ReThink Citizens

?? Applications are now open for the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition (RCYC) Innovator Academy! ?? This 100% free six-week virtual program is designed to equip youth (aged 13-17) with the tools and mentorship they need to become leaders and innovators in the digital world. Key Program Details: ?? Program Dates: June 23 - August 1, 2025 ?? Speakers: Monica Lewinsky, Frances Haugen, Arturo Béjar, and many, many more! ?? In-Person Showcase: August 2, 2025 ?? Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 ?? Who Should Apply: Youth aged 13-17 passionate about technology, advocacy, and community organizing. Preference is given to Chicagoland applicants, but youth across Illinois are encouraged to apply! Through this program, participants will: Develop innovative solutions to tackle digital challenges ? Build leadership, advocacy, and nonprofit development skills ?? Network with mentors, peers, and industry leaders ?? Present their ideas to potential supporters and collaborators ?? APPLY NOW: tinyurl.com/rcinnovators and LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/e8y-w-N2

More than half of teens believe online harassment is a serious issue. The internet should be a space for connection, not harm. ?? Let’s work together to create a respectful and safer digital world. ???? What’s one way you can help stop cyberbullying? Drop your thoughts below! ?? ?? Learn more at?rethinkcitizens.org ?? Follow @rethink.citizens to stay informed and make a difference! #CyberKindness #ReThinkOnlineSafety #ThinkBeforeYouPost

??We’ve got big news…?? We’re EXTENDING the deadline to join the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition Innovator Academy! ?? After receiving lots and lots of interest in the past week—and knowing that so many of you are still working on perfecting your applications—we’ve decided to extend the application period by one week, to this coming Saturday, March 22nd! Whether you’ve been working on your application for a while, or you’re on the fence about applying—this is your sign to get that application in! Applying is simple: tell us a little bit about the digital harm you want to tackle, your envisioned solution, and your personal passion for building a better digital world ?? Apply NOW: tinyurl.com/rcinnovators! Questions? Check out our recorded information session (https://lnkd.in/gzRMxKwy) for an overview of the Innovator Academy programming, key logistical info., and a look at our rubric/details about how we plan to evaluate applications! You can also reach out to our Youth Coalition Program Manager, Marrow Woods ([email protected]), with any inquiries. We can’t wait to read about your vision for change. Here’s to rethinking the internet! ??

?? Your Words Have Power! ?? Before you hit send… do you PAUSE, REFLECT, and EMPOWER? ???? Tag a friend who needs to see this! Let’s make social media a kinder place, one post at a time. ?? #ReThinkCitizens #ThinkBeforeYouPost #SpreadPositivity #EmpowerOnline #YourWordsMatter

?? Just 4 DAYS left to apply to our Youth Coalition Innovator Academy! ?? This community is designed to empower visionary youth (ages 13-17) as they build solutions for a better digital world. Join us (and incredible speakers like Monica Lewinsky and Frances Haugen) to tackle pressing internet harms and make an impact! APPLY NOW: tinyurl.com/rcinnovators Want to go behind the scenes of the Innovator Academy? Read our Youth Coalition Program Manager Marrow's February post about their efforts to design workshops, secure speakers, and create real opportunities for youth to turn their ideas into action. As they put it so well, "This is a program for changemakers, by changemakers, and if you're looking for a space where your voice matters, this is it." ? https://lnkd.in/epCNtN7g

?? Global Day of Unplugging – March 7-8, 2025 ?? In today’s always-on world, taking a break from screens is more important than ever. The Global Day of Unplugging encourages you to step away from digital devices for 24 hours from sundown on March 7th to sundown on March 8th and reconnect with what truly matters. Why Unplug? ? Reduce stress and boost mental well-being ?? Strengthen relationships through real conversations ??♂? Cultivate mindfulness and creativity Tech-Free Activities to Try: ?? Take a walk or have a picnic in nature ?? Read a physical book ?? Enjoy a creative hobby like painting or playing music ?? Host a game night with family or friends Embrace the challenge and rediscover the joy of being present. Will you unplug? #GlobalDayOfUnplugging #UnplugToReconnect #DigitalDetox #Mindfulness #ScreenFree

To close out February, we're thrilled to bring back our incredible Youth Coalition Program Manager, Marrow Woods (they/them) ? , to share Part 2 of "Building the Blueprint: Behind the ReThink Citizens Innovator Academy"! Over the last six months, behind the scenes, Marrow has been going above and beyond to develop the Academy: designing workshops, securing speakers, and creating real opportunities for youth to turn their ideas into action. This month, they share why Illinois youth (ages 13-17) should apply to take their vision for a better internet to the next level. As Marrow puts it so well: "This is a program built for changemakers, by changemakers, and if you’re looking for a space where your voice matters, this is it." ?? ?? APPLY NOW: https://lnkd.in/e8ehZ-_M ?? And if you've got questions...we've got answers! ReThink Citizens Founder and President Trisha Prabhu will be hosting an Innovator Academy virtual information session this coming Wednesday, March 5th, at 5:30 PM CT. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eCDMy8PB!

???? The future of digital spaces starts with us! ???? At ReThink Citizens, we’re building a more inclusive internet, one where kindness, responsibility, and empowerment shape online spaces. ? Here’s how you can be part of the movement: ?? Who we are: A youth-led nonprofit advocating for digital wellness ?? What we do: Providing Digital Wellness Educational Resources & empowering youth ?? How you can join: Be part of our Youth Coalition & Youth Squad! Swipe through to learn more and take action today! ???? Together, we can ReThink the digital world for the better. Let’s make it happen! #ReThinkCitizens #DigitalWellness #OnlineKindness #JoinTheMovement #YouthForChange #SaferInternet

?? Roses are red, Violets are blue, Kindness online starts with you. This Valentine’s Day, let’s fill the internet with love, respect, and positivity. ???? Small acts of kindness in your comments, shares, and messages make a big difference. Who are you sending a virtual love note to today? Tag them to this post ??? #ValentinesDay #SpreadLoveOnline #KindnessMatters #ReThinkCitizens #DigitalWellness

Start your week with purpose and positivity. Every scroll, like, and comment shapes the digital world we live in. ?? Imagine a space where kindness is the norm, authenticity is celebrated, and respect is non-negotiable. It starts with us. This week, challenge yourself to: ? Share something uplifting ? Engage with intention, not comparison ? Unfollow what doesn’t serve your growth Small actions create big waves. Together, we can build a digital world that feels just as good as real life. ???? #MotivationMonday #ReThinkCitizens #DigitalWellness #KindnessMatters #OnlineCommunity #MindfulScrolling