In a world where global challenges are becoming increasingly complex and protracted, young people need to be active and engaged in resolving the major challenges of today. Driving youth civic engagement is paramount in a year where more than 50 states are holding elections.
When young people are civically engaged, politics become more just and equitable for everyone, as they can bring unique perspectives on various policy topics and be an inexhaustible source of energy and passion for change. Young people often experience their local community’s issues first-hand and are generally on the front lines of addressing them. Communities – and by extension, countries – are stronger and more resilient when youth are civically engaged.
If young people are the next generation of leaders, then it is imperative that they have avenues for meaningful civic engagement now – particularly this year, when the fate of global politics – and peace – hangs in the balance.
Questions to be discussed include:
- How can we create meaningful opportunities for youth to be civically engaged?
- How do we bridge the gap between creating opportunities for youth civic engagement and ensuring that these are meaningful?
- What are other ways in which young people can be civically engaged outside of formal elections?
