
TED Talks Daily A roadmap for young changemakers | Melati Wijsen
Oct 12, 2021
Melati Wijsen, a youth activist and social entrepreneur, began her environmental advocacy at just 12 years old in Bali, focusing on plastic pollution. She shares valuable insights on how young changemakers can sustain their passion while avoiding burnout. Wijsen discusses the importance of teamwork, clear goals, and self-care in advocacy. She emphasizes the need for educational systems to foster sustainability and critiques insincere corporate engagement with youth. Her journey inspires a new generation to drive impactful change worldwide.
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Early Activism
- Melati Wijsen started a movement in Bali at age 12 to tackle plastic pollution.
- Initial enthusiasm and a "cute" image didn't bring immediate change, leading to frustration and burnout.
Tips for Changemakers
- Set clear goals with realistic timelines because change takes time.
- Build a broad team, be open to learning, but stay focused on your mission.
Youth Activism
- Young people are increasingly becoming changemakers, driven by a sense of urgency.
- They're not aspiring to be activists; they're reacting to injustices.

