This book presents oral histories of young citizen activists in order to demonstrate how U.S. citizens of all ages can participate in a democracy and make it work for them. The document is divided into four parts. The first is titled "Launch Your Own Campaign: Mapping Out Your Game Plan." This section is comprised of three stages: (1) warm ups that suggest ways of finding and learning about an interest or cause, and means of developing hidden strengths; (2) training and conditioning that discuss building a core group of activists or a campaign, various plans of action, getting publicity for your cause, and donations; and (3) the main event that addresses the art of compromise. The second part of the book is made up of articles in which students tell of their own campaigns to right wrongs and fill needs. These include "Young Environmentalist Saves Wetlands"; "Off the Streets: Community Center Created by Teens, for Teens"; "Beyond Black History Month: Student's Proposal Wakes Up the School Board"; "Bump the Dump: How Teens Moved a Mountain"; "Young Peacemakers Heard in Moscow: International Letter Writing Campaign Touches World Leader"; and "Track Me to Freedom: The Struggle for Equal Education Continues." The third part also contains oral histories of students' experiences. This section deals with getting a law on the books. The four articles include: (1) "Outlawing Steel Animal Traps"; (2) "Smoke-Free Generation;" (3) "Steering Clear of Drunk Drivers;" and (4) "Making Headway," about a school effort to get a bicycle helmet law. The fourth part contains information on resources. (DK)