American democracy needs the passion and energy young people bring to the table today more than ever. Youth turnout in 2020 hit an all time high. The question is how do we keep this momentum going? This series will examine why we all - especially younger citizens - can and should lead rich civic lives and actively engage in public life.
While political discourse has become toxic and political sectarianism has increased, democracy is about citizens having input in the crafting of public policy decisions. At its best, democracy includes many voices. With more than eight million 18 and 19 year olds joining the eligible voting pool in 2022, younger voters have even more power to make change.
The question is how are they using it. Join us as we examine these issues with the input of young citizens, political actors, activists, and academics, to understand how young people are flexing their civic muscles and what we all can do to save our democracy.
With the 2022 midterms in the rearview mirror, we look at the results to help us understand what is to come. What role did the threat to the stability of American democracy play for young voters? What about the urban/rural divide? And issues like abortion? The anticipated “red wave” didn’t materialize and President Biden’s low approval ratings were de-linked from voting intensity; especially among young voters, who appeared motivated by policy questions. Incumbent senators, governors and House members overwhelmingly won re-election. Biden beat the “midterm curse” and in key races, the youth vote was critical. What are top things to watch for in 2023?
Join us as we hear from a political strategist, a turnout expert, young people, activists and officeholders, from across the political and geographic spectrum to examine what happened, why it matters, and what the implications may be.
Gen-Z’s civic engagement is loud, visible on the streets and viral on social media. They are engaged, worried about big issues and increasingly discontent with incremental or no progress in addressing them. The question is whether this energy will translate into votes? How do advocacy groups and political parties recruit young people? Some use aggressive tactics and build on anger. Some tap into passion for an issue or partisan identity. Others stay above the fray and appeal to a sense of civic responsibility and extol the power of voting. Who’s listening to all these different messages and why? No matter the rate at which young people turn out to the polls, they will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2022 midterms.
Join our panelists as we discuss the methods being used to engage young people and harness their power, while at the same time fostering a healthy civic culture.
What brings young people to the streets, engage in advocacy, and go to the voting booth? Despite widespread disillusionment with “establishment politics” and skepticism about the power to make change, increasing numbers of young organizers and activists are making their voices heard. Some tactics are familiar to traditional campaigns, but some tactics are innovative and fresh. We’ll sit down with some of these young leaders to hear their stories about what motivates them to action and explore some of the tactics and strategies they are branding with their unique generational stamp. Join us!
Historically one of the groups of voters who do not turn out are young people. This holds true across partisan, regional, religious and other differences. Our first discussion examines the reasons why there is low voter turnout and considers other forms of participation. How do Millenials and Gen Z’ers see their civic role in their communities? How are they reimagining and reshaping what it means to be involved and engaged? We take a deep dive to examine youth engagement in public affairs.
Join the conversation with Milos Gringlas, Associatem Generation Citizen, Nancy Thomas, Director of the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Mia Payne, Peer Facilitator at YVote and Syeeda Rahman, Suffolk University Political Science Student.
The conversation will be moderated by Katie Lannan, GBH News State House reporter.
