With the predominance of mass consumerism and industrial production, the DIY or GIY (grow it yourself) movement demonstrates an encouraging shift in the symbolism and status of post-materialistic values and lifestyles. It also shows a genuine concern for the environment as people begin to think about using more natural/organic products and avoiding waste.

A walking school bus

Young Social Innovator's mission is to raise social awareness in Ireland by providing social awareness education through action and platforms for young people and those guiding them.

Run by young people for young people, UKYP provides opportunities for young persons to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change. It has over 600 representatives, 369 seats for elected MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) and over 230 Deputy MYPs, all aged 11-18 years.

AEGEE (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe/European Students’ Forum) - a student organisation that promotes cooperation, communication and integration amongst young people in Europe.

A global movement of young people, made up of regional/national networks, who want to lead a life based on spiritual values: “starting with ourselves, we want to help in generating a future of hope, peace and social engagement while maintaining an awareness of universal spiritual principles”.

Intergenerational solidarity housing initiatives enable young students to be hosted cheaply by seniors in exchange of a small presence and services that can in no way however be a substitute for professional care services.

Self-construction can be part of a community project where the members of a community help one in each other to build their own houses

The reusing of abandoned housing may be provided by through law or policy. In other cases, the occupation of buildings is done without the consent of the legal owner of the premises, despite it lying vacant and unused, and is therefore considered illegal.