrise Movement, or The Period. End of Sentence, there are plenty of established groups looking for passionate young people to help push their missions forward.
The digital age offers even more opportunities for teens to advocate for change. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow young activists to amplify their messages to millions of people across the globe. Teens can organize events, share educational content, and create viral campaigns that make real-world impacts. Petitioning, fundraising, and volunteering are also effective ways to get involved in existing causes and support organizations making a difference.