Youth Engagement in Politics

By Sarah Chavez

The presence of young individuals, particularly people of color, in the realm of politics remains unheard of, especially in a field traditionally controlled by cisgender white men. The significance of political involvement is frequently underestimated by educational institutions. 

At the surface level, political engagement encourages learning about how government functions, the legislative process, and policy development. This understanding empowers youth to make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable. However, what's often missed is that youth political involvement is a privilege, especially for BIPOC students facing systemic inequities like housing, food, and economic disparities.

Youth engagement also allows for better representation, more reflective policy impact, and leadership development. Politics should reflect the diversity of the population it serves. Youth of color often come from communities with unique perspectives and experiences. Their active participation ensures that their voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and policies are formulated with a more comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting them. Additionally, getting involved in politics exposes young people to leadership opportunities and helps them develop crucial skills such as communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are valuable in both the political arena and other aspects of life.

There are programs like Youth & Government that allow students from across California the opportunity to directly experience the diverse avenues through which they can initiate and execute change. There are also alternative routes of getting politically involved, such as organizing a speaker series, volunteering with local grassroots organizations, creating a club that teaches students about voting and what civic engagement can look like, etc. 

Overall, participating in politics empowers young people to take charge of their future. It helps them realize that their actions and voices can make a difference in shaping the world around them. This empowerment can have positive ripple effects on their confidence and civic engagement throughout their lives. Having more BIPOC youth engagement sets the tone for our future leaders and policymakers that will inevitably foster a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive political system that addresses the diverse needs and perspectives of everyone.