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Youth activist toolkit

Youth Activist Toolkit

Overview

Looking to level up your activism? You've come to the right place for all the resources you need to stand up for human rights at your school or university.

Resource details

Publication date

What is an Amnesty Student or Youth group?

How to guides

Whether you’re starting a new group, planning a campaign, or looking for new ways to get more members, start by checking out our tried and tested advice based on previous youth group's experiences.

How to start a new youth group

Activists showing solidarity during Donald Trump's 2025 UK visit.

Activists showing solidarity during Donald Trump's 2025 UK visit. © Marie-Anne Ventoura

Find out how to start a youth group at your school or college and take action on human rights with other young people. We’ll send you practical resources, campaign ideas and support to help you set up and run your group.

Find out more here

How to get new members

Amnesty youth activists holding up placards in support of our Climate Justice work.

Amnesty youth activists holding up placards in support of our Climate Justice work.

Here are some tips for recruiting more youth group members, including running an effective stall, creating eye‑catching banners, and combining actions with fundraising.

Find out more here

How to hold your first meeting

A sign directing to an Amnesty youth group meeting location.

Running regular group meetings is a great way to support planning, and drive impact.

This is a practical guide to running a well-planned first meeting, with clear goals, member involvement and a strong focus on taking action.

Find out more here

How to keep up interest

Winners of the 2014 Amnesty Youth Awards

Winners of the 2014 Amnesty Youth Awards

This is a practical guide to keeping up interest after your first meeting with subsequent meetings, event planning and more top tips.

Find out more here

How to invite an Amnesty Speaker to visit your school

Slamnesty speaker

A guest speaker at one of our Slamnesty events.

Learn about how to invite an Amnesty activist educator to talk about human rights to your school or group.

Find out more here

How to lobby politicians

How to lobby your mp

Amnesty youth activists discussing the Arms Trade Treaty with a Member of Parliament

This is a practical guide to lobbying your elected representatives in Westminster, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Europe.

Find out more here

How to fundraise at your school

An Amnesty student group holding a fundraiser at their school in support of our work on refugee and migrant rights.

An Amnesty student group holding a fundraiser at their school in support of our work on refugee and migrant rights.

People from all walks of life raise money for Amnesty International UK and youth fundraisers are some of the most creative we have! Discover our top tips here.

Find out more here

How to make a banner

Youth group attendees at the 2014 AGM

Amnesty youth groups holding a banner at our 2014 AGM.

Attract attention and get your message across by following our simple steps to make a banner - no artistic experience required!

Find out more here

How to write a press release

An Egyptian youth activist updates her Facebook page during the 2011 protests

An Egyptian youth activist updates her Facebook page during the 2011 protests

This is a practical guide from our Press Office on how to get great media coverage by writing a press release and targeting key media.

Find out more here

How to write letters

How to write a letter

Writing a letter to an individual at risk can be a great way to show solidarity and support.

Lastly, this is a practical guide to writing letters and emails that make a real impact - plus proof that it works!

Find out more here

Further guidance

If you’d like advice on planning your next campaign or help with your group contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 7033 1596

Related resources

  • Youth Fundraising Guide

    A guide for young people interested in organising fundraising events in school and elsewhere.

    Fundraising resource, Information guide 19 Mar 2025
  • How to host a fundraising concert at your school or college

    Why not host a fundraising concert for Amnesty? Invite bands, choirs, or individual acts to perform some of the protest songs that you or your friends have written. It would make a great concert for human rights. This guide will help you plan it!

    Further education resources, Fundraising resource, Information guide, Secondary education resources 07 Aug 2014
Activism and fundraising resources

Explore guides, templates and more to support your activism and fundraising goals...

Join the movement

Join a group or network, connect on our community platform, or become a member and stand for human rights...

Take action

The simple act of sending an email to your MP, signing a petition or posting a letter can protect our rights or help save someone's life. Explore how you can help add your name to our causes and make a real impact.