I think youth should be able to vote on policies and laws that directly affect us. We can’t get the best results if we don’t include the input of every age group. Young people need to continue to speak out – to claim our right to freedom of speech to speak our minds.
I believe that it’s really important to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and seek out the lessons you have to learn. And I think my generation is really equipped to do that. From what I see, we’re a lot more open minded, inclusive, and willing to fight to make sure we can be ourselves.
It was remarkable to watch and experience young people working together. The 15 committee members, ranging from 15-25 years old, came from very different areas of the state, and from different experiences and backgrounds. They had never met before this meeting, and yet, they were instantaneously able to create rapport and a feeling of safety.
Youth have special bonds with people our own age, and we can often bond over the smallest things. That leads to getting organized.
In order for youth to sit “at the table,” they need support and encouragement. Both adults and youth need to learn how to listen to and respect one another’s words.
Young people have a lot to say. And we’re not having as much influence in the policy world as we should. By putting policy people in conversation with young people, I felt like I might be able to bridge that divide.
I wish other young people could have the feeling I had – like I can do the same thing that any adult can do in terms of decision-making, advocacy, and social justice. I’ve always been told by adults that I can have a say in what happens, that I can have an impact, but it’s never felt real.
When decision-makers confront issues that directly affect young people, it is only right for youth voices to be heard.
