National Youth Agenda
A NATIONAL YOUTH AGENDA
BY YOU FOR THEM
Y’all, we’ve lived through a lot – a global pandemic, an intersectional reckoning for equity and justice, social isolation and rising economic insecurity. Young people today face real challenges and we have our own ideas about how to solve them.
Yet, too often our voices aren’t heard by those who will determine our future. It’s time for our leaders to listen and respond to what matters most to us. That’s why ahead of the 2024 election, we’re gathering your stories to build a National Youth Agenda.
Together, we can send a powerful message to decision makers about what we want to see them do something about for years to come.
WHAT WE'RE HEARING SO FAR
We’ve already convened over 1,000 young people to hear their stories through our flagship events and pop-up Storybooths. Here’s a look at the themes that you’re already elevating. We need to hear from you to ensure the agenda reflects your vision.
We’ll be hosting pop-up Storybooth events in New York, Texas and Wisconsin to help shape the National Youth Agenda. Find our upcoming events on our Art of Democracy page.
EXPLORE MORE STORIES
Bush, 21 - New York
"I'm going to school without a gym. [We need to] add more funding for public school."
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.”
Chanel, 18 - New York
"[We need] better subways. It's very difficult [for] me [as] a full time student, to wait an hour for the metro."
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."
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."
Cassie, 20 - New York
"[They're] putting up affordable housing apartments, but they're not affordable. It's studio apartments for $3,000 a month. Who's that affordable to?"
Students of Union Square Academy HS - New York
From safety to education funding, students of Union Square Academy shared with us the issues that concerned them, and what solutions they want to see their elected officials implement.
Education
Jayala, 14 - South Carolina
"I want our leaders to know how important it is to invest in education opportunities. It's about building a community where everyone voice can be heard and making our communities a better place"
Mental Health & Wellness
Abby, 16 - Nevada
"Mental health is real. Teen mental health is real. 'm a high schooler involved in a peer to peer suicide prevention program called Hope Squad. We require support from government officials and funding towards social workers in schools and mental health organizations."
Environment
Asher, 17 - Minnesota
"My high school has a grand total of six outdoor trash cans, including on the baseball, football, and soccer fields. There aren't any recycling cans. It's a simple ask- put some sorting jugs outside!"
Make a difference in your community and add your vision to the future of our democracy