Our Take: Youth Perspectives on Engaging in Democracy

Young people have valuable experiences and perspectives about civic life and democratic participation. Youth's first-hand knowledge and expertise of the motivations and barriers that shape their generation's civic engagement should be at the center of all conversations, efforts, and strategies to strengthen young people's participation.

CIRCLE's Our Take series of analyses and commentary from young leaders brings their voices to the forefront. This year, we asked four young people to reflect on how they see our findings about young people's reasons for voting and about their trust (or lack thereof) in institutions playing out in their own communities. Their writing takes on diverse topics like the role of local organizations in building trust, the civic potential of lowering the voting age to 16, the role of community connections in a world of influencers, and how indigenous values and practices can support the civic engagement of native youth.

We appreciate these four young leaders for sharing their expertise with us, and we encourage scholars and practitioners to incorporate their insights into civic engagement programs and practices.