FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | OCTOBER 22, 2024
Young voters played a pivotal role in recent elections—2018, 2020 and 2022—and stand to do so again in 2024, with more than 40 million Gen Zers eligible to vote, 20 percent of whom are first-time voters. But the numbers are only part of the story.
Today, Ms. magazine launched “The Youth Vote Is Essential to Democracy.” This installment of its Women & Democracy series is created in partnership with DoSomething, a hub for youth-centered service whose early vision to make volunteerism “cool” has uplifted millions on a mission to change the world; and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys, which recognizes exceptional public campaigns and leaders, including those sparked and fueled by and for young people.
Through a collection of videos, a podcast, articles and round-ups, Gen Z illustrates that the future envisioned by young leaders is bright—and is one that would codify reproductive rights, bodily autonomy and gender equity; ensure a safe, sustainable planet and freedom from violence; and invest in deep, systemic reforms to achieve racial justice and economic opportunity.
Young people have always been the standard bearers for change. But today, they shoulder a challenging charge: as the catalyst for and force-multipliers of the future of inclusive democracy.
Released in tandem with “The Youth Vote Is Essential to Democracy,” today Ms. Studios also launched “The Z Factor: Gen Z’s Voice and Vote”— a podcast that seeks to amplify the voices of young people in America, from students in Florida fighting book bans, to young lawmakers in Tennessee working to end gun violence, to young people just trying to make it by each day. The first episode is available at MsMagazine.com and most podcast platforms now.
Women & Democracy is Ms. magazine’s online forum that focuses on key issues impacting full and fair representation in our democracy. We team up with leading advocacy organizations to provide expert content and release a new installment each quarter; past partners have included the Brennan Center for Justice, Center for Reproductive Rights, International Women’s Media Foundation, Represent Women, and Supermajority, among others.
Questions or press queries about the project can be directed to Ms. magazine at press@msmagazine.com.
About Ms. magazine:
Founded in 1972 and published by the Feminist Majority Foundation since 2001, Ms. has been a trusted, popular source for feminist news and information in print and online for over 50 years. Ms.’s time-honored traditions of an emphasis on in-depth investigative reporting and feminist political analysis have never been more relevant, bringing a new generation of writers and readers together to share news, analysis, research and strategies for fighting back and moving forward, for shaping the future.
About DoSomething:
DoSomething is a platform for young people to learn, connect, and take action on issues they care about. Since 1993, it has been the leading hub for youth-centered activism and service.
About The Anthem Awards:
The Anthem Awards celebrate purpose & mission-driven work from people, companies and organizations worldwide. Started in 2021 by the team at The Webby Awards, the awards accept work across five areas of impact work including: Awareness, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service and Team & Internal Initiatives for seven causes: Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment.