By Mathew Habib, NYLC Youth Advisory Council

No one changes the world alone, not even superheroes. However, my work has taught me that some individuals get pretty close to ‘superhero energy’: youth.

Youth-led initiatives have energy and boldness, but sometimes, we lack the keys to the rooms where decisions are actually made. That’s where adults come in. And no, I’m not just talking about adults who give awkward “advice” and then walk away, I mean adults who actually listen, who open doors, and who use their experience to amplify voices rather than drown them out.

As an immigrant, I’ve grown up understanding the value of being seen and heard. My parents fled a world where speaking out could be dangerous, and they worked tirelessly so that I could have opportunities they didn’t have. In my volunteer work, I carry that lesson with me: voices matter, especially the voices of people who have been ignored, dismissed, or marginalized. But let me be honest, finding the right adults to partner with is tricky. Some are amazing allies, and some… well, let’s just say they could make a cactus cry with frustration.

The adults I trust are the ones who actually follow through, who don’t assume they know everything just because they’ve been around longer, and who make space for young people to fail, learn, and lead. The ones I avoid are the ones who turn every idea into a “let me fix this for you” lecture.

If I could tell adults one thing, it’s this: stop managing youth like we’re projects, and start mentoring like we’re partners. Give resources and advice, but let us take the reins. When adults do that, youth-led initiatives can finally and truly thrive. We start shaping our communities in ways adults alone could never imagine.

At the end of the day, change works best when young people bring the fire and adults bring the tools. Together, we can make sure that the voices of those who’ve been silenced are not just heard, they lead. And honestly, when it all comes together? That’s when justice becomes unstoppable.