Introduction:

As a young climate activist, I have had the privilege of speaking to and inspiring many people worldwide. I have seen firsthand the passion and determination young people have to make a difference in the world. However, I have also seen their challenges in finding their voice and making an impact.

That's why I believe developing leadership skills is essential for teens. Leadership is not just about being in charge or telling others what to do. It's about using your voice and your talents to make a positive impact in the world. It's about standing up for your beliefs and inspiring others to do the same.

But to be a successful leader, you first must discover who you are and what you stand for. Self-discovery is a critical part of the leadership journey. It's about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and values, and how you can use them to make a difference in the world.

Scenario:

You are a middle school student who is passionate about the environment and wants to make a difference in your community. You are concerned about the amount of waste generated in your school and want to start a Go Green Club to address this issue. 

You have never been in a leadership role before and are feeling overwhelmed. You are unsure of how to motivate your peers and bring about change.

Today, you will learn the skills needed to be a leader and how to implement change in your community.

Lesson Objectives:

Understand the importance of self-discovery in becoming a successful leader, including how to discover your values, passions, and purpose, and how to remain open to new experiences and growth.

1. Recognize the value of effective communication as a critical component of leadership, including the ability to listen, understand others, work to find common ground, and treat others with respect and empathy.

2. Develop leadership skills to make a positive impact in the world, including standing up for your beliefs, inspiring others, and working together with diverse and inclusive teams to create positive change for future generations.

Self Discovery:

For me, self-discovery was a journey that began at a young age. As a child, I struggled with social anxiety and selective mutism. I found it difficult to express myself and connect with others. But I also had a deep passion for the environment and a strong sense of justice.

As I grew older, I began to find my voice and use it to speak out about the climate crisis. I realized that my passion and values were more important than my fear and self-doubt. I discovered that I had a talent for speaking and inspiring others, and I used that talent to make a difference.

I believe every young person can embark on this journey of self-discovery and leadership. It's not just for those who are naturally outgoing or charismatic. It's for anyone with a passion and a desire to make a difference.

Today, we will explore the concept of leadership and why we teens must develop our leadership skills. We will also delve into the role of self-discovery in becoming a successful leader.

So, let's get started on this journey of self-discovery and leadership. Let's find our voices and use them to make a difference. Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and the planet.

Finding your Voice and Making a Difference:

As a young person, it's easy to feel like you don't have a voice or that your opinions don't matter. But the truth is, you have a unique perspective and a valuable contribution to make. You have the power to inspire change and to make a positive impact in the world.

Developing your leadership skills is not just about achieving personal success. It's about making a difference in the world and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. It's about standing up for what you believe in and taking action to create the change you want to see.

Understanding You:

But to do that, you need to discover who you are and what you stand for. Self-discovery is a critical part of the leadership journey. It's about understanding your values, your passions, and your purpose.

When you discover your values and passions, you will have a clear sense of direction and purpose. You can make choices and decisions that align with your goals and vision for the future.

At the same time, it's essential to recognize that self-discovery is a continuous process. Your values and passions may shift and change as you grow and evolve. You may discover new talents and interests that you never knew you had. That's why it's essential to remain open to new experiences and to be willing to learn and grow.

Effective Communication and why is it important:

To become a successful leader, it's important to recognize that leadership is not just about personal achievement or success. It's about using your talents and abilities to positively impact the world. It's about working together with others to create a better future for everyone.

That's why it's so important to develop strong communication skills. Effective communication is a critical component of leadership. It allows you to connect with others, build relationships, and inspire change.

But effective communication is not just about speaking or writing well. It's about being able to listen and understand others. It's about being open to different perspectives and working to find common ground. It's about treating others with respect and empathy.

Together We Can Make a Change:

As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and leadership, remember that you are not alone. Countless other young people worldwide are also working to make a difference. Together, we can inspire change and create a better future for ourselves and the planet.

So, let's use our voices and talents to make a difference. Let's discover who we are and what we stand for. Let's embrace our unique qualities and make our mark on the world. The future is in our hands, and we can create a better tomorrow.

In Conclusion:

As young leaders and superstars, we must recognize that we don't have all the answers. We need to be willing to learn from others and work together to solve complex problems. We need to recognize the strengths and talents of those around us and work to build a diverse and inclusive team.

Through self-discovery and leadership development, we can learn to communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and work together to create positive change. We can develop the skills and abilities we need to make a difference in the world and to leave a positive legacy for future generations.

So, let's embrace our unique qualities and use our voices to make a difference. Let's work together to build a better future for ourselves and the planet. We can create change, and the time to act is now.

Superstar Challenge:

Objective:

Create a community action plan to slow down climate change and drought in order to develop leadership skills to make a positive impact in the world

1. Assignment:

Now you will complete a Community action plan to slow down Climate Change and Drought.

2. Introduction:

Listen to the video to understand the assignment you will be completing.

3. Brainstorming:

• In your Zoom session, students will be divided into pairs or small groups and given 5 minutes to brainstorm potential actions they could take to slow down climate change and drought in their community.

• After five minutes, each pair or group shares their ideas with the larger group.

4. Action Planning:

• Now that you’ve come up with a list of actions, the larger group will discuss and prioritize the most feasible and impactful actions suggested by the pairs or groups.

• Choose one action and develop a plan of action with specific steps, timelines, and responsibilities for each action.

Closing Assessment

Please respond to the lesson email with answers to the following questions, and one of our real estate mentors will respond with feedback.

1. How can you apply the leadership skills and knowledge you have gained from this lesson and take action on climate change in your community in the future?

2. How can you apply leadership skills elsewhere in your everyday life?