Featured photo: Mari Copeny is her “No Masters Class by IGNITE” advises other members of Gen Z on how to work towards positive change.
By Tanya Terry
This week, creative collective Le Truc, and IGNITE, a leading organization encouraging young women to harness their political and civic engagement, announced the return of the “No Masters Class by IGNITE” series. The fourth installment features “Little Miss Flint:” Mari Copeny, and officially dropped on Thursday, February 22.
Copeny has met with presidents and other political figures to address water crises happening around the country. Her crowdfunding campaigns resulted in more than 1 million bottles of water for Flint residents. In addition, through her “Flint Kids” projects, she has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help give out books and school supplies for Flint kids. Additionally, she has partnered with water filter company Hydroviv to distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of high-capacity lead removal filters to families and organizations in the city.
The “No Masters Class by IGNITE” series encourages Gen Z, the generation who is between the ages of 12 – 27 now, to become more involved in political activism and advocacy with free how-to videos hosted by Gen Z activists and influencers like Copeny.
Le Truc first partnered with IGNITE in 2022 for the inaugural “No Masters Class by IGNITE” series, because they believed in their values of equity, transparency and supporting purpose-driven initiatives according to Le Truc’s Marcos Kotlhar, partner and chief creative officer. The partnership stems from recognizing IGNITE’s commitment to amplifying Gen Z voices and Le Truc’s expertise in creative storytelling.
“Le Truc is all about engaging and connecting with rising generations,” stated Kotlhar.
Le Truc previously produced and launched the first three episodes in the series featuring young activists reaching a combined audience of over 50 thousand followers.
“While metrics such as high follower count and engagement serve as tangible indicators of reach, we believe that if just one young person watches the series and is inspired to take action, it helps contribute to IGNITE’s mission,” said Kotlhar.
Copeny told the Courier she hopes that the release of her episode helps young people find their voices on issues that matter to them.
“Whether it’s access to clean water, environmental justice, or something that affects their own community – I specifically hope this leads more Gen Z and Gen Alpha (Those born since the year 2010 and until the year 2025) to take action, however they can!” Copeny added. “Everybody has to start somewhere. I had no clue at 8 years old I would be where I am today, using my voice to inspire my community in Flint and nationwide.”
Copeny stressed it is important for her generation living in Flint to inspire positive change through activism and civic engagement because they are directly affected by issues like the ongoing water crisis.
“By getting involved, we are not only advocating for our own community but also demonstrating the power of youth activism,” she added.
Civically engaging Gen Z and activating their passion for change has never been more important, according to Sara Guillermo, CEO of IGNITE.
“IGNITE is making sure that this generation understands how crucial it is that they vote, and that issues they care about – like reproductive rights, climate change and civil rights – hang in the balance if they do not,” Guillermo added. “We simply cannot take their vote for granted.
Guillermo pointed out research shows that Gen Z is driven to political action by issues rather than parties or candidates.
“We have also seen this through our work training thousands of young women across the country to run for office, get the vote out, advocate and become leaders,” said Guillermo. “It’s through issues that young people connect political action to their lived experiences and to their communities. This is what Mari does beautifully in her lesson for the ‘No Masters Class by IGNITE.’”
Another equally important goal of the series is to show young people that this change happens when we organize, mobilize and bring in members of our broader community.
“Progress happens when we leverage our collective power, and Gen Z brings invaluable digital skills and networks that make all the difference.”
Guillermo said as we gear up for a year of elections, candidates should prioritize meaningful engagement and action around this generation’s valued issues.
“They need to represent the diversity of the communities they seek to represent.”
While the nation’s attention will go towards the presidential election this year, Guillermo talked about the importance of voting down the ballot and casting informed votes for candidates at the local and state levels.
“Mari shows the incredible influence that young people in Flint can have in advocating for change. She also demonstrates why focusing on local issues remains so vital to our democracy.”
