Last week Barack Obama challenged young Americans to “get to work.” He asked youth activists to create momentum, to effect real change, to sustain that change. He asked them to raise awareness, which thousands of young people are already doing through peaceful protest. And he asked young people to vote.
President Obama laid this challenge at the feet of “a new generation of activists,” not at the feet of Gen-Xers like me. President Obama knows Gen-Z is special. It is the most diverse and most well-educated generation ever. My Gen-Z children were born while George W. Bush was in office, but the first President they can remember is Barack Obama, and they look to Michelle as the ideal First Lady. And one-in-ten eligible voters in the 2020 election will hail from Gen-Z.
Many thought my generation would bring change. We grew up watching Roots, we celebrated the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as young adults, we protested against apartheid and read The Color Purple in college. But Gen-X has thus far failed to deliver social justice to the African-American community. How can we redeem ourselves and help our children meet President Obama’s challenge?
1. Ask your children and their friends if they are registered to vote.
Most 17-year-olds can register to vote NOW if they will be 18 by November 3, and many 16-year-olds can preregister to vote. Most students are never asked to register to vote while in school, so don’t assume someone else has asked them.
2. Show your children how to vote.
Many young adults report one reason for not voting is that they do not how. Whether you vote by mail or in person, show them how it’s done. How do you research candidates and issues? What sources do you use and why? How can you find out how candidates for local office feel about issues that are important to you, such as criminal justice reform and racial injustice? How do you fill out a ballot?
3. Support The Civics Center!
Do you want to do more to ensure Gen-Z votes in November? Become a Volunteer Ally and help us expand our outreach to schools throughout America, or donate to support our programs, including Future Voter Action Weeks and High School Voter Registration Week.
As President Obama said, it will take a little work to make lasting change, to turn fear, sorrow, and uncertainty into hope and effective action. We Gen-Xers couldn’t do it on our own, but we can help Gen-Z make it happen. Let’s get to work!