WakeUpandAct.org
“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.”
— Coretta Scott King
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
— Elie Wiesel
01
Abortion Rights
The right to abortion is of the utmost importance for teens today. Abortion provides young women the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. It allows us to plan for the future before becoming a parent, financially and emotionally, helping to ensure that we can take care of ourselves and our children. Abortion also provides young women with the freedom to make responsible decisions about their own lives, helping us avoid putting ourselves at risk for physical or psychological harm. Access to safe and affordable abortion gives us the power to change our paths if we are not ready for motherhood, giving us one less thing to worry about and allowing us to start fresh without having to worry about the stigma of an unintended pregnancy.
02
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking fs a growing problem that can have life-altering implications. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to their naïveté, over-eagerness to please, difficulty understanding the deception and danger of traffickers, and a lack of awareness of resources to reach out for help.
Traffickers prey on teenager’s social media and often use phrases such as “make money fast” and “easy money” to lure them in. Traffickers will also present themselves as kind and generous, building a false sense of trust. Teens often find themselves engaged in sexual activities like prostitution, exotic dancing, or domestic servitude. Teens must learn the signs of human trafficking to protect themselves.
03
Dangers Of Fentanyl
In recent years, there has been a nationwide increase in the use of fentanyl among teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is involved in 25.1% of overdose deaths among teens in the United States. A recent survey showed that nearly 13% of teenagers aged 12-17 have used opioids in the past year, with half of that group reporting that they received the drug from a friend. This is alarming and teens are becoming exposed to fentanyl and other opioids without knowing. We need to make sure that teens are aware of the real danger that fentanyl poses and take necessary steps to stay safe.
​
04
Teen Mental Health Crisis
The rate of mental health problems among teens has been rising in the United States and around the world. Approximately 1 in 5 teens has a mental health issue, with some of the most common being depression and anxiety. These issues often go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to long-term effects that affect the individual, their family, and the larger community. In addition to this, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues in teens, leading to an even greater crisis. We want to help you connect with other teens to feel supported and build a inclusive community to feel safe and heal.
