THE NATIONAL YOUTH AGENDA
The Youth Agenda is all about amplifying our voices.
Too often, we as Gen Z feel that our voices aren’t heard by those who determine our collective futures. It’s time for our leaders to listen and respond to what matters most to us. That’s why ahead of the 2024 election, DoSomething is gathering our stories to build a National Youth Agenda.
There are 41 Million Gen Zers who are eligible to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election - including over 8 million first-time voters.
However, only 17% of us feel that lawmakers consider your voices when making national policy decisions, according to a DoSomething snap poll. Together, we can send a powerful message to decision makers about what we want to see them DoSomething about!
What Gen Z wants to see addressed by lawmakers:
READY TO STAND WITH GEN Z?
Amplify your voice and claim your power by signing the National Youth Agenda petition.
SOUNDOFF! STORYBOOTH
Amplify your voice and claim your power by recording and contributing a Storybooth of your own. Share a story about what matters to you and your community.
Mo, 21 - GA
Access to Equitable Health Care
"There's a lot of things on the ballot, like universal health care. Your right to have access to healthcare is very important. Not a lot of people who are being elected really talk about [it] and it's something that I think needs to be, especially for [those] who have invisible illness.”
The Art of Democracy educates and equips the next generation of young voters with the skills to share their civic story and become a force for change in and out of the voting booth. Here you'll find actions, events and civic resources.
HEAR OTHER STORIES
Listen to what your peers are saying about what matters to them.
Bush, 21 - New York
"I'm going to school without a gym. [We need to] add more funding for public school."
Banned and Challenged Books
Ssanyu, 19 - NJ
“If you're a young person, you need to speak out and you need to emphasize the importance of having access to different perspectives. If you're a politician or somebody who has access to a space where you can significantly make change on this issue, please do speak up.”
Justice
Arush, 17 - New Jersey
“I think I'm super lucky to come from a state that values all sorts of aspects of gender equality like reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights. But I also know so many other people my age have denied those opportunities and denied just the right to exist. So, I would love to see the Equal Rights Amendment finalized for, you know, every young queer kid in this country who is scared of their rights being taken away."
Carter, 25 - New York
"I wish there were more safe spaces for the youth. I always see teenagers outside and it's super late. For some, it's their choice to be there. But [for] others, they can't find somewhere else to stay."
Affordable Education
Annie, 22 - CA
“A lot of people aren't [pursuing] education anymore because of the expense of it. I think that candidates with a platform that focus on education, equity, and accessibility, are the ones that should be in these positions.”
Safety
Russel, 25 – Illinois
"We have a housing crisis, which is only being exacerbated by the migrant crisis on a global scale. These are affecting our communities locally, too. So, I say, do something."
Bush, 21 - New York
"I'm going to school without a gym. [We need to] add more funding for public school."
Criminal Justice and Maternal Health
Destiny, 21 - GA
“I grew up with both of my parents being felons, so they were never allowed to vote. It wasn't until I got to [college] that I really started to understand civic engagement and my stake in the world. It's important that we recognize the power of our votes.”
Wellness
Esther, 18 - Wisconsin
“I'm very passionate about the reproductive rights issue. Living under an 1849 abortion ban is humiliating and disempowering, you know…As someone who has less rights than my mother did at my age, it's disappointing.”