A NEW SPACE FOR DEBATE IN COLOMBIA.
“We have learned teamwork, how to exchange new ideas and solutions, and how to converse and debate with political leaders.”
OVERVIEW
When the world presses pause during a global pandemic, how can organizations continue to teach young people important skills in political discourse and debate?
In Colombia, youth organizations like Juventud para Colombia aim to generate political change and help prepare young people to participate in politics.
Juventud para Colombia wanted to create space for young people to express themselves and even while a global pandemic raged around them. They wanted to continue conversing with and pressing their country’s political leaders on issues that matter to young people. So, they turned to social media to get their voices heard.
WHAT IS JUVENTUD PARA COLOMBIA?
Juventud para Colombia is a civil organization that promotes an equitable society, building solutions to generate a change in Colombia, and promoting actions aimed at developing life projects that transform the country.
how JUVENTUD PARA COLOMBIA USED SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONTINUE DEBATE DURING THE PANDEMIC
In early 2020, Tania López Lizca, along with a group of young leaders, founded Juventud para Colombia. Because of the global pandemic, they couldn’t meet in person, so they began holding Facebook Lives to create space for political debate and opinion. There, they learned how to work together as a team, how to exchange new ideas and solutions, and how to converse and debate with political leaders.
To date, Juventud para Colombia’s Facebook Lives have attracted between 1,000 and 12,000 viewers depending on the program. They’ve hosted various guests including the Director of the National Land Agency, Congressmen of the political party Colombia Juta Libres, as well as several other leaders, politicians, academics, and policymakers. “We are gaining recognition as a digital youth movement in Colombia,” she said.
Their Facebook Lives also allow them to receive real-time feedback from viewers.
Hermoso, los jóvenes representando al país, trabajando en el bien de todos, no se olvidaron de los niños masacrados, muchas gracias.
The young people, working for the good of all, did not forget the slaughtered children.
— Nelsy Diaz Torres
Excelente conversatorio,muy buenos invitados ¿Cómo ven los liderazgos juveniles políticos?
Excellent discussion, very helpful guests. How do you all see the young political leaders?
— Jonathan Silva
Que felicidad tenerlos en esta tertulia, también celebrando la semana de la juventud
It is wonderful to have you in this gathering, celebrating the week of the youth.
— Stephanie Gaviria Gutierrez
CONCLUSION
According to López Lizca, Facebook Live has enabled the group to:
Promote social activism and alliances between foundations.
Promote youth and women's political participation.
Strengthen entrepreneurship tools.
Improve the quality of the exchange of opinions.
Look for legal advice on different topics.
If your organization is considering using social media to stay connected during the global pandemic, López Lizca recommends Facebook Live because it is free and easy. She has this advice:
Invite a well-spoken host to emcee and conduct the program.
Make sure you and your host have good internet connections before you begin.
Consider connecting the Streamyard app to help you connect to a wide audience during Facebook Live. If you have funds, the paid version allows you to stream on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube at the same time.
stay informed
Want to learn more about Juventud para Colombia’s work? You can connect with them on Facebook.