Government – Youth Infusion

NEW! Best Practices for Every City and Nonprofit

With almost surgical precision that flattens the hierarchical separation between policy professionals and non-experts, there is a resource that details tested techniques for any organization dedicated to authentic collaboration with those directly impacted by its priorities and policies.

Cultivating Possibilities was released in early 2025 to document the “first-of-its-kind exchange” at the 2024 White House Youth Policy Summit. The U.S. Department of Education took the lead role with five other federal agencies. Given that the Trump Administration has targeted the Department of Education for elimination, one might assume this blueprint is now irrelevant. Despite ongoing turmoil also at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and other agencies, this Summit was far more than a one-off photo-op. Ongoing follow-up may be at a standstill, but indelible changes have happened. The protocols and mindsets about the value of authentic engagement and how to partner with young people reflect an emerging trend at the state and local levels.

Think Nationally, Act Locally

If serious shared decision-making can happen in the vast federal bureaucracy, certainly state, county, and city organizations can adopt these fundamental principles and practices. Every city government and its infrastructure of agencies and commissions can use this framework. The same applies to community-based organizations from small neighborhood groups to large nonprofits.

For over 15 years, Hikma Sherka has been on the receiving end of token gestures where pizza and gift cards are how adults say thanks to young people who share their time and talents. In her recent position as Youth Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona, Hikma told me how surprised she was by genuine “co-building” among the 7-member planning team and 270 Summit participants.

Here are some of the very intentional youth engagement methods that stand out. This uplifting, colorful 45-page report covers the pre-planning stage through concrete commitments as well as implementation.

Principles & Procedures

1. TAREGETED REPRESENTATION. Invite people, primarily between the ages of 16-24, who have lived experiences of government systems that have not worked for them. Seeking young people who will share their firsthand grievances is usually not a top priority.

2. RELIANCE ON COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. Instead of an open call for individual applicants, Youthprise, Grip Tape and many other nonprofits across the country were key to recruitment. These youth-serving organizations know their constituencies.

3. PRE-PLANNING PREP. Youth organizations held online gatherings for youth participants to explain jargon, agency jurisdictions, youth development benchmarks and other Summit goals. These orientation sessions are particularly important for those who may not have “traditional leadership experience.”

4. CO-ARCHITECTS FROM THE GET-GO. Usually, adults dominate the design phase and ask a couple of young people to give feedback on a preliminary plan. Instead, an external team had nearly equal representation from the start, with four young people and three adults.

5. FREQUENT MEETINGS. The planning team met weekly—every Friday afternoon for five months—ensuring an accelerated decision-making process that also helps to get on the same page..

6. REGULAR ACCESS TO LEADERSHIP TEAM. Senior White House staff and representatives from the six agencies met monthly with the planning team. Often, there is limited substantive interaction between high level professionals and those involved with a youth project.

7. COMPENSATION. The planning team was paid for their time, and the 90 youth participants at the Summit received a “generous per diem” which covered travel expenses (including for adult allies if requested), and a clothing allowance. What to wear at official events like this can be stressful.

8. INCUBATOR SPACE. A separate area for young people allowed them to engage with their peers, grapple with issues, raise questions, and float ideas. This accommodation provides a safe zone, free from unintended judgment or intimidation by adults. A staffed wellness room was also available.

9. IMPOSTER PREVENTION. The importance and value of youth perspectives need to be emphasized repeatedly, but one subtle strategy deserves consideration. At this high-level Summit, nametags of participants and speakers did not include PhD, MSW or other honorifics. Avoiding business suits also was encouraged.

10. ATTENTION TO ATMOSPHERICS. An intergenerational team created a playlist. Poet laureates spoke throughout the Summit. A graphic facilitator captured concepts, language and priorities. An online meeting platform allowed all participants to communicate and network.

11. SETTING GROUND RULES. One Summit guideline stated that no federal policymakers could speak on stage without being in dialogue with young people. Co-facilitation can be uneven due to personality differences and public speaking experience, particularly between a 16-year-old learning about federal housing programs and a U.S. HUD expert. Plenty of time is necessary to build confidence and rapport.

12. CHANGING HABITS AND ATTITUDES. The planning team held a training for representatives of all participating agencies on the concept of adultism and power dynamics. Another unlearn and relearn training focused on communication and messaging including shifting the deficit-oriented narrative to youth experiences and capabilities

Working with young people in a different way strengthens the agencies, and moving forward, they’re going to continue to use their experience to shape their work. – Shital Shah, Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships at the Department of Education

Policy Outcomes

At the end of the Summit and six months later, here are a few of the actions taken but there are dozens more specific policies.

All six agencies committed to stop using “vulnerable” and “at-risk” youth in policies and program materials. A list was created to retire other terms such as “delinquent” and “neglected” youth.

U.S. Department of Labor pledged to hire young people in local, state, and federal government not only to share ideas but to raise awareness about the Workforce Recruitment Program.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Labor Department launched a pilot program to 1) reconsider zero-tolerance policies that hinder employment and 2) create policies that provide substance abuse resources for young people.

Youth are experts in their own lived experiences. When we are given agency, wellbeing, belonging, purpose, meaning, and leadership within our federal government to express our voices, we are empoowered to bring these values to our peers as well. – Sriha Srinivasan

This Summit was underwritten by the Fund for Adolescent Science Translation (FAST) that includes the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Bezos Family Foundation, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Ford Foundation, The Hemera Foundation, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Hopelab, Pivotal Ventures, The Raikes Foundation, Spring Point Partners, The Seattle Foundation and The Stuart Foundation. FAST is dedicating $400K to support young leaders and organizations as a follow-up to this White House Summit.

The entire process of including young people at the federal level to this degree is unprecedented.

Please share your reactions and other examples of substantive and sustained youth engagement at the local, state, or federal level.

Resources

Cultivating Opportunities – Report about this “first-of-its-kind exchange” White House conference

Seek Common Ground – Nonprofit managing the Fund for Adolescent Science Translation (FAST) grants

Why Aren’t We Doing This! Collaborating with Minors in Major Ways – Shameless plug for the book I co-authored with 19-year-old Denise Webb

Credit: One of several graphic images generated at the Summit

How to Avoid Mistakes with Staff Who Work with Young People

Imagine this scenario: You’re preparing to deliver a presentation to the senior executive team or Board of Directors. You’re likely running through a practice session, making last-minute tweaks to your slides, and bracing for tough questions.

Now, picture a different audience—25 teenagers you are meeting to invite into a policy advocacy campaign. Beyond the logistical headaches, your attention shifts to designing the opening minutes to set everyone at ease and introducing the issue in a captivating way. Then comes the carefully planned yet flexible choreography of interactive activities, culminating in actionable next steps. Ideally, you would co-facilitate with a young person, dedicating ample preparation time to create a participatory atmosphere with the right balance of content and hands-on action.

Unlike a pitch to your colleagues, where even lukewarm reactions are manageable, presenting to teenagers can feel like performing as a comedian whose jokes fall flat.

As Crystal Oceja with Bridges USA and Stand for Children Tennessee explains:

“The adults approach you with no authoritative energy. They are very open. They are cool. They check in. They don’t force you to do anything.”

Skills Learned + Earned

Most professionals—especially policy experts—rarely interact with young people in their workplace. This disconnect often prevents them from fully appreciating the skills required to engage with youths. This gap in understanding extends to teachers, school counselors, social workers, YA librarians, and others. With over 70 million people under 18 in the U.S., only about 2.5 million individuals hold specialized degrees in youth work from higher education institutions.

The skills needed to work with young people are unique, distinct from those of parents or authority figures. Building trust and rapport at the initial make-or-break stage is crucial. It often requires embracing radical ideas and patiently discussing proposed programs, services, legislation—even those proven ineffective. One invaluable skill among these staff is what I call “a third ear.” This heightened listening skill goes beyond hearing, delving into curiosity and imagination, encouraging even the most timid young people to open up and share. It’s rare for such open dialogue to happen naturally, especially in intergenerational settings. One test is when young people laugh and joke alongside adults decades their senior, erasing hierarchical barriers.

Take Carolyn Cox, who runs a Medicaid-supported program in Washington that trains and pays young people to become certified peer counselors. One Board member aptly describes her unique talent:

“Carolyn creates this aura because young people know she really lets them be themselves, lets them feel, and lets them speak.”

Working with teenagers—whose primary job is school and who often juggle family responsibilities—requires artful agility. Consider a 16-year-old managing health issues while preparing for an interview with a reporter. The pressure of deadlines and anxiety might make them want to quit. Supporting them through such challenges takes patience, empathy, and flexibility.

How Not to Undermine These Specialists

One of the most challenging aspects of this work is the lack of appreciation and respect from colleagues and/or executives. I recall a senior writer at a major magazine once commenting that I looked like a camp counselor because of my neon orange t-shirt, which featured a design created by a 17-year-old for our nonprofit’s national (victorious) grassroots campaign. This dismissive remark stung, reflecting the pervasive attitude that do not value those who collaborate in the new level of co-piloting with teens.

Just as professionals must go the extra mile to gain the trust of young people, senior leaders should invest effort in understanding and recognizing the adults who work with them.

Plates are spinning in dozens of directions. For example, multiple campaigns involving hundreds of teens with the Kentucky Student Voice Team, which boasts impressive achievements in data analysis and policy advocacy. It’s co-founder and managing director Rachel Belin emphasizes that their co-designed work is “an art, not a science” and carries a “mental load” magnified by the actual and perceived legal liabilities of working with minors.

To recognize and respect these professionals, organizations can adopt intentional strategies, including

Allow flexible schedules to accommodate late afternoon and evening meetings, trainings, one-on-ones as well as weekend activities;
Assign a senior level staff person to act as a consistent liaison for those working directly with young people;
Seek technical assistance to help HR develop protocols for working with minors;
Include these employees who typically are low-level or junior staff in decision-making processes, validating their roles rather than sidelining them;
Consult these staff on how, not if, young people can be integrated into more organizational operations;
Ensure fair compensation for these youth specialists to reduce turnover and maintain the trust built with the youth cohort;
Encourage ongoing professional development through trainings, conferences, and networking opportunities that will help make youth representation the norm in nonprofits and government agencies.

At its core, the essence of this work is simple yet profound: genuine R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Share Your Experiences + More Info

Photo Credit: UP for Learning

Voting Rights Victory Lessons

When only 3 percent of voters cast ballots in the nonpartisan local school board elections, that’s a failing grade. This negligible turnout in Newark, New Jersey means the top education decision makers have little reason to listen and respond to their constituents. And there is another systemic problem. How many adults – including parents – have a deep understanding of what’s happening inside the schools? Certainly teachers do, but students have firsthand knowledge about curricula and testing, as well as nonacademic problems such as freezing classrooms and school lockdowns.

Two students from different high schools, Yenjay Hu and Anjali Krishnamurti, discovered they had the same idea that those who spend over 36 hours a week in the classrooms deserve to weigh in on decisions made by their school board. They connected online through Generation Citizen’s Vote16USA and soon they co-founded Vote16NJ. This initiative is a major step beyond a single nonvoting student representative on a school board that is often viewed as a token position.

Meanwhile, Micauri Vargas, Associate Counsel of the Democracy & Justice Program with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice was contacted by Vote16NJ and that is how she learned about this student-led initiative. She then began her legal analysis that determined solid State Constitutional footing to expand voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds for local school board elections.

Building an interGEN Coalition

Vargas, who describes herself as a “junior attorney” got the green light to work on this campaign even though there was no specific funding allocation. Typical of many legislative campaigns, the behind-the-scenes work can be slow but once the stars align, immediate action is needed before the political universe changes. While the NJ Institute, NAACP and other orgs worked their connections, Vargas kept in frequent contact with Vote16NJ and also connected with other local youth-serving organizations to broaden the faces of this movement.

Lowering the voting age to 16 is one of the best issues to consider how you view teens and their competence. Everyone who does this 15-minute exercise debating the pros and cons and shares how their thinking evolved with me via text (301-785-1702) or wendy@youthinfusion.org will get a FREE copy of our 160-page book,“WHY AREN’T WE DOING THIS! COLLABORATING WITH MINORS IN MAJOR WAYS,” coauthored by 19 year-old Denise Webb.

Three years later, 12th grader Hu describes the unanimous vote by the Newark City Council as “surreal” and knows the legal expertise and political connections of this intergenerational coalition were essential. Often, organizations keep the non professionals on the sidelines but Krishnamurti , now 18, grins while describing Vargas as

“absolutely amazing…she genuinely wants the voices of young people and views us as equals and as her colleagues.”

Micauri Vargas describes the student activists as

“my partners and that there is a mutual teaching element but there is a difference if they have not entered the working world.”

The easy rapport and frequent exchanges (Zooms and informal meetings) provided the on ramp for “tough conversations” ranging from strategic moves such as who is standing on the podium. This campaign reveals the predictably complex dynamics between teen activists who have a handful of free hours each week and professionals who devote many hours a day and how youths and adults alike successfully navigate the steep learning curve.

With voting rights under attack, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice could have decided not to prioritize youth suffrage but recognized Vote16 builds lifelong habits of civic engagement and extends representation to those directly impacted. Anjali Krishnamurti says “It took a lot of courage for them and I remember Micauri thanking the NJISJ CEO for ‘believing in me and to take this leap of faith.’”

The upcoming school board election is fast approaching. Implementation of this city ordinance will require all hands-on-deck with legal experts working on registration and ballots along with young activists, teachers and community-based organizations co-creating plans so that 7,000 students become aware of their eligibility to vote. This historic win may cause older voters to be more aware of this election and increase turnout above the abysmal 3 percent. This interGEN coalition represents the powerful impact when people of all ages work together to confront the challenges of today and tomorrow.

A Few More Takeaways

Create coalitions that always include young people
Students in the 9th and 10th grades are an ideal age because they have years – not a few months – to organize and advocate
Be intentional about recruiting young people from all backgrounds to ensure broader representation
Junior level staff need the support of senior leadership
1:1 meetings keep young people in the loop and avoid misunderstandings
Everyone’s knowledge is respected, regardless of age or background.

Extra Info

Join our LinkedIn Group to participate in this and other conversations!

Courtroom interGEN Camaraderie

How often does a lawsuit with 16 plaintiffs between the ages of 5 to 22 get noticed? News outlets from CNN to the front page of The Washington Post signal the historic nature of a trial centering on the climate crisis. The ruling prioritizes a child-first orientation and human rights obligation reflecting the Constitution of the State of Montana that “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations”.

U.S. District Court Judge Kathy Seeley in her 103-page decision found that

“young Montana residents have experienced past and ongoing injuries resulting from the State’s failure to consider [greenhouse gas emissions] and climate change, including injuries to their physical and mental health, homes and property, recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic interests, tribal and cultural traditions, economic security, and happiness.”

If upheld by the Montana Supreme Court, it will reverse a recently passed state law that prohibits state agencies from considering the impact of global warming and pollution during the permit process for fossil fuel projects.

Eva, one of the plaintiffs, says

“I’m so speechless right now. I’m really just excited and elated and thrilled. I cannot believe the ruling. I’m just so relieved. I feel so grateful to have worked with every single person who has been involved in this. Everybody from Our Children’s Trust is just amazing. They’re all so wonderful. And I have so much love and appreciation for the other youth plaintiffs because they’re just so fantastic and such wonderful people. And we together have done this amazing thing and it’s just so wonderful.”

The camaraderie evident between the attorneys and other young plaintiffs also is happening now in Hawaii, Utah, Virginia and other states. This rare courtroom collaboration is captured in the superb Youth v. Gov documentary about the pending Federal youth-led lawsuit. Check out of our blog from a year ago that highlights two candid moments in the film which showcase genuine intergenerational interdependence. These clips will make your heart sing!

Learn more:

Vital Responses to “Youth Voices”

How decision makers can go the extra mile by listening to those under age 18 and then take action.

Community listening sessions and summits held by policymakers can provide valuable clues about systemic problems and generate pragmatic remedies. If ideas receive a perfunctory thank you and no followup discussion occurs, the lack of response can cement cynicism.

“Youth voice” is today’s mantra for encouraging teens to speak up but this high school student expresses deep frustration felt by many aspiring change agents.

“I think the biggest challenge we face is not being heard. I have encountered adults who ask us what is wrong or what do you need, and they say ‘I hear you.’ But they don’t do anything. It’s a fake presence. It’s fake love. ‘I’m here for you,’ but not really”. – Keyon Williams, Anacostia High School
Source: Whose responsible for D.C. violence? Ask the youths closest to it. Courtland Milloy, Washington Post 1/17/23

Decision makers have a tough job being responsive to the multitude of grievances and solutions offered by people from all walks of life. The powers-that-be have to go the extra mile to keep the dialogue going with people under age 18 because most of these non-voters don’t see the value in sharing their insights because their ideas are not valued.

Premeditated Inclusion!

Intentional commitments and accountability are essential to replace performative acts of youth engagement. This is new and not easy. We are watching events unfold in Rhode Island with the hope that this time serious and sustained collaboration with public school students happens. Specific advice is noted below that is relevant to any adult-run organization that is ready to engage in radical inclusion with those most impacted and furthest from power.

The newly elected Mayor Brett Smiley pledged to address the ongoing crisis of the Providence Public School District that continues to be under state control. During his first week in office, he held a three-hour education listening session. This forum can be seen on the UPriseRI channel.

Smiley’s opening remarks thanked parents, teachers, advocates and many policymakers for participating in this event. Make sure to mention the primary stakeholders – those who spend 35 hours a week in the classroom.

Following breakout sessions, each group reported highlights of their discussion. Often at many public hearings where decision makers look at their cell phones, engage in side conversations or leave the room. Mayor Smiley appeared attentive during the presentations by Jayliana and Kim, two high school students pictured above.

Several Recommendations

MENTAL HEALTH – redirect the funds earmarked for police in schools to provide more support for counselors

ADA – install ramps in schools and do not require a doctor’s note for a student to use an elevator

AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING – provide stipends and advertise these opportunities

DISTRICT-WIDE STUDENT COUNCIL – identify and address disparities and “center youth voices, reach out to youth and tell them that we’re here to listen”

The friendly MC for this first event held by the Mayor praised the students for sticking to the time limit and urged the other breakout groups to follow their example. Not a single word was uttered by anyone on stage about the substance of the issues they raised. Decision makers have to go out of their way to prove they are listening and hearing what young people are saying and then they must promise to wrestle with those ideas. Students, who decide to invest their time and expertise, have to be met with genuine respect and open minds.

Prior to this Education Workshop, the Mayor received a letter of demands by the Providence Student Union. One might think this youth-led advocacy organization would have given up on the powers-that-be and they even use the words “multi-generational collaboration.”

We at the Providence Student Union believe in multi-generational collaboration. Improving our school system cannot come at the expense of those currently attending these spaces every day and cannot happen without working together with those who hold various roles in our community.
Providence Student Union letter to Mayor Brett Smiley

Will the Mayor and his administration commit to a timetable?

Will he announce concrete steps to put in place a structure in response to these two specific proposals for a district-wide student council and a working group with all stakeholders?

Will students be involved in designing how these groups will operate?

Will there be dedicated staff to communicate and convene regularly with these groups?

Will there be workshops where the adults and students create norms that ensure everyone shares the mic and is on an equal footing?

Heed the advice of this recent Providence Public School District graduate who is one of my best teachers:

Why do adults ask us to be open-minded when they don’t rethink what they believe? – Milly Asherov, Classical High School Class of 2022 and long-term leader with the Providence Student Union

Please Share How You Are Going the Extra Mile!

Additional Reading

Climate Conference No Longer Childless

What can a small organization or mammoth institution learn from the massive youth-propelled climate action movement that demands real decision-making participation?

At the COP27 in Egypt, young climate activists continue to fight efforts to be co-opted [pun intended] by token inclusion by the bloated United Nations bureaucracy. But other advocates have been demanding an inside track and this year’s global conference marks the first time that youth have an official platform.

The new Children and Youth Pavilion is similar to mega-booths by countries to exhibit their green priorities and engage prominent government leaders in policy discussions.

This structural change can be traced to the Paris Agreement Article 12 Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) which demands countries must empower people to be part of the solution to the climate crisis.

One of the key negotiators believes their Children and Youth Pavilion lays the foundation and “acknowledges power” but she is not naive.

Politicians coming to this space taking photos — not necessarily taking the time to ask what’s going on — are an example of what happens in negotiations when you come to COP.

Halley Campbell, Co-Lead ACE

The uncompromising climate strikers outside COP27 including protestors from the Global South undoubtedly pushed the powers-that-be to provide insider status to what might be described as a more compliant group of young activists.

“We need to create a mechanism of interaction.”
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

This reckoning and commitment signal the verdict that adult-run institutions must end the automatic exclusion of an entire segment of the population – especially those under age 18.

Scale, Strategic Savvy + Staying Power

Since the youngest generations rank the climate crisis among their top concerns and they will be impacted for many more years than any other age group, here is one trend line. The scale of their global network, their strategic savvy, and their staying power affirm this seismic shift.

Youth “Competence” is a Game Changer suggests that when adults learn about the civic leadership of individual young people, their attitudes replace tired stereotypes with more positive opinions of Generation Z.

Notice this term appears in this June 2022 article, Climate Competence: Youth Climate Activism and Its Impact on International Human Rights Law.

Children and young people have demonstrated in the sphere of climate activism extraordinary competence in relation to climate science, online activism and media communication . . .They are shifting the human-centric, highly procedural arena of international human rights law towards an approach which better encompasses person-environment connections.
Professor Aoife Daly, University College Cork, Ireland

The Children and Youth Pavilion at COP27 has its own magnetic field that introduces new ways of interacting with people of all ages and positions of power. This intergenerational synergy offers clues to any organization that recognizes this is a win-win for full-scale problem solving.

Additional Resources:

Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)
Boost Your Org’s Talent Pool
Climate Competence: Youth Climate Activism and Its Impact on International Human Rights Law
Climate Youth Negotiators Programme
COP27 – UN Climate Change Conference
Leading Thinkers Rely on Young Minds
Pew Research Center – Gen Z, Millennials Stands Out for Climate Change
YOUNGO – Youth Constituency of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

Are You trying to figure out how to build the structures to infuse Teens in your organization? Reach out to US!

Youth Civic Engagement Surges Outside the Classroom

Teens are leapfrogging over old modes of civic participation which translates into an opportunity for organizations to collaborate with this rising generation.

With the start of a new school year, it’s the norm for students to advocate for change in the real world – outside of school. This snapshot of the past two decades reveals this trend away from the classroom. These trends are relevant for community-based groups and coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to collaborate with this rising generation of problem solvers.

Estimates of youth civic engagement – which is challenging to describe and define – hover around 25 percent, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement. The figure is lower for young people of color and those living in rural areas, which may be closer to the level of participation by many other age groups.

Twenty-Year Trends and Where They Lead

TRADITIONAL VOLUNTEERISM – Established activities such as clothing drives and “Make A Difference” campaigns remain popular, reflected by the movement popularized by Thousand Points of Light.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS – Propelled by passage of the federal law establishing the Corporation for National Service, high schools began to integrate community service into the K-12 curriculum in the late 1990s.
“SERVICE LEARNING” – Some states require students to perform a certain number of hours in order to graduate. In many school districts, a student’s project monitoring stream pollution or volunteering at a shelter may lead to sustained community involvement.
“ACTION CIVICS”– Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the first two states to enact legislation mandating civics for graduation that ask school districts to encourage student-initiated real world projects.
YOUTH JOURNALISTS – Before cell phones, cheap disposable cameras proved to be a powerful tool. Organizations like Critical Exposure introduced “photovoice” where students document the good, the bad and the ugly in their schools and neighborhoods.
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS – When cell phones with cameras arrived, the digital revolution crowded out many traditional volunteer activities and accelerated the movement towards “teen power” and “agents of change.” Social media platforms enabled young people to operate outside school-sanctioned activities.
EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS – The growth in volunteerism and activism has led to dozens of clubs at large high schools, many of which experiment with non-hierarchical structures unlike traditional organizations such as student government. To increase their autonomy, some students move off campus to pursue their projects and campaigns.
YOUTH-LED, ADULT-SUPPORTED ACTIVITIES – Steady growth continues among local community-based organizations to promote positive youth development and provide many opportunities for aspiring change makers.
AUTONOMOUS YOUTH-DRIVEN CAMPAIGNS – Another path is those teens, who regard their school culture or a community-based organization as too confining or hierarchical, strike out on their own. Real world action is overtaking mock leadership programs that have been around for many decades. With the constant development of new digital tools, many teens are leapfrogging over old modes of participation and inventing new ways to exercise their civic muscle.

Gen Z will lead a resurgence of civic participation. If there is a single difference between millennials and the next generation, it is this: zoomers are not waiting on anything or anyone; they are going to force the issue. They will make the change happen – by themselves, if necessary… In a world of competing priorities, engaging the youth of the developing nations today on common values and issues – like justice, climate, and liberty – is paramount, so that the world in 2050 remains safe and prosperous for the US and its allies.
John Della Volpe, FIGHT: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America (St. Martin’s Press, 2022)

Another clue of this trend 0f teen civic leadership beyond the school walls is 20 Years of Youth Power: The 2020 National Field Scan. This report shows that 70 percent of organizations surveyed identify as “intergenerational.” One explanation for this trend is an increasing number of adult-run organizations that serve children are heeding the call of “Nothing About Us Without Us” and engaging with their beneficiaries and youngest constituents.

Other reasons for thIS SURGE . . .

Teens who have participated in “entirely youth-led campaigns,” often for 4-6 years, decide to see if they can achieve more impact by teaming up with adult-run organizations and coalitions.
Camaraderie can blossom naturally because frontline and mid-level staff, who became civically active as teens and remember being ignored, tokenized or controlled by older folks, want to stop this cycle and know the value of including teens into the heart of an organization.
Nonprofits and government agencies operate youth advisory councils, internships and one-off projects which serve as a pipeline for these teens to continue to advance in different capacities within these organizations.

Students are working side-by-side with adults to identify and address issues, empowering other underserved students in the process. At this point students co-designing and co-creating. Equity and justice are prioritized and intergenerational partnerships are at the core of the work being done.
Pragya Upreti, Kentucky Student Voice Team and podcast perspective

These trends represent an opportunity for organizations and agencies to expand their outreach to the entire community by collaborating “with” teens as peers. Having grown up prioritizing diversity and inclusion, many Gen Zers possess unique skills to recruit marginalized and underrepresented youth. This paradigm shift requires radical anti-ageist mindsets by all age groups but the onus is on senior staff to adapt necessary policies and practices to make the organizational culture that respects teen know-how and perspectives.

Youth “Competence” is Game Changer

New research demonstrates when adults learn about the civic involvement of individual young people, their attitudes inch towards more positive opinions about Generation Z.

The 2020 elections during the height of COVID caused many older poll workers not to volunteer which led more states to lower the minimum age to 16 to fill this critical role. Digital skills and sharp eyesight are among the many benefits for opening up this civic opportunity to teens (more about this trend is described in my 2020 Youth Infusion blog).

It is surprising that teens – who typically are stereotyped as unreliable and untrustworthy – hold these positions, especially at this horrifying time with concerted efforts to delegitimize and ambush the election process.

In contrast to many politicians and media outlets reigniting the juvenile Superpredator myth, a new study by the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland reveals a promising shift in adult attitudes.

When Americans hear messages about the competence of the young people in their communities – especially when they learn that 16 and 17 year olds serve as election workers — support for including them in our democracy jumps ever higher.
Professor Mike Hanmer and Sam Novey, Government and Politics Department, University of Maryland.

This groundbreaking research demonstrates when adults learn about the civic involvement of individual young people, their attitudes inch towards more positive opinions about Generation Z. Instead of solid opposition to expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds, dare I say this data may signal that some older folks can be influenced to open their minds.

When respondents were prompted to think about the competence of the young people in their community, support for lowering the voting age jumped from just over ⅓ of respondents to nearly half of respondents.

The adage “Democracy is not a spectator sport” holds more meaning than ever. It is incumbent on adults to learn more about Vote16 campaigns across our country and talk with teens. My Youth Voice Plus Youth Vote TEDx as well as a prior blog, along with the resources below, provide additional background. Don’t be surprised that many young people have internalized the negative stereotypes about their generation and their initial reaction is similar to adults who oppose lowering the voting age.

On November 8, 2022 voters in Culver City, CA will decide whether to extend voting rights to 16-year-olds in municipal elections. If you lived in this Los Angeles suburb, how would you cast your ballot?

Additional ResourCes:

It is up to adults to move from exclusion of minors to inclusion of this prized segment of the population. Share your thoughts and questions with us!

Boost Your Org’s Talent Pool

Two film clips will challenge your thinking about the impact of intergenerational teamwork!

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez was in his mid-teens when his speech in Washington, DC to protest construction of the Keystone Pipeline XL captivated my attention. Now age 21, he has built his own leadership pipeline, as youth director of Earth Guardians and acclaimed hip hop artist. It is no surprise this multi-talented activist is one of the youth plaintiffs in a landmark climate lawsuit.

This pending case claims the federal government’s actions “violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty and property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources.”

This is a trailer for Youth v Gov, a documentary on Netflix.

In the new documentary Youth v Gov on Netflix, you will meet 20 other plaintiffs who joined this case back in 2018. Each individual has gained a repertoire of talents, for example, the youngest plaintiff Levi, now 14, appeared on 60 Minutes.

Many teens get involved trying ‘to right a wrong’ as very young children. Many start volunteering in their community or do a service-learning project which can lead to what I describe as the pistachio nut habit: once you get a taste for activism, you want to do more.

Idealism and impatience — traits that fade with age — lead young people to test dozens of ways to recruit diverse allies, promote their cause, build coalitions, present effective testimony to elected officials, etc. Real world hands-on learning is remarkable and fast.

Truly a Win-Win

Civic spark plugs like Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (pictured above at the podium outside the US Supreme Court) have mind-boggling skills. But each of the other plaintiffs contribute unique talents that accrue at a phenomenal clip. Each experience, including legal setbacks, fuels new learning and strategic thinking that benefit the cause.

The impact of intergenerational interdependence on older people deserves more attention. Youth v Gov reveals how younger minds oxygenate and augment adult-run organizations. Watch these two short clips from the documentary.

Can you imagine this level of intergenerational camaraderie at a future retreat of your organization? (Cue to 10:30 – 13:26)
Can you visualize the senior leadership team being so energized by their collaboration with a solid cadre of young colleagues? (Cue to 1:27:39 – 1:28:18)

No Attrition or Burnout

One common concern is that it’s not worth collaborating with young people because they will move on within a few months. Often the opposite is true. Genuine respect, authentic collaboration, and new dynamic opportunities increase the odds for long-term commitment.

It’s been seven years since filing Juliana v. United States by Our Children’s Trust. The staying power of these 21 plaintiffs persists. Adversity often strengthens resolve.

Recently the four plaintiffs from Florida initiated a statewide petition for renewable energy that resulted in a proposed regulation that was announced last month at a news conference with two of these activists. Many of these individuals are building their own leadership pipelines that will last a lifetime.

UPDATE West Virginia v. EPA decision:

Our Children’s Trust issued a news release on 6/30/22 that the US Supreme Court’s ruling to limit the Environmental Protection Agency regulatory authority over carbon dioxide pollution does not affect its federal or state youth-led climate lawsuits.

If anything, today’s ruling further demonstrates how important these children’s constitutional climate lawsuits are to address the deadly effects of our government-sanctioned fossil fuel-based energy system.

Photo Credit: Our Children’s Trust

Please share your thoughts and also let us know how your organization is infusing the youngest generations in its work. Call 301-785-1702 or contact us!

Avoiding Roadblocks with Youth

Teens join an academic research team in creating survey questions that so far have generated over 350,000 responses.

Intergenerational Symbiosis?!?

Check out this innovative organization that succeeds at circumventing roadblocks that stop many nonprofits and agencies from pursuing substantive and sustained collaboration with those under age 18.

One of those onerous challenges that I personally dealt with in graduate school was to get approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to interview students about their experiences participating and advocating for restorative practices. An effective way to avoid this obstacle is to be explicit that young people are sharing their opinions, perspectives and ideas, not revealing their personal experiences. Because activities are determined to be of minimal risk to minors, no parent/guardian consent is required as in the case of this powerhouse organization.

Associate Professor Tammy Chang at University of Michigan founded My Voice National Poll of Youth, a text-message platform that surveys youth and communities typically “invisible” to researchers.

Dr. Chang includes teens on the academic research team to develop questions through an iterative writing and piloting process. “A reason why you have youth is because adults – including me as a physician – might think it is totally normal to ask a question but it could be really disturbing or damaging.” Her team is intentional in its participant pool: “We are not trying to get all student council presidents and valedictorians and that is why we use SMS that’s accessible to all.”

One of her colleagues, 17-year-old Abby Frank, describes her role.

I’m involved in the entire data collection process, brainstorming questions, coding responses, discussing outcomes and implications of research with the entire team…They are flexible and always ask what time frame works for my schedule. If I miss a meeting, I let them know in advance and then get caught up on what was discussed.

In addition to carefully vetted questions that resonate with Gen Z, participants understand the big picture which is why over 350,000 responses have been generated so far.

REAL WORLD PURPOSE. Clear explanation of why: “Our research team uses your responses to inform policymakers and community leaders in real-time about the needs and priorities of youth.”
AUTHENTICITY VALUED. “Tell us what you really think!”
CLEAR EXPECTATIONS. Respond via text to 2-5 questions each week for 12 weeks in a row on a given topic
CONFIDENTIALITY. All responses anonymous
COMPENSATION. Gift cards
FEEDBACK LOOP. Share summaries of opinions and interesting findings
NEW EXPERIENCES. Continually offer unique opportunities

We create lots of opportunities. Get as many young people on our team – the answer is always YES! If they can come to one meeting or 100 meetings, every time they engage we are always learning something new. The secret sauce with My Voice is they understand our whole goal to uplift their voices in the spirit of generosity, trust, mutual respect.
– Dr. Tammy Chang

The ongoing interactions and obvious rapport between this visionary leader and her younger colleagues are part of the magic. Dr. Chang makes intergenerational symbiosis look easy and actually, it is. After all, everyone regardless of age brings unique skills that have the potential to be inclusive, intergenerational and impactful as long as all of us are open and willing to figure out how to circumvent the age-based roadblocks.

Category: Government