In order to write this, I asked my 12-year-old son to make a list of reasons why youth need to be involved in and lead in politics. We have talks every now and then about current events, politics, and social issues. He has budding opinions, ideas, and awareness of the world. His generation is growing up faster than mine did, and they are so well connected. He is a source of unexpected information and points of view. As a parent, I am proud of his knowledge, confidence, and ability. The list he came up with provided the prompts for everything you are about to read.
Most of the time, when we think of mentors, we think of someone older or more established than us in a position to teach. We forget that we need young mentors, too. Young people have adapted to new skills, tools, information, and ways of life that we simply do not understand like they do. In this way, young people are our best resource when it comes to leading us into the future.
Young people need to have opportunities to be involved because they are the ones learning about the struggles of the next generation. They can stay tapped into these causes better than older folks. And let’s face it: if we would hand the reins to them more often, they have ways to make progress with those causes better than we can. They also add strength in numbers. If we allow them to be involved and make important decisions within our organizations, we can reach and help more people overall than we would otherwise.
I often hear that young people are apathetic in this country. To me, it is easy to see why. They are inheriting a difficult future. The cost of living has skyrocketed, the environment is on the verge of collapse, and they have to navigate complex social and cultural issues. We forget that we are leaving a legacy with our actions. Our kids will inherit this planet. We are making a grave mistake if we do not allow youth to speak up and take action. They can see new solutions to problems that we can’t and more effectively produce the change that is needed. They deserve the opportunity to create a better world that they will have to live in. If we would just let them do that, I think we will have a future worth living not just for them, but for everyone. We need the youth.
Cecile Pérez is a mental health professional and serves on the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee as the legislative chair for District 35.