From neknominating to mass unemployment to riot vans, negative portrayals of young people are commonplace in mainstream media. Despite this, recent research shows that young people are more engaged in social issues, drink less and are more likely to volunteer than previous generations.
Inspired by a new photojournalism project called Young London, we’re partnering with the 99% campaign to showcase positive stories of young people in the places they love. We started with the capital and are moving north, but we want you we’d like you to tell us where to go next.
Who are the young Mancunians who inspire or interest you? Share a photo of them in a place where they live, work or study. Tell us why they’re in Manchester and what they love or hate about it. What is unusual or surprising about them? What gets them out of bed in the morning and what are their dreams for the future? We’d also like to find out what defines their community and whether the people around them share the same beliefs and opinions as they do. Include a short quote or story with your pictures and we will publish a selection on the Guardian.
Tell us where we should go next: would you like to see Young Aberdeen or Young Cornwall? Post your suggestions in the comments below for where we should run the project next and we will run a poll with the most popular suggestions.
Please make sure that the person you are photographing is over 16 and they have given their permission for the image to be used. You can contribute by clicking on one of the blue “Contribute” buttons - or if you’re on the new Guardian app, then just search for assignments.
The 99% campaign is a digital participation project, funded by the Nominet Trust, that tackles the stereotyping and discrimination faced by young people. If you volunteer for the campaign, please make this clear when you submit your photographs or if you would like to get involved, contact Andriana Ntziadima at A.Ntziadima@iars.org.uk.
- GuardianWitness is the home of user-generated content on the Guardian. Contribute your video, pictures and stories, and browse news, reviews and creations submitted by others. Posts will be reviewed prior to publication on GuardianWitness, and the best pieces will feature on the Guardian site.
