Unleash the Power within YOUth: Entrepreneurial Activism

^{At YouthxYouth, we root our work in the belief that activism, like life itself, takes so many forms, each one necessary and vital in our journey of cultivating a just and liberated world. This year’s annual YouthxYouth crowdfunding campaign is centered around raising support to sustain the work we do at YxY by showcasing the diversity of the activism that exists within our community, from artivists to community weavers, and everything in between. This crowdfunding campaign is an invitation, an open door if you will, to sustain the work of YxY through 2025 and beyond, and to witness the power and depth of activism. Through this campaign, we’re intentionally holding up a mirror to reflect the faces of those we serve and uplift, the activists whose journeys we nurture and who nurture us in return. As part of this, we are releasing a series of blogs that explore 10 different archetypes of activism.} 

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As you grow up in life, you might sometimes look back and reflect on what could have been different if you were taught earlier how to develop your life situation, how to choose your network, degree, career, and most importantly, your values. Perhaps you have followed society's rules without being aware of what truly suits you best. But now, you have evolved, on both personal and professional levels, you're realising that one of your main values, or longings, is making a positive change.

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However, you believe the only way to do this is by marching and protesting, which is not true. In fact, YouthxYouth has identified ten core forms of activism and one of them is Entrepreneurial Activism!

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Activist Entrepreneurs create ventures as a way to tackle social problems and create economic opportunity.

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Some examples of their tools of change: Social entrepreneurship and creating economic employment!

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Muhammad Yunus, for example, is primarily recognised for his activist entrepreneurship work that is centred around alleviating poverty and environmental justice. He hugely emphasises the connection between economic development and ecological sustainability.

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"He defines social business as a business which objective is to solve social, economic and environmental issues affecting humanity: hunger, homelessness, illness, pollution, ignorance,…" (HEC Paris)

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Like we already know from exploring other activist archetypes in previous blogs, activism is not without its challenges. Greenwashing is unfortunately a challenge for environmentally centred entrepreneurial activists, this is where companies falsely claim environmental practices to boost sales, understanding that trust takes years to build but can be destroyed in moments. Because of this, transparent marketing becomes crucial and is also an invitation to explore how authentic communication can reshape consumer perception.

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Funding limitations further complicate these activists' journeys, as many "green" investors still prioritise traditional cash-out strategies over genuine impact. Perhaps the most profound challenge is maintaining a delicate balance between business growth and social mission, with sustainability-focused businesses confronting higher operational costs and the constant pressure to scale whilst remaining true to their core values.

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“All human beings are entrepreneurs. When we were in the caves we were all self-employed . . . finding our food, feeding ourselves. That’s where human history began ... As civilization came we suppressed it. We became labor because they stamped us, ‘You are labor.’ We forgot that we are entrepreneurs.” - Muhammad Yunas

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These activists understand that when profit aligns with purpose, businesses can fundamentally reshape consumer behaviour and market dynamics, extending their market share by appealing to increasingly sustainability-conscious customers. Such entrepreneurs gain unprecedented power of decision, positioning themselves as crucial collaborators for governmental institutions striving to meet global sustainability pledges like reducing carbon emissions.

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By adopting a values-driven approach, activist entrepreneurs cultivate a solid, passionate community of supporters who not only purchase their products but also advocate for their mission.

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In an era where consumers are becoming more green-savvy, ethical businesses have an extraordinary opportunity to stand out through honest communication, proving that one doesn't have to trade off planetary and human well-being for financial success. What was once unimaginable (building a sustainable, impact-driven business) is now not just possible, but increasingly celebrated and sought after by conscientious consumers and forward-thinking investors alike.

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In celebrating these powerful activists, we're sharing an interview with an extraordinary entrepreneurial activist within the YouthxYouth community, Adekunle Stevens. Adekunle is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, education, and peacebuilding, driven by a mission to create sustainable and inclusive communities. Based in Abeokuta, Nigeria, he holds a B.A. in Linguistics and African Languages, blending his academic background with practical solutions to social challenges.

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As the Lead Weaver of the YouthxYouth Abeokuta Hub, Adekunle empowers young people through innovative programmes like the "Career Development Programme", which provides free tech training, mentorship, and internship opportunities to combat unemployment. He also co-founded the Young Innovators Network, an initiative that enabled 1,012 beneficiaries in Abeokuta to have access to vocational skills acquisition, fostering self-sufficiency and economic empowerment in the community. Adekunle is a dynamic leader who combines creativity and strategic thinking to design impactful initiatives that address systemic challenges with sustainable solutions.

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With years of experience in leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Adekunle bridges local actions with global movements, ensuring his community's voice is part of broader discussions on youth development and sustainable progress. YouthxYouth has been a pivotal platform in his journey, amplifying his ability to connect, innovate, and inspire change at both local and global levels.

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Adekunle envisions a future where young people lead transformative change through education and technology. He is committed to building pathways for empowerment and collaboration, fostering a generation that tackles society's most pressing issues with resilience and creativity.

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Stay tuned to our social media for more conversations like this one!

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Through these interviews, we hope to bring you closer to the lived experiences of activists within our community, hopefully offering a fuller understanding of what it means to be an activist, in its vast multiplicities.

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As we journey through the other archetypes of activism we invite you to reflect on the interconnectedness of these roles. While each archetype has its distinct facets, together they make up our YouthxYouth community and how magical is that!

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Our crowdfunding campaign is about celebrating this diversity, and by contributing, you are not only helping sustain YxY’s work but also joining a community that values and nurtures a broad spectrum of activism. We invite you to support those who dare to act, whether it's on the frontlines or behind the scenes, as we envision and work towards the more beautiful futures our hearts so deeply long for.

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Donate now!