Meet One of the Youths Interested in Social Activism
It’s not every day that you see teenagers in our society making a difference through social media, but 16-year-old student Jennifer Guizar is a part of the next generation of social activists spreading awareness.
“News is unavoidable, it’s like social media — it is everywhere,” Guizar said.
Guizar is currently a junior at Rosa Parks High School of Fine Arts and Performing in Paterson NJ. She attributes part of her passion for journalism to her 11th-grade history teacher Mr. Cohen, who she says taught her to “pay attention to what’s going on in the world.”
Some of the causes Guizar actively supports include the fight against deforestation, female reproductive rights, immigration and gun control.
TenTree is a sustainable clothing company attempting to use the power of social media to combat deforestation. Their “double tap to plant a Tree” posts on Instagram are projects that Guizar actively supports.
“It’s a huge passion of mine to defend the little guy and show or stand up, because everyone’s voice is equally as important,” she said.
The Patterson Alliance is an organization that connects various nonprofits centered in Patterson NJ in an attempt to make, “a city of happy, healthy engaged citizens, living well and participating in creating a vibrant future,” by joining forces, according to their website.
Guizar is trying to get involved in the program with hopes of getting paired up with a nonprofit in need of marketing or advertisement.
“Because of journalism and social media, you have a platform, you have a story, you have people to listen to you so make the most out of it and [social advocacy] is a way to deliver the message,” she said.
It is Guizar’s goal to become someone who advocates for causes through the use of social media. With Guizar and other like-minded teens, the next generation will be one where voices are acknowledged. With the world at their fingertips, the impact they may be able to accomplish is something to look forward to.
