The Young People Watching

Young people are often described as the leaders of tomorrow.

But young people are already living in the society we are building today.

They are watching how adults respond to injustice. They are watching whether people who abuse power are held accountable. They are watching whether disagreement leads to conversation or hatred.

What we teach young people about civic life is not only found in classrooms.

They learn from what they see.

If we want young people to become responsible citizens, we have to show them that participation matters. We have to create spaces where their ideas are taken seriously and where they can contribute to their communities.

Young people should not have to wait until they are older before their voices are considered important.