Youth Vote 2024: Benefits of Youth Civic Engagement

Source: www.urge.org

By Sam Piha

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth. But these opportunities require input from youth and staff, organizing and planning- so start program planning NOW! This blog is an excerpt from our recently released briefing paper entitled, How Can Afterschool Programs Promote Civic Engagement and the Youth Vote in 2024.

Research and experience tell us that involving young people in civic engagement and activism activities brings benefits to youth participants. Benefits are also accrued by the organizational partners and the larger community, as well as adult program staff. 

“In economically distressed communities who are the targets of structural racism, we have seen how youth benefit from the opportunity to reflect critically on the world — to ask questions and denaturalize what feels like “normal” by visiting neighboring communities and imagine radical futures and the opportunity to generate solutions through policies or public narratives. These experiences contribute to a sense of agency and belonging that prepares young people to navigate the world with confidence and critical analysis; in some cases it can also offer a context for “healing” that involves personal and social transformation.” [i]

“Benefits of Civic Engagement and Activism for Youth Participants

• Helps them make new friends and contacts and increases their social and relationship skills
• Helps them build social capital
• Increases self-confidence and promotes a positive sense of agency and empowerment
• Combats depression and helps them stay physically healthy
• Supports healing from trauma
• Opportunities to serve others and give back to the community
• Prepares them for leadership roles
• Opens their minds to new ideas and people
• Fuels passion and purpose
• Teaches collaboration
• Brings fun and fulfillment to their lives
• The happiness effect: Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated
• Learn valuable job skills and can offer career experience
• Increases connection to the community
• More likely to remain civically engaged as adults.” [ii]

How is youth engagement in elections and voting good for the community? 
According to Chat GPT, “Youth engagement in elections and voting is beneficial for the community in several ways: 

1. Representation: When young people participate in elections, their voices and perspectives are represented in the political process. 
2. Policy Influence: Increased youth engagement can lead to the prioritization of issues that are important to young people, such as education, employment opportunities, climate change, and social justice. Elected officials are more likely to address these issues and implement policies that benefit young people when they see them actively participating in the electoral process.
3. Civic Education and Participation: Engaging in the electoral process encourages young people to become more informed about political issues and candidates. It also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and encourages them to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and society as a whole.
4. Long-Term Impact: Encouraging youth engagement in elections establishes a habit of voting that can last a lifetime. Research has shown that individuals who vote in their first few elections are more likely to continue voting in subsequent elections throughout their lives. 
5. Social Cohesion: When different age groups within a community actively participate in elections and voting, it can promote social cohesion and a sense of unity. 
6. Accountability of Leaders: When young people participate in elections, they hold elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions.

Overall, youth engagement in elections and voting is essential for a healthy democracy and contributes to the overall well-being of the community by ensuring diverse representation, influencing policy decisions, fostering civic education and participation, and promoting accountability and social cohesion.” [iii] 

Source: Center for Tech and Civic Life

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE
Below are some resources that may be useful. NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list, as there are many program resources on the topic, some of which are detailed in our paper, Youth Civic Engagement and Activism in Expanded Learning Programs. You can view previous LIAS blogs on this topic here. You can also view a recent recording of our webinar we conducted on this topic here.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT FOCUS ON YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ELECTIONS

• Youth Voter Movement
• When We All Vote
• 2024 My School Votes Ambassadors Program
• Rock the Vote
• The Civics Center
• Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)
• Afterschool Alliance
• News Literacy Project
• The VOICE Project 
• Vote.org
• Next Gen America 
• Kids Voting USA
• Alliance for Youth Action
• Vote America
• Turnout Nation
• Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity
• Next Generation Politics

 

TOOLKITS AND OTHER RESOURCES

• Rock the Vote Democracy Class
• The Civics Center- Bringing Voter Registration to Your School
• Afterschool Alliance Election Toolkit
• Crossing the Divide- Conversations for a Brighter Future
• Center for Tech and Civic Life

 

ARTICLES/REPORTS

• Growing Voters: 18 Ways Youth Under 18 Can Contribute to Elections 
• The Civics Center- Bringing Voter Registration to your School
• Ed Week- Michelle Obama Wants to Train Teachers to Help Students Vote
• New York Times- Election 2020: 11 Ways to Engage Students from Now Until November

VIDEOS 

• Beyond the Broadcast: Covering the 2024 elections
• How Can We Get More Young People to Vote?
• Why Should Young People Vote?
• Countering the Top Excuses Young People Give for Not Voting
• "My Vote Will Count" - YelloPain ft. Sevyn Streeter
• Our Time is Now: CA Pre-Registration PSA
• What would get young people to vote? These teens have some ideas.
• Kids Voting at Manatee Bay Elementary
• Kids Voting in Francis Howell School District

END NOTES

[i] Sam Piha & Samantha Fasen, Youth Civic Engagement and Activism in Expanded Learning Programs

[ii] IBID.

[iii] Chat GPT, How is youth engagement in elections and voting good for the community?

UPCOMING WEBINAR:

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth in civic engagement. But these opportunities require input from youth, organizing and planning- so start program planning early because there is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change than through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service.”

This webinar will review the benefits of youth engagement in the elections and what programs can do to encourage youth involvement and voting. We will also talk about how to involve youth in voter registration and determine what news is reliable and which is misinformation. We will also talk about how youth who are under 18 and unable to vote can be involved.

To learn more and register, click here.

The Importance of Arts Education in Afterschool

Source: Oakland Leaf

For several years there has been an on-going decline in the funding for arts education in schools which we have been discussing as a major problem. (See previous LIAS blogs on art here.)

Afterschool programs are perfectly positioned to fill this gap. Below, we offer 2 guest blogs from Oakland Leaf on the importance of creativity and arts education.

Oakland Leaf Afterschool Program Manager on The Power of Creative Arts Education

By Guest Blogger, Jonathan Higgenbotham, Bret Harte Middle School Afterschool Program Manager. (This blog was originally published on Oakland Leaf.)

Middle school can be tough on self-esteem. Social comparison becomes more intense and can lead to feelings of unworthiness that affect everything from healthy decision-making to academic performance. When I was in middle school, participation in team sports boosted my confidence and kept me on a positive path. As the manager of an afterschool program with a strong emphasis on the visual arts, I have had the opportunity to observe how creative pursuits can have a similar transformative impact on a young person’s life. 

Source: Oakland Leaf 

At the beginning of the school year, after more than a year of remote learning, most of our afterschool program students experienced some degree of social anxiety or awkwardness. A handful of students, however, suffered much more intensely than others. I remember one of our students, an only child who had virtually no contact with other kids while school campuses were closed, was extremely insecure and struggled to communicate or even make eye contact with his peers.

He flourished in our visual arts classes though and, quickly, everything began to change for him. The vivid imagination and endless ideas that he had been unable to share in words began to fly out of him onto the paper, canvas, and screen. He started to get tons of positive feedback from his classmates. He developed friendships with other students with a passion for anime and comic books, across surprisingly diverse peer groups, and he no longer spent lunch and recess during the school day alone. 

Of course, engagement with the arts isn’t some kind of magic fix for every kid’s experience of marginalization. But I have seen with my own eyes, time and time again, how participation in the arts has connected the most unlikely kids.  And how it has inspired them to be more expressive and authentic in other areas of their lives…more willing to step outside of their comfort zones and try new and hard things. 

I think this is especially the case in creative youth development programs like Oakland Leaf’s, where all activities have an integrated social and emotional learning component that promotes creative risk-taking, peer appreciation, and bridge-building across differences. And where all of our educators, including our art teachers, are trained in multicultural education, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice.

Cultivating Creative Spaces: A week in the life of Oakland Leaf afterschool programs

by Guest Blogger, Isa Gonzalez, Director of Community Programs (This blog was originally published on Oakland Leaf.)

“Oakland Leaf has emphasized creative expression since our founding project, a citywide youth talent show. An abundance of research confirms what we have seen again and again in our work with youth: arts education strengthens young peoples’ academic, problem-solving, and social skills, and boosts confidence and motivation. And equally important, by cultivating creatives spaces, we are cultivating joyful spaces where young people feel empowered to be their full authentic selves.” - Oakland Leaf blog 

I started my work with Oakland Leaf as an intern in a media arts program called Youth Roots when I was just 13 years old. After I graduated from college, I returned to Oakland Leaf as an After-school Program Instructor and then, later, I was promoted first to Program Manager and then, earlier this year, to Director of Community Programs. I’ve had very different responsibilities in each of these roles, but my underlying goal has always been the same: to cultivate safe spaces for youth to be their full authentic selves. 

Source: Oakland Leaf

I have found creative expression to be one of the most powerful tools for fostering authenticity. Talking about personal feelings can make people feel vulnerable, and children especially don’t often have the language to describe what they are going through. And it is not uncommon for young people to be closed off, especially if they feel judged or marginalized by their family or peers.

Nonverbal tools, and especially art activities, help kids identify and express their emotions, and share their authentic selves. Studies show that artistic expression can decrease feelings of anger and depression and can help students regulate their emotions. Creative expression is embedded into both our social and emotional learning and our restorative justice programming.

For example, as part of our conflict resolution work, before facilitating a conversation, we have the students fill out a reflection form sharing their version of events, how things could have gone differently, what harm was done, and how it might be repaired. Students have the option to share their thoughts as words or as drawings. The experience of writing, for many kids, is automatically associated with academics and this stifles their expression. Drawing, on the other hand, is associated with play and this supports many students to open up in a way they wouldn’t otherwise. Similarly, during our mindfulness sessions, we give students the option of coloring or drawing, rather than just sitting or lying still. 

Source: Oakland Leaf

When students have positive experiences with the creative processes and tools we expose them to, they adopt them as life-long practices that they can turn to for self-expression, self-regulation, and self-understanding long after they age out of our programs. The skills, knowledge, and sense of purpose and connection that I acquired as an Oakland Leaf youth program participant continue to serve me to this day.

MORE ABOUT…

Jonathan Higgenbotham is Bret Harte’s Afterschool Program Manager and was born and raised in Oakland. He attended Pine Manor College and entered into the field of education. He is a former Science and PE teacher and greatly enjoys building upon the curiosity and intelligence of young minds. He is also a high school basketball coach and has worked and volunteered with the Black Cowboy Association for about 5 years. He strives to embrace and empower young generations to be the greatest they can be. He is a huge proponent in leading by example as well incorporating as much fun and joy into the work on the daily.

Isa Gonzalez is Oakland Leaf’s Director of Community Programs. Before transitioning into her current role, Isa served as the Program Manager at one of Oakland Leaf’s afterschool programs. As a minority in Oakland, she has been labeled as a female who is statistically designed to fail, and lives in a city labeled as a “malignant place.” But Isa refused to let others define her, and always was eager to realize her dreams. Isa discovered her passion for equity in education and Feminism through an Oakland Leaf critical media afterschool program. Isa is a life-long learner and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with those who surround her. At Oakland Leaf, Isa continues her mission of providing youth with the resources that they might not be able to attain elsewhere, and gives them the tools to be active agents of change in our communities.

Oakland Leaf was founded in 2001 by a collective of East Oakland educators intent on empowering youth voice. At the time, Oakland was experiencing a surge in crime and violence, the country was about to enter a war, and many kids in Oakland didn’t have an outlet or a platform to examine and express their fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams. Oakland Leaf’s first program was the All Oakland Youth Talent Show. More than two decades later, they have evolved into a highly regarded leader in the fields of youth development and out-of-school time learning. 

UPCOMING WEBINARS:

Almost every day there is a piece in the news about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its dangers. AI is all around us, and whether or not you realize it, people use artificial intelligence every single day. Many young people, even those who are very tech savvy, know little about this topic. Adults, including those in afterschool programs, know even less. Yet, AI is being used by companies more and more. As we venture deeper into the digital age, understanding AI and its educational potential becomes more crucial than ever.

We believe that youth need to understand more about AI, and afterschool is a perfect place to do this. But are afterschool leaders equipped for this? It’s important for educators to understand AI so they can help their youth make sense of a technological development that is predicted to be a huge force in the world, experts say. It’s crucial for educators to be AI literate, to be able to explain what it is, and to understand its powers and limitations.

To learn more and register, click here.

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth in civic engagement. But these opportunities require input from youth, organizing and planning- so start program planning early because there is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change than through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service.”

This webinar will review the benefits of youth engagement in the elections and what programs can do to encourage youth involvement and voting. We will also talk about how to involve youth in voter registration and determine what news is reliable and which is misinformation. We will also talk about how youth who are under 18 and unable to vote can be involved.

To learn more and register, click here.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week: Ways to Show You Care

Source: Temescal Associates

By Sam Piha

During the pandemic we learned how afterschool youth workers are “essential.” At the height of the pandemic, workers in youth programs adapted to the needs of families. They packed and delivered food to their program participants and moved their programming to online formats. 

As young people returned to their afterschool program, we saw how they were affected by the circumstances of isolation. Many were angry and depressed, which they showed through their behavior. Many afterschool staff experienced increased stress, as behavior issues and being short staffed took a distinct toll. 

Source: National Afterschool Association

April 22-26, 2024 is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. This is a good time to recognize and appreciate the value that afterschool professionals bring to so many lives. Below are some ways that families, school and non-profit leaders and organizations can show their appreciation. This article was originally published by the National Afterschool Association. 

“How can YOU show you care about afterschool workers? 

FOR FAMILIES 

Everyone appreciates being recognized for their efforts and a simple “thank you!” goes a long way! Some ideas include: 

• Hand-written cards from you and/or your child
• An email to the staff member’s manager or administrator

• Fun handmade signs put up at the location of your program 
• Healthy or non-food treats for the afterschool program staff
• Gift cards for a specialty coffee, teacher supply store or bookstore 

FOR LEADERS 

Thanking your staff shows them you appreciate what they do! Some ideas to show your appreciation: 

• Sharing with parents and kids about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week via email or social media
• Providing healthy treats or lunch for staff 
• Creating awards for specific strengths of staff members (Best Family Communicator, STEM Star, Most Positive, etc.)

• Sending a Press Release to your local media 

Source: WINGS for Kids

FOR ORGANIZATIONS 

Organizations can recognize, appreciate, and advocate for the afterschool professionals making a difference in their community; it shines the light on their efforts and accomplishments! Some ideas include: 

• Sharing about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week in your communications (web site, eNewsletters, social media)
• Hosting events honoring the success of your local afterschool programs

• Sending a Press Release to your local media 
• Asking local officials to proclaim the event” 

How will you celebrate? 

Additional ideas and thoughts:

• Staff can be treated to a dinner or fun activity, such as bowling or a trip to a nearby amusement park.
• To ensure there are funds to cover this for next year, include a line item for this expenditure.
• Get your afterschool program youth participants to sign a card showing their appreciation.

For our part, we will create and send a press release to spread the word of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week by local news outlets. 

UPCOMING WEBINARS:

Almost every day there is a piece in the news about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its dangers. AI is all around us, and whether or not you realize it, people use artificial intelligence every single day. Many young people, even those who are very tech savvy, know little about this topic. Adults, including those in afterschool programs, know even less. Yet, AI is being used by companies more and more. As we venture deeper into the digital age, understanding AI and its educational potential becomes more crucial than ever.

We believe that youth need to understand more about AI, and afterschool is a perfect place to do this. But are afterschool leaders equipped for this? It’s important for educators to understand AI so they can help their youth make sense of a technological development that is predicted to be a huge force in the world, experts say. It’s crucial for educators to be AI literate, to be able to explain what it is, and to understand its powers and limitations.

To learn more and register, click here.

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth in civic engagement. But these opportunities require input from youth, organizing and planning- so start program planning early because there is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change than through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service.”

This webinar will review the benefits of youth engagement in the elections and what programs can do to encourage youth involvement and voting. We will also talk about how to involve youth in voter registration and determine what news is reliable and which is misinformation. We will also talk about how youth who are under 18 and unable to vote can be involved.

To learn more and register, click here.

Youth Vote 2024: What Afterschool Programs Can Do

Source: Ed Week

By Sam Piha

 

There is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service”. There are a number of organizations and initiatives that have designed curriculums, program tools and other materials to assist afterschool providers in their efforts to engage youth in the 2024 elections. Below we cite several things that afterschool programs and their youth participants can do in regards to the 2024 election. (This blog is an excerpt from our recently released briefing paper entitled, How Can Afterschool Programs Promote Civic Engagement and the Youth Vote in 2024.)

Don’t Wait- Start Program Planning NOW!

When we spoke to afterschool practitioners in the winter of 2024 about when afterschool programs should begin planning engagement activities, they all responded “now!”

 

Involve Youth


“There are many ways youth can be involved and one of the ways that we support is to provide a space for youth to discuss the topics, issues and challenges they feel are important to them and their communities, then, discuss the possible solutions and who can support the possible solutions and resolutions. This includes local, state and national elected officials. It's important that students continue to explore local officials and the causes that are on top for them.” - John Fuentes, Associate Director, Bay Area Community Resources

 

It is important to involve youth when considering any new program initiatives, enlisting new partners or funders. Perhaps youth participants can:

• Provide input on the goals, strategies and activities
• Identify partners in the community that might be appropriate for engaging youth in the 2024 election
• Design and deliver thank you cards for any individuals and organizations that partner in any way
• Organize and lead related discussions and activities
• Get involved with issues that matter to them
• Ask teachers and school to grow voters
• Bring local politicians to their school or youth program

Address the Common Excuses Young People Cite for Not Voting

“Excuses, excuses! Young people find plenty of them not to vote. According to the Pew Research Center, of the roughly 138 million people who voted in the 2016 presidential election, only 13 percent were under the age of 30, while people over 65 accounted for 27 percent of the vote. What gives?” [i]

The video below examines common reasons that young people cite for not voting. Click on the image below to view this resource.

Source: Boston University

Address the Barriers to Voting for Youth Ages 18-29

There are many legitimate barriers to voting, as cited by youth. If we want to encourage youth to vote for the first time, it is essential that we understand the barriers to youth voting. See the graphic below.

 

Source: CIRCLE

 

Provide Voting Information 

A major barrier to voting is simply lack of information. According to CIRCLE, “Many young people are simply not taught about elections and voting in school; both the practicalities of registering and casting a ballot and the reasons why their voices and votes matter in democracy. Learn more. 

 

Voting in America is not a straightforward process. Registration deadlines and requirements are different in every state, voting may conflict with work and/or school, absentee voting rules can be confusing, voters may lack transportation to the polls, etc. Some of these barriers are especially acute for the youngest voters, who may struggle to update their voter registration when they move dorms each year in college, or who are less likely to have a driver's license to use as a voter ID. Learn more.



Because they're less likely to have a voting history or be seen as likely voters, many political organizations neglect youth outreach. In 2022, almost half of young people we surveyed (46%) said they were not contacted by any type of organization, candidate, or party. That can lead to a lack of information and confidence: 21% of youth in 2022 said it was because they didn't feel like they knew enough, and just 40% said they felt well-qualified to participate in politics. Learn more.” [ii]

 

Also,

• Research issues and candidates: sponsor forums and make voter guides/informational handouts
• Provide State-by-state information - Every state has different voting requirements. Click here to access a good State-by-state tool.
• Review the ballot with youth so they understand what’s on it and how to use it.
• Where to go to vote?

About Absentee Voting or Voting by Mail

“Absentee voting allows you to vote before Election Day by mail or drop box. Learn how to get an absentee ballot, cast your vote, and meet voting deadlines. Although every state has absentee voting, deadlines and rules on who can take part vary. In most states, you will need to request an absentee ballot to vote in each election. But in some states, you may qualify to receive absentee ballots permanently. Learn if you can vote absentee for every election in your state.

Get your absentee ballot from your state or territory. Visit Can I Vote and choose your state from the dropdown menu. It will take you right to your state's absentee voting page.

Your state may require you to have a valid excuse to vote absentee. Acceptable excuses vary by state.” [iii] 

 

Misinformation and News literacy

According to the News Literacy Project, “The 2024 election season will be among the most closely followed in American history, and as in past years, it also will attract a flood of mis- and disinformation. A new development this year is the rise of artificial intelligence technologies, which can create sophisticated fabrications and distortions that challenge our ability to identify what’s real and what’s not like never before.


The News Literacy Project is working to ensure that you know how to discern fact from fiction and can make well-informed voting decisions when you go to the polls.” [iv] 

The News Literacy Project has several tools and activities for youth to decern fact from disinformation. 

Preparing First Time Voters: Help Youth Create a Voting Plan

“Vote planning is a technique to ensure voters turnout to the polls. The goal of a vote plan is to encourage an individual to envision themselves voting and identify any potential barriers they might have or encounter. You can make a vote plan for yourself or with someone when phone banking, canvassing, or in normal conversation. Develop a vote plan by asking questions such as: 

• What time will you be voting? 
• Where are you voting? 
• Do you have a mail-in ballot or are you going to the polls? 
• How are you getting there? 
• Do you need a ride? 
• Who else can you bring with you? 
• Do you need to take off school or work or secure childcare? 
• In states with voter I.D. laws: Do you have all the necessary documents to vote?  

Answering these questions will help youth plan how to vote and ensure you and your community members are able to cast your ballots.” [v]

END NOTES

[i] Boston University, Countering the Top Excuses Young People Give for Not Voting

[ii] CIRCLE, Broadening Youth Voting

[iii] USA.gov, Absentee voting or voting by mail

[iv] News Literacy Project, Election 2024: Be informed, not misled

[v] National Council of Jewish Women, Create A Voting Plan

UPCOMING WEBINARS:

Almost every day there is a piece in the news about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its dangers. AI is all around us, and whether or not you realize it, people use artificial intelligence every single day. Many young people, even those who are very tech savvy, know little about this topic. Adults, including those in afterschool programs, know even less. Yet, AI is being used by companies more and more. As we venture deeper into the digital age, understanding AI and its educational potential becomes more crucial than ever.

We believe that youth need to understand more about AI, and afterschool is a perfect place to do this. But are afterschool leaders equipped for this? It’s important for educators to understand AI so they can help their youth make sense of a technological development that is predicted to be a huge force in the world, experts say. It’s crucial for educators to be AI literate, to be able to explain what it is, and to understand its powers and limitations.

To learn more and register, click here.

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth in civic engagement. But these opportunities require input from youth, organizing and planning- so start program planning early because there is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change than through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service.”

This webinar will review the benefits of youth engagement in the elections and what programs can do to encourage youth involvement and voting. We will also talk about how to involve youth in voter registration and determine what news is reliable and which is misinformation. We will also talk about how youth who are under 18 and unable to vote can be involved.

To learn more and register, click here.

Engaging Youth in the 2024 Elections

Source: Center for Tech and Civic Life

By Sam Piha

The 2024 election offers a number of opportunities to engage older youth. But these opportunities require input from youth and staff, organizing and planning- so start program planning NOW! 

 

There is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service”. There are a number of organizations and initiatives that have designed curriculums, program tools and other materials to assist afterschool providers in their efforts to engage youth in the 2024 elections. This blog is an excerpt from our recently released briefing paper entitled, How Can Afterschool Programs Promote Civic Engagement and the Youth Vote in 2024.

 

MYTHS ABOUT YOUTH AND VOTING

Dispelling Myths about Youth Voting

“When many members of the public talk about young people's civic and political participation, they often rely on and perpetuate myths about youth voting and youth attitudes toward civic life. These myths can reflect a lack of understanding of the complex dynamics that shape young people's engagement in democracy. At best, they paint an incomplete picture of these dynamics; at worst, they misrepresent them entirely. These inaccuracies can hinder efforts to increase youth voting and other forms of civic participation.

 

“Young people today are constantly depicted as disengaged and irresponsible. In fact, we are anything but. We are more progressive than our parents, more educated, and far more connected. We are powerful, engaged, and ready to lead.” [i]

 

CIRCLE's two decades of research on these topics, and our work on the ground with a diverse set of partners and practitioners, have given us the data and understanding to dispel some of these myths:

·       Young People Are Apathetic

·       Youth Voting Has Been Declining for Decades

Source: CIRCLE

(The estimates above are from CIRCLE analysis of voter file data in recent elections. Estimates based on the Census data produce slightly different results but allow us to examine historical trends over the past 50 years.)

 

·       Young People Just Choose Not to Vote

·       Young People Are All Liberal College Students

·       Young Voters Don't Impact Elections.” 

Dispelling these myths is crucial for understanding and addressing the barriers that may prevent young people from fully participating in the democratic process. Encouraging youth engagement and empowering young voters are essential for ensuring a vibrant and inclusive democracy.” [ii] 

VOICES OF FIELD LEADERS

We interviewed several afterschool leaders on the importance of youth involvement in the elections. 

Q: Do you think it is important to encourage youth to be involved in the 2024 election? (this could involve making a plan to vote, registering students who will be eligible to vote, volunteering for a campaign or candidate that they agree with, etc.) If yes, why?

RF- YES! We think it is very important to encourage youth to be involved in 2024 election at both the local and national level. One of our greatest rights, and responsibility as an American, is the right to Vote – which was not afforded to everyone throughout our history. I happen think everyone should be given a voter registration card when they are issued their birth certificate, it’s that important.

JF- Yes, I think it's very important and so do the youth we work with. Our youth feel that their voice matters even if they can not "vote". At a few of our high schools in Oakland, we have lots of civic leadership/action groups including a group of students in our program who go to Sacramento every year to meet with Legislators and share their stories about the importance of expanded learning programs. We'll be there again with over 60 young people on March 12th. 

SV- I do think it's absolutely imperative to encourage and support youth to be involved in the 2024 election. Although youth can be quite vocal (and influential) on social media about issues important to them, statistically speaking however, they are one of the least engaged groups when it comes to voter turnout. 

Q: Could you describe what you are planning to do with engaging youth in the 2024 election?

RF - We plan to host registration events, and possibly even parties; on election day, we plan to go with teens who are voting for the first time and to make a big deal of it (e.g., “It’s my first time voting” hats or sashes).

Q: When should programs begin planning for this? 

RF- NOW! States will have different deadlines for voter registration so be sure you know what they are.

SV- I think it's never too early for programs to plan for this. 

Q: How should youth be involved? 

RF- They can be involved in planning, they can be trained to help register others to vote, they can create messages about the importance of voting, they can schedule meetings with various candidates or attend Town Hall events and submit questions for prospective candidates- they can host their own forums with the candidates.

JF- There are many ways youth can be involved and one of the ways that we support, especially during expanded learning programs, is to provide a space for youth to discuss the topics, issues and challenges they feel are important to them and their communities, then, discuss the possible solutions and who can support the possible solutions and resolutions. This includes local, state and national elected officials. It's important that students continue to explore local officials and the causes that are on top for them.  

Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) is part of a statewide youth civic action group called TACA (Teens Advocating for Civic Action) and students meet monthly on zoom to discuss the issues they're facing and the action steps they're taking including the upcoming election and its impact on those issues.

SV- I think youth should be involved in the planning and implementation as much as possible, from informing the creation of lesson plans/contents (via advisory committees, polls, surveys, etc.) to co-facilitation for their peers and helping these programs be student-driven/led as much as possible. At the end of the day, students listen to their peers more than adults. Involving youth is crucial to ensure their voices are heard, and we are not addressing these topics through our adult lens.

END NOTES

[i] Chat GPT, How is youth engagement in elections and voting good for the community?

[ii] CIRCLE, Dispelling Myths about Youth Voting

Creativity in Children: A Pathway to Growth and Exploration

By Guest Blogger Akoma Unity Center. (This blog was originally published on Akoma Unity Center.)

This blog offers insightful guidelines to help your children harness the immense benefits and rewards of creative thinking effectively.

Provide a Nurturing Environment for Creativity

Creating opportunities for creativity doesn’t require significant investment. Simple resources such as paper, pencils, dedicated time, and space can go a long way. Set up an environment that encourages creative expression, giving your children both room and time to explore their imagination. While material resources like paints, cameras, or musical instruments are important, fostering the right mindset is equally crucial, as we’ll discuss further.

Foster Openness and Freedom

Source: Akoma Unity Center

Resist the urge to provide directions when your children are engaged in creative activities. Embrace the fluidity of the creative process. Allowing your children to make their own decisions about subjects, materials, and pace is vital for reaping the full benefits of creative thinking. Embrace the mess that can accompany creative endeavors; it’s an integral part of the process. The ability to revel in creative freedom is a cornerstone of your children’s personal growth, helping them develop a strong sense of self while acquiring valuable life skills.

Engage in Conversations About Art

Initiate conversations about art with your children without hesitation. Normalizing art as a topic of daily discussion can also strengthen the parent-child bond. Share with your children why you’re drawn to a specific song or painting. Cultivate curiosity about their preferences without passing judgment. Consider asking open-ended questions, such as:

• Who’s your favorite TV or literary character?
• What is it about that movie that resonates with you?
• If you were in that character’s shoes, how would you tackle the situation?
• How do you envision that character solving this problem?

Encourage Idea Exchange

Recognize that creativity goes beyond artistic endeavors; it’s a way of life. Regularly exchange ideas with your children. Encourage them to contribute ideas and reciprocate by sharing your own. Be attentive to their feedback and engage in discussions together. This experience teaches your children that refining an idea is an essential part of creativity and that creativity thrives through collaboration. Remarkably, some of history’s most influential technological and artistic achievements are the outcome of collaborative effort.

Nurturing creativity in children is a gift that keeps on giving. By providing a conducive environment, embracing openness, and fostering dialogues, you’re not only helping your children flourish creatively but also equipping them with life skills that transcend artistic endeavors. Embrace the journey of creativity alongside your children, fostering a sense of exploration, innovation, and personal growth.

Ready to embark on this creative journey with your children? Implement these practical steps and witness the transformation in their creative thinking. Encourage them to explore, express, and engage, knowing that you’re nurturing a foundation for a lifetime of innovative thinking and self-discovery.

MORE ABOUT…

Akoma Unity Center (AUC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, grassroots organization committed to the progress of African American youth, families, and communities. Akoma’s programs and services are specifically designed to meet the needs of historically excluded African American youth and communities. Programs include; Afterschool Program, Summer Day Camp, SOUL FOOD Community Dinner Night, male mentoring program, Rites of Passage, Advocacy for youth of color, STEAM Fair- Back to School Giveaway and Toy/Coat giveaway.

At Akoma Unity Center, their unwavering mission is to educate, heal, and transform historically excluded communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). They are dedicated to creating a more equitable and just society by organizing individuals, cultivating healthy families, and empowering communities to overcome systemic barriers. Through their comprehensive programs and initiatives, they strive to foster holistic healing, educational empowerment, and economic opportunities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities, they aim to dismantle inequities, uplift voices, and create sustainable change.

Impact of Sports on Youth Development

Source: www.pexels.com

By Guest Blogger Breakthrough Sports (This blog was originally published on the Breakthrough Sports Blog.)

At Breakthrough Sports, we believe in the profound impact of youth sports on children's lives. Engaging in sports activities not only promotes physical health but also offers invaluable life lessons, personal growth, and social development. In this blog post, we'll explore the far-reaching benefits of youth sports, backed by evidence from reputable studies, and highlight the positive effects they have on children. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of sports in shaping young athletes' futures.

The Physical Benefits of Youth Sports:
Engaging in regular physical activity through youth sports is essential for the overall well-being of children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), participating in sports helps children build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and cardiovascular fitness. Studies have shown that youth involved in sports tend to have lower risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues, as physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight and improving overall health.

The Cognitive and Academic Benefits:
Participation in youth sports goes beyond physical development; it also enhances cognitive abilities and academic performance. Research published in the Journal of School Health highlights the positive correlation between sports participation and academic achievement. The study found that students involved in sports demonstrate improved focus, time management skills, and academic motivation. Engaging in structured physical activities through sports helps children develop discipline, goal-setting abilities, and enhances their cognitive function, all of which contribute to academic success.

Source: www.pexels.com

Social and Emotional Development:
Youth sports play a pivotal role in the social and emotional development of children. The teamwork, communication, and collaboration fostered in sports environments provide valuable life skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, participating in team sports positively impacts the development of social skills, including leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution . Furthermore, sports create a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for children to form friendships, build self-esteem, and develop resilience.

Character Building and Life Lessons:
Through both wins and losses, youth sports offer a platform for character building and teach vital life lessons. The competitive nature of sports helps children develop resilience, determination, and the ability to cope with challenges. According to the Aspen Institute's Project Play, participation in sports instills values such as perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship. Athletes learn to set goals, work hard, and develop a growth mindset, transferring these skills to various aspects of their lives.

Source: www.pexels.com

Youth sports have a profound and positive impact on children's lives. The physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits they offer contribute to holistic development, shaping young athletes into well-rounded individuals. At Breakthrough Sports, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for youth athletes to thrive, acquire essential life skills, and develop a lifelong love for sports.

To learn more and donate virtually, click here.