By: 2025 Levante Leader Institute Youth Members
Miranda
Sophmore, Johnston County
Farmworker justice starts with youth leadership because young people carry both the lived experiences and responsibility of shaping a more stable future and refuse to let those experiences be ignored. Many of us grow up witnessing the sacrifices workers make every day, long hours, physical exhaustion, and being undervalued despite the work that farmworkers are expected to give everything while receiving so little in return. These experiences shaped my voice early on and pushed me to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging. I speak not only for myself, but for so many people who have watched their families give everything to feed this country. We lead because we know what is at stake not just policies, but people we love.
Being able to attend and participate in protesting for farmworker justice was a powerful turning point for me. As I stood chanting, holding signs, raising our voices together alongside other youth leaders confirmed that change only happens when we are willing to stand up and be seen. In that moment, I saw how young people lead with courage, passion, and care, turning frustration into action. As a youth leader, we are not disconnected from this struggle, we are deeply rooted in.
We are willing to question systems that have normalized inequality for generations and demand change with intention and care. Young people lead with both passion and empathy, understanding that justice is not only about policy, but about dignity, respect and humanity. When Youth are trusted to lead, we help keep movements alive, accountable, and connected to the communities most impacted.
For youth leaders to lead with confidence and care, we need space that uplift our voices, mentorship that guides us, and support. When young people are given the tools, encouragement, and trust to step into leadership, we do more than continue the movement we strengthen it. Youth leadership ensures that farmworker justice is not just remembered, but actively fought for, protected, and carried forward.
Jaqueline
Junior, Sampson County
I think youth leadership is important in the fight for farmworker justice because many farmworker movements began a long time ago. Youth leadership helps make sure these efforts do not fade away and that the fight continues with new leaders who are ready to take on these challenges. Young people are also more likely to question unfair situations and push for positive change.
The support young leaders need in order to lead with confidence and care is having an experienced mentor who can help guide and support them as they face challenges and help learn the possible ways to lead effectively.
Farmworker justice starts with youth leadership because young people bring energy and a strong sense of fairness to justice movements, as well as allowing for farmworker rights to continue to be protected across generations.
Elber
Senior, Ponder County
Youth leadership is one of the most vital forces driving progress in the fight for farmworker justice. A majority of farmworkers come from backgrounds rooted in Mexico or Central America, and for nearly two-thirds of them, Spanish is their primary language, with limited English proficiency. As a result, when farmworkers seek advocacy or justice, their options are often restricted, forcing them to rely on others to speak and act on their behalf. This is where youth leadership becomes essential. Because farmworkers frequently lack opportunities to be heard, it becomes our responsibility to serve as their voices—whether for our parents, uncles, neighbors, or others in our community. The next generation now carries the responsibility of creating change in communities that are often overlooked and underrepresented. Youth leadership in the fight for farmworker justice does not merely act as a voice for the oppressed, but as an amplifier—translating their experiences, struggles, and demands into meaningful advocacy.
Young leaders require mentorship as a stabilizing force that provides confidence, guidance, and the essential skills needed to responsibly advocate for others. Having consistent support through both successes and setbacks creates space to acknowledge achievements while also processing emotions that are often internalized. In advocacy work, outcomes are rarely guaranteed, and maintaining resilience in the face of loss—while remaining composed and constructive—can be especially challenging. However, meaningful change cannot occur when opposing perspectives lack level-headed engagement. For this reason, it is essential for young advocates to have individuals who serve as anchors, such as teachers, mentors, or trusted loved ones. These relationships offer not only emotional support but also perspective and accountability, all of which are vital to sustaining long-term engagement in youth advocacy.
Farmworker justice starts with youth leadership because we are the next generation entrusted to carry forward their voices and fight for lasting change.