There have been a couple of well rounded youth empowerment campaigns knocking about over the last couple of weeks. Firstly, the Voicebot Project from vinspired and now a project from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and World Vision called Youth Decide.

The premise is straight forward:

"The AYCC and World Vision Australia have partnered to hold a national youth vote on climate change: Youth Decide ’09. We want to give 4.8 million young Australians the opportunity to have their voice heard on climate change and on government action that will shape our future."

Watch the video for the pitch:

Student political activism is nothing new, but at the same time it hasn't exactly been 'cool' for the last 20 years.

This initiative just feels very grown up. The networking of universities, schools and student is impressive. So are the social media plug-ins, the events (which range from small school yard gatherings to huge music concert events) and most importantly (and telling) the support they have garnered from the corporates.

There is a lot to be learnt from these social conscience campaigns. Empowerment has become the new engagement.