Some mornings, I throw a political t-shirt over my head before I walk out of the house. An equality shirt when I'm feeling powerless, a reform shirt when I want change, or maybe a candidate’s shirt on election day. These small acts make me feel powerful regardless of my age and allow me to express my beliefs to make a change. Those mornings, I leave the house with pride and without fear of reprimand, thanks to student activists who came fifty years before me. After all, it is because of the young students who led the Free Speech movement and unabashedly wore black protest bands that I am able to wear political t-shirts, express my beliefs, and assemble with other students at school today. Over the years, civic-minded youth activists have created formidable change, whether it was through the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines Case, or through the more recent Never Again MSD (Marjory Stoneman Douglas) movement.

Youth civic engagement is extremely important because young Americans represent the future of America. A few decades from now, one of us will be delivering the State of the Union. It is the voice of the youth that America listens to today, and is the voice of the youth that America must listen to tomorrow. History has shown that youth-powered civic movements are often the most effective; prominent organizations such as United We Dream and Black Lives Matter were founded by young Americans. Many important policies on labor, segregation, civil rights, and immigration have also been passed as a result of youth engagement. The youth-led gun control movement, sparked by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, created unprecedented change: over fifty laws were passed across the nation within six months of the shooting. This fervor and dedication of young Americans is unmatched, making civic engagement all the more powerful. Youth bring a fresh voice and energy to discourse that allows for greater problem-solving.

Studies indicate that civic engagement is extremely beneficial both for youth and their communities. Civic engagement influences student’s future success, reduces disparities, and improves their health. It creates well-connected communities and a more democratic society. Volunteering, protesting, and voting are all part of civic engagement and allow young Americans from all walks of life to participate in their communities. A healthy democracy requires participation of its citizens, especially young Americans who must be prepared to engage, contribute, and lead the nation.

For young Americans, civic engagement brings greater appreciation of the community and understanding of the various challenges that the community faces. Civic engagement has the potential to leave long-lasting impressions on young Americans, making them stronger leaders who are more likely to contribute to their communities in the future. It is the children of America who will be living through the political and community decisions that are made in the present, whether it be environmental, domestic, or international policy. Without civic engagement, American democracy will cease to flourish.