Next year's election marks the first time many young Americans will be voting in federal, state and local elections. As many as 7 million to 9 million more members of Gen-Z will be eligible to cast ballots in 2024. This new generation of voters and change-makers has been shaped by unprecedented challenges in recent years—including the Covid-19 pandemic and its many ripple effects, evolving technology, mental health, sustainability and new social justice movements. These events will play a key role in how Gen-Z makes choices that will impact our collective future.

Younger voters made their mark in last year’s midterms, making a difference in several elections around the country that few had predicted, and they’ve used their right to peaceful protest to make their voices heard on a multitude of issues around the country. And by the 2028 election, Millennials and Gen-Z will make up the majority of voters. This reality underscores the need to provide civic engagement education at an early age, and nonprofits working with youth can play a key role in unlocking their power and potential.

Nonprofits have the opportunity to empower youth to take action on the issues they are passionate about and show them how they can play an active role in their local communities and beyond. Through nonprofit programming focused on civic engagement skill-building, the next generation of young voters can make an impact today. By learning effective approaches for community dialogue and outreach, young people can help others realize that their votes and voices matter.

Why should nonprofits support programming on civics and community engagement?

  • Civic engagement education helps build critical interpersonal life skills.
  • Civic engagement can empower youth to broaden their impact by making a difference in their communities.
  • Giving young people the tools to take action in their communities also helps them understand how much power their personal actions can have.

Read the full article about civic engagement for youth by Jennifer Sirangelo at Forbes.