by Mimi Melles, Manager, International Youth Activist Network

The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20, recently came to a close. The conference offered an opportunity for world leaders and activists to come together to "shape how we can reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet to get to the future we want." Going into the Rio conference, Advocates for Youth and many civil society organizations were committed to ensuring that the outcomes acknowledged the inextricable connections between environmental sustainability, gender equity, and young people's sexual and reproductive health AND rights.

You also showed your commitment. Over 1,200 of you signed a petition to ask that youth sexual and reproductive health and rights issues be included in the Rio+20 outcome document.

Unfortunately, some governments bowed to pressure from religious conservatives. The United States, Norway, Finland, other governments, and organizations including Advocates for Youth fought hard to keep language on youth, reproductive rights, and gender equality; but the Holy See (the Vatican) led an opposition that ultimately prevailed in removing key sections of such language.

Many of us — particularly those advocating on behalf of women, children, and youth — are very troubled and angry at the outcome of Rio+20. Many have spoken up about their disappointment, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who underscored the need to ensure women's reproductive rights to attain sustainable development.

But we're also inspired — by the movement within governments and among civil society that recognizes the importance of gender equity, youth, and reproductive rights within the context of sustainable development. And by youth activists like Leo, who spoke about youth global activism and youth rights at Rio+20. And by our network of youth activists like you, who signed the Rio petition in record numbers.

The story doesn't end here. There will still be many opportunities to advocate for the inclusion of youth sexual and reproductive health and rights in discussions of sustainable development. Now more than ever, the Time is Now to mobilize and take action so that these critical connections are recognized and acted upon in future negotiations at the global and country levels. Read blog posts from youth activists at the Rio Conference, and stay tuned for new opportunities to speak out, mobilize, and take action leading up to November's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Doha!

by Julia Reticker-Flynn

This July 4, everyone’s getting outdoors to enjoy some sunshine and have fun with friends and family as we commemorate our nation’s independence.

While you’re hanging out and snapping pictures, why not participate in some fun and easy activism that could help protect young women’s access to birth control?

All you have to do is download your "United We Stand" poster, fill it out, and take your picture. Post it on Facebook and email to us at BC4US2012 [at] gmail.com .*

Then tweet it to @WhiteHouse and @HHSGov with the hashtag #BC4US.

Two lesbian teenagers were shot this weekend by an unknown assailant in Portland, Texas.  Mollie Olgin, 19, has died, while Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, is in critical but stable condition at the hospital.  Authorities don't yet know the motivation behind the shooting.  But activists around the country are honoring the young couple and praying for Mary Kristene's recovery. We want to express our heartfelt sorrow and support for the victims and their families in this terrible time. Below are a few locations where you can attend a vigil for Mollie and Mary Kristene.  

Portland, Texas: Violet Andrews Park, Friday, June 29 at 6pm.

Washington DC:  Dupont Circle, Friday, June 29 at 6pm.

This blog by Jasmine, a youth activist in South Carolina, was written as part of our "Celebrating Pride" series for June.

Growing up, I knew I was different from every other girl.  I hated wearing dresses and glitter, I always put my hair back in a scrunchie with my snapback hat on, and I didn’t have a favorite princess.  Instead, my imaginary friends involved Batman and the Power Rangers.  Now all of these things other girls could be into as well, but the last final things really made me feel I was different.  My first grade crush was on a girl and I wish that I was a boy so I could hold her hand and pretend we were married.

I always wrote about Nicki in my school journals, and drew drawings with me and her with hearts.  Have I ever approached Nicole Deckard? Yes, I have.  I remember walking up to her at recess, being so scared to tell her how I felt. I remember saying these words, “Nicki, I like you.” And her replying, “I like you too Jasmine! We can be best friends!” That day was a big disappointment to me, and I daydreamed about being a boy and having my chance with all of the girls that I’ve found attractive or nice. I spent most of my days dreaming, while other kids had the experience of being able to express mutual feelings with the opposite sex.