Giving kids a voice
The Week Junior introduces a new program to involve kids in shaping the future
As the editor of The Week Junior, I have the privilege of being on the receiving end of a constant influx of mail from children ages 8 to 14 from every state in the U.S. It's clear from the letters they send that they are a very interested, informed, and engaged generation of kids. They know what's happening in the world, and they have strong opinions. Whether they're expressing their view about protecting the environment, treating people fairly, or finding a way to stop the coronavirus, they want their voices to be heard.
That's why I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our inaugural Junior Council. We're conducting a nationwide search for 12 amazing kids who will, through virtual workshops with The Week Junior staff and mentors, learn to speak up and speak out about the causes that matter most to them. They'll become informed about the big issues of the day, engage in healthy debate, and find out how to turn their ideas into action. The ultimate goal is to help them feel confident about their ability to make a positive difference in the world.
The council will meet virtually twice a month from January to May 2021. Kids will hear from guest speakers on a wide range of current topics. They'll be given assignments and work collaboratively on a project that will be published in the magazine. Most of all, we hope they'll have fun, develop skills that will benefit them all their lives — and learn that you're never too young to make a difference.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Applications are open now through Nov. 13. For more information and to see the entry form, go to juniorcouncil.theweekjunior.com.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Andrea Barbalich is editor in chief of The Week Junior, a weekly newsmagazine for children ages 8 to 14 launching this spring from the publisher of The Week.
-
Why Assad fell so fast
The Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
By The Week UK Published
-
Romania's election rerun
The Explainer Shock result of presidential election has been annulled following allegations of Russian interference
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Russia's shadow war in Europe
Talking Point Steering clear of open conflict, Moscow is slowly ratcheting up the pressure on Nato rivals to see what it can get away with.
By The Week UK Published
-
Cutting cables: the war being waged under the sea
In the Spotlight Two undersea cables were cut in the Baltic sea, sparking concern for the global network
By The Week UK Published
-
The nuclear threat: is Vladimir Putin bluffing?
Talking Point Kremlin's newest ballistic missile has some worried for Nato nations
By The Week UK Published
-
Russia vows retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikes
Speed Read Ukraine's forces have been using U.S.-supplied, long-range ATCMS missiles to hit Russia
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published