With 2024 being a crucial year for elections globally, ensuring youth are engaged in the political process has never been more critical. The U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project “Not Too Young to Run: Engaging Youth in the Political Process” brought together young leaders from 18 countries, spanning 5 continents, to collaborate on ways in which the U.S. and foreign governments can get youth more civically engaged.
Findings from the 2020 U.S. election show that around 50% of people aged 18-29 cast their vote for President. While this statistic is high compared to previous elections, young people are still not highly engaged in the democratic process. On the alternative side, with an aging population in American politics, it is becoming more important that youth are actively engaged and represented in government. Currently there is only one U.S. congressman under 30 years old raising concerns that issues directly affecting the younger voting population have been pushed aside. Considering this in the context of climate change, statistics show that by 2050, 1.2 billion people are predicted to become climate migrants.
Over the three-week exchange, visitors traveled to exemplary U.S. cities of diverse political backgrounds. Starting in Washington D.C., visitors then traveled to Columbia, South Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver, Colorado; and Seattle, Washington where they met with several experts in their field for peer-to-peer education and discussion. Engaging with themes such as leadership development, communication strategies, voter empowerment, and grassroots advocacy, participants had the opportunity to share their own strategies as well as develop new ones that can be applied upon their return to their home country.
During the DC portion of the program, visitors participated in a workshop hosted by Gallup and met with professional resources on a variety of topics. While visiting the Capitol, visitors had the opportunity to discuss the legislative process with representatives from Senator Richard Durbin’s office. The group also met with Ms. Abby Finkenauer, the Special Envoy for Youth Global Issues. Visitors had the opportunity to see how the U.S. federal government involves itself in youth civic engagement and advocate for ways in which the U.S. can assist abroad.
Many young people feel disenfranchised and lack the support systems they need to get involved in the political process. However, widespread use of social media with direct access to politicians may be a key tactic to deepen youth involvement in democratic processes. Organizations such as HeadCount and When We All Vote have been targeting youth directly to emphasize the importance of becoming civically engaged. There has never been a more important time for youth to get involved and advocate for their needs than with the upcoming election.
In the implementation of this exchange, young leaders from all regions of the world were able to work together to create mutual understanding and long-lasting connections. Often representing minority populations, participants have shared and learned new ways in which they can influence politics for future populations. Visitors engaged with both sides of the conversation and respectfully involved themselves in discourse. Upon return to their home countries, lessons learned from the program have the chance to influence politics globally and open new paths for future collaboration with the United States.
Laurie Davis is a Program Associate at Meridian International Center. She received her Masters degree from American University in International Affairs Policy and Analysis in May 2024. Her background is in European comparative studies and exchange programs. In addition to IVLP, Laurie has worked with Sister Cities International and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship Program.
