OPINION | We all have power to speak up, take action

When it pulled up "...they turn up looking completely exhausted. It was like, why is this happening?"

So Hamsa joined the campaign pressuring government and, "after an election the first decision a new politician made was to fully fund that service."

It was "a group of people you'd only meet because you had this similar concern."

And in that group, Hamsa felt how it was possible to impact society.

"You kinda feel powerless when something you're fighting for doesn't follow through but it's never too long lasting."

Another let-down was a community centre upgrade, "a hub for everything - people would get together, get homework done."

But after consultation and community excitement, surprise last-minute changes were made by decision-makers.

"It made it less effective - a renovated hall that would lose a lot of its features."

It was devastating.

"The decision doesn't rest in your hands, for a moment it can feel like wasted effort.

"There's always a way around it. So many people were involved in that movement, next election you can make it a key issue or find someone to stand for that issue."

So the community channelled energy into Not Too Young To Run, upskilling young people to run for council.

How do we make decision-makers support our movements?

"When I was younger I'd think of these people in power as always considering a wider consensus and taking things into account. Then you learn that some people are just really grounded in their beliefs and if the larger percentage of the electorate don't consider this to be a main issue... it's overlooked," Hamsa explains.

Thenu shared the message of a woman from India and raised huge funds to deliver to that woman. In that moment she felt her power to have impact.

Thenu's perspective on Australia's decision-makers is clear.

"I had an idealistic version of people in power that they would be experienced and wiser than me and my friends, but now I know they're not soulless, rational decision-makers. Everyone has their own experiences and that includes people in power. I try to understand where they're coming from."

So, speaking with a united voice and knowing your audience are key to influence change.

And it happens every day.

"The world will change regardless of whether we get involved," Thenu suggests, and we can have an impact.

In a new survey, designed by people under 30, have your voice heard.

Go on. I know you've got something to say.

To take the survey visit bit.ly/2021Voice