The familiar adage, “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” certainly holds true now, during epic crises that are impacting every sector. Yet the majority of people from every generation remain on the sidelines. Rarely does turnout in midterm elections climb above 50 percent.
The diversity of Gen Z makes it problematic to generalize about their civic participation, but there are clear signs of more young people turning cynicism into mobilizing. [Refer to previous post: The Generation That Refuses to Wait}Won’t Wait] Throughout history, young activists have tended to organize within their own age groups for many reasons. Young people guard their independence and rightfully fear being slowed, restrained, or co-opted by older generations.
Alongside autonomous youth-led organizing, there is a complementary approach. It is similar to the strategy of needing both insiders and outsiders challenging the status quo. This includes a slice of aspiring young changemakers who are willing to trust and collaborate with older advocates. Too often, however, they are expected to conform to entrenched rituals and serve as rubber stamps rather than contribute radical new approaches.
“Having one-to-one support and continual learning opportunities in partnership with adults have been really amazing… When we find ways to truly bring young folks in as full partners, magic happens.”
— Evelyn Monje, first high school student hired as Youth Specialist with UP for Learning
Gradually, a promising trend is emerging. More local governments and nonprofits recognize that they must adapt and change their organizational structures to create cultures where young people can do what they do best: turn the world on its head and pursue bold directions aimed at transformative and systemic change.
If community leaders and policymakers genuinely seek new ideas from much younger minds, the information featured in “Top 25 Must-Have Free Youth Infusion Resources” is especially relevant. Three categories of resources are included in this free publication.
TRENDS & SURVEYS
- Gen Z Civic Pulse Vibe reveals that young people actively discuss issues—not only online. Another survey confirms widespread distrust of government and national organizations, and shows that this age group rarely feels respected for its views
- One of the most powerful messages comes from Made By Us: “Invite Us to help fix what’s broken!”
- Another trend: Participation is getting young —starting at age 14 and up.
ADULT ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS
More than a dozen resources in this collection signal a real shift beyond token roles and photo-ops. A growing number of city governments are embracing the value of “non-expert expertise.” Another highlights the importance of “youth foresight.”
You’ll also find the yellow caution-tape on the flier, “If You See a Teen…”—both funny and instructive. Other resources emphasize principles such as “personal connection before collaboration” and “cash, not compliments.”
Young people in rural America offer a blunt warning to national organizations: don’t parachute in with prepackaged action plans.
INTERGENERATIONAL CAMPAIGNS
Check out five campaigns working to end youth exclusion—largely ignored by legacy and many young people are unaware of these movements.
- Expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds in local elections
- Generating Youth Impact Assessments
- Codifying Children’s Cabinet Youth Representation
- Co-creating interGEN Mental Health Corps
- Suing states by young plaintiffs to protect the climate
Youth Infusion 