Ava Lowery, 17, holding a Bush picture and protesting the Iraq war.

Ava Lowery, 17, Alexander City, Alabama

Four years ago, Ava Lowery was frustrated. She felt that just speaking out against the war in Iraq wasn't enough and decided to combine her love of video, journalism and politics and start a Web site, www.peacetakescourage.com.

She writes articles and makes videos about the war in Iraq that convey the message that people can support the troops and oppose the war at the same time. She also has a forum and blog on her Web site and a store that sells peacetakescourage apparel.

Despite her activism, Ava doesn't see herself as unique. "Young people have started to realize that there are issues out there that are affecting us directly. For example, a lot young people are being sent to Iraq, a lot of young people can't afford a college education, a lot of young people are seeing their families struggle without health insurance. So I think young people are starting to get more involved and become less of the apathetic generation that we've been painted to be," she said.

Has anyone given you advice about your Web site?

Sure, with different chances I've had to meet with politicians and people behind the scenes who've pretty much just encouraged me to keep going and to keep the optimism I have, because the great thing about the younger generation is that when we get out there and speak our minds, we have a lot of optimism.

What would you consider your greatest success?

I think just the fact that the Web site gets as many hits as it does and gets the support that it does. The e-mails that I get in support really encourage me to keep going and make me feel successful at what I'm doing, which is trying to get out there and tell people the truth about the war in Iraq.

What would you consider to be your biggest mistake?

When I first started out, people would send me e-mails that were just nasty and negative and filled with personal attacks. I would let those get to me. I've grown, I've learned to just realize that those people are just saying those things because they know I'm telling the truth and it frustrates them. So I see that it was a mistake in the beginning to let those get to me.

So what advice would you give to other kids who want to get politically involved?

Just go out there and do it and don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. That's the most important thing. The Internet is phenomenal and it's something that's right at your fingertips and it's a powerful tool, and if you get out there and speak your mind, chances are somebody's going to see it.

Do you have any goals for your Web site?

Yes, I mean, peacetakescourage.com isn't just about the war in Iraq. It's about peace in general, and I just want to continue getting out there and bring attention to issues that need to have attention brought to them. Tere are a lot of issues out there right now that deal with peace and stability.

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