Youth civic engagement leads to reduced risky behavior, increased success in school and greater civic participation later in life. However, youth today are less likely than those in earlier generations to exhibit many important characteristics of citizenship. A study from the National Conference of State Legislatures found that more young people can name an American Idol winner than know the political party of their state’s governor.
State policymakers across the country are working to engage youth in positive opportunities for civic participation, which is important for healthy youth development and for the health and performance of democracy. By creating opportunities for youth civic engagement, policymakers promote the healthy development of young people. Civic engagement provides young people with opportunities to gain work experience, acquire new skills, and to learn responsibility and accountability—all while contributing to the good of their communities.
PolicyforResults.org now provides results-based policy strategies for promoting youth voter registration, establishing authentic youth voice in government, promoting diverse youth service and policies to promote youth engagement.
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