Empowering New, Young Leaders in this New Decade

Posted by on February 20, 2020 at 3:55 PM

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It is difficult for young people to become active participants in our democratic republic. Before you’re 18, you aren’t allowed to vote or run for public office. So when young people go to college, becoming politically engaged isn’t automatic. It can take a backseat to coping with living on their own for the first time, along with handling a more challenging course load and entirely new social dynamics, including people whose political views are shaped by entirely different life experiences.  

This is one of the reasons why youth empowerment organizations are so critical to the healthy self-governance movement. It is vital to help young Americans build civic habits early on, which is why the Bridge Alliance is thrilled to welcome the higher education focused Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP) and high school focused Civics Unplugged to the Alliance.

In its own words, CEEP is “committed to teaching our students to be active citizens and voters.” They do this in part by providing state-specific candidate issue guides and producing primary guides that outline how and when to register and vote in specific states during primary season.

Similarly, Civics Unplugged is “committed to empowering courageous young leaders to create the future of American democracy.” Their signature program is the CU Fellowship, which aims to train “America’s Next Civics Superheroes.” The fellowship runs from January through the end of June and includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Of course, adults need guidance as well, including (and perhaps especially) those working in government. That’s why New America used research produced by Cities of Service to create a report on how city leaders can solve local problems by applying new models of collaborative government. The case studies for those models are all Engaged Cities Award winners, finalists, and semi-finalists. 

Meanwhile, America Indivisible is looking for government officials for its 2nd Public Leaders for Inclusion Council. Participants will learn -- over the course of several months -- how to combat bigotry against Muslims in their communities. If you’re interested in being part of the Council, be sure to apply soon. The deadline is Friday, March 1st.

As always, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Bridge Alliance Education Fund

 

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Bridge Alliance Members in the News:

Living Room Conversations - International Business Times - Talking About Politics? An Electronic Olive Branch That Works

Unite America - USA Today - American politics is broken, but here's why you shouldn't give up on the system just yet

Ballotpedia - WKMG News 6 - Why so many differences? Breaking down the ballot process in the U.S.

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