The Youth Vote Is Essential to Democracy

Seven Young Activists Working at the Intersection of Environmental and Racial Justice

In this intense moment in the fight against racial injustice and the COVID-19 crisis, we can’t separate the fight for racial equity from the fight against climate change, and we must look at environmental justice as an anti-racist act. Leah Thomas, an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator, defines intersectional environmentalism as “an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet.” 

Find out more about Thomas and six other young activists whose work prioritizes an intersectional lens and links environmental and racial justice.

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

‘Gen Z Is Ready to Act’: Ms. Launches New Podcast ‘The Z Factor’ Uplifting Youth Voices

This week, Ms. magazine launched a brand-new limited series podcast, The Z Factor: Gen Z’s Voice and Vote.

I’m Anoushka Chander—a senior at Harvard, an activist and host of The Z Factor. My generation, Gen Z, grew up amid a global pandemic, rapid climate change, rampant gun violence, democratic backsliding, and movements for women’s rights and racial justice. We were born between the mid 1990s and early 2010s, so we are between the ages of 12 and 27. As we reach the cusp of adulthood, many young people are wondering: What comes next?

In the opening episode, I welcome Anil Cacodcar, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, which conducts the leading biannual poll of young Americans. In the episode, we discuss the role of social media in the 2024 election, how youth voter enthusiasm has skyrocketed, and youth concerns about finding affordable housing and a fair-paying job in this economy.

Creators and Media Educating, Activating and Organizing Gen Z in 2024

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We’ve rounded up some incredible content creators and media outlets that are leading the charge and are educating, activating and organizing young voters ahead of the election. 

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

The Accountability Era: On the New Standards Gen Z Set for Brands to Be a Positive Force for Change

In an era of consumerism where you are what you buy, young people only want to engage with brands that stand for social good. The understanding is that we all have the power to do good but the responsibility to do it for each other. 

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

The Top Four Causes Igniting Young People

By rallying around causes that matter, young people are not only shaping their own futures but also redefining the landscape of civic engagement. 

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

The Road to My First Vote: Finding My Voice as a First-Generation Immigrant

I’m part of the 8 million youth who are now old enough to vote in 2024. It wasn’t until I noticed the inequities that existed around me that I realized the potential my voice could have on the ballot.

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

How to Prepare for Election Season

Over 41 million Gen Zers will be eligible to vote in this upcoming general election. That’s huge! It also means the face of our electorate is rapidly changing, and we need to ensure voters like you have all the necessary tools in your toolkit to claim our democracy. As a voter, your vote holds the key to deciding the future of our country. We know that elections can seem daunting and overwhelming, but we want to equip you with the knowledge to show up and take action at the polls this fall.

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

From Music Fans to Voters: Registering Young People Ahead of the 2024 Elections

Gen Z and millennials are officially the largest voting bloc in the U.S., making up 48 percent of eligible voters. In 2022, it’s estimated that 27 percent of people aged 18-29 cast a ballot, marking the second highest youth voter turnout in a midterm election in almost three decades. Since then, 8 million young people have reached voting age, and just under half of them are people of color. 

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

Realizing Youth Power: Engaging Youth Beyond Elections

Ever since I could remember, the prevailing narrative about young people and elections has been that they don’t care and don’t vote. As a result, politicians have expressed no obligation to young people and their priorities. Yet, in August, as I watched the Democratic National Convention, I saw something different: Broadcasters and commentators referred to “the youth vote” as a meaningful voting bloc. For the first time, our political discourse was acknowledging the critical role young people have played in the last several elections.

Issues like climate change, reproductive justice, student debt, education and gun violence are life-and-death issues, with clear implications for young people’s daily experiences. Drawing from the work of foster care system and disability justice activists, young leaders rally for “Nothing about us without us.”

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)

Harness the Power of Your Vote: A Young Voter’s Guide for 2024

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, young voters have a unique opportunity to shape their future. This election is a chance to amplify our voices on the issues that matter most to us. For many, this will be our first presidential election, and while the excitement is palpable, the process can feel overwhelming. Between registering to vote, researching candidates, and determining how to cast our ballot, it’s easy to feel lost. As we navigate these steps, this guide is here to empower you in making your voice heard.

(This essay is part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters. The future envisioned by young leaders is bright—it’s built on reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, sustainability, freedom from violence and economic opportunity. Explore essays, a brand-new podcast, videos and more from some of your most loved [or soon to be!] influencers and writers, brought to you by Ms., DoSomething, the nonprofit that helps make volunteerism “cool,” and The Anthem Awards, the social impact arm of The Webbys.)