In 2020 the UpLIFTers transitioned into higher education in the midst of the pandemic. Part of their continued process as young creatives was the examination of the self within society. In December the same year, there was an opportunity for them to connect with young activists through online talks held with Advocacy Academy alumni Fill in The Blanks, Re.Rooted and The Halo Collective, whose campaigns call out, challenge and seek to dismantle institutionalised racism in schools, and in written law.
Wanting to further investigate advocacy and the impact of creative interventions centred on justice, we commissioned artist Potent Whisper to work with some of the young people to explore the processes of advocacy, who may be involved, it’s ethics and, with the tools of rhyme and spoken word, how impactful a young person’s voice can be.
Unable to meet in-person, the video was created and recorded through workshopping on Zoom. It gives a glimpse into their examination of advocacy and serves as the beginning of a wider conversation for them to have with young people across London.
Created with
Potent Whisper
— Rapper, spoken word artist and community organiser
Support Young Voices
You can support Fill in The Blanks in their campaign to de-colonialise the teaching of history in Britain; help ReRoot.ED make secondary school education system anti-racist, critical and inclusive; and join The Halo Collective in their mission to end race-based hair discrimination.
The Young People’s Rhyming Guide to Advocacy
Lyrics by the UpLIFTers
Everybody has a voice but some voices aren’t heard
For some people getting human rights can be hard work
The world might say you’re powerless but none of that is true
In fact the people you’ve been waiting for to change the world – are you!
It doesn’t matter what your age, whether young or old
It doesn’t matter what your gender, you can get involved
You can be an advocate – whatever you’ve been told
And the first step to take is just to understand your role
Always let them take the lead – your role is to support them
And you should act with them – never act for them
The next step is quite straightforward, but important
Identify the aims of the campaign that you’re supporting
What specific things are you working to achieve?
And what skills do you have that you can bring your team?
Then it’s:
Artwork – network
Hard work – let’s work!
If the world won’t listen then you have to speak louder
Change is like a book and it’s yours to turn the the page
Recognise your power and shout it to their tower
To help secure people’s rights, and break away their chains
To help prevent their pain and take away anxiety
To be the change we want to see in our own society
Don’t forget your power you can change the world for better
You can write the future if you choose to work together
But don’t forget about yourself – know your own limits
Take a step back don’t forget your self care
Caring for yourself should be something you revisit
In order to support them, ensure your welfare
Young people make a change and you can do it too
Take a look around the world and you can see the proof
They try to say you’re powerless but none of that is true
In fact the people you’ve been waiting for to change the world – are you!
