Youth Voice in Action

The last year at Youth Voice in Action I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with a passionate team of students from across the state. We’ve been able to create real change in our community by curbing youth civic apathy, pioneering youth citizenship development, and advocating for youth voices to be brought to the table. In the past year, we have held meetings with municipal officers and members of our local government to advocate for changing the voting age to 16 years old in BOE elections, while building support throughout our community. We’ve held multiple leadership and public speaking training events, with over 50 attendees and experienced speakers working in senior level positions in large national non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 Companies. We have also contributed to statewide education, collecting over 400 books for underserved communities across the state. We’ve been able to truly show the power of what informed and engaged youth can accomplish, while contributing to changing the youth political sentiment from apathy to engagement. But we’re not stopping there. Next year we are continuing to expand these programs, aiming to host voter registration drives and civic education programs in more municipalities across NJ, ramping up our advocacy efforts, while expanding across the nation. Interested in joining the effort? We always have leadership and team positions open across the country. Please take a look at our website to see how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/ey4-bYZh

The co-founders of Vote16NJ inspired Bill S3240, which will lower the voting age to 16 in NJ. This will allow 16 and 17 years olds to vote in school board elections. The possible passage of this bill will serve as an example for other states and will allow the youth to have a voice in their community. Read more about what this will mean for the youth of NJ.

YVA x Youth Council is holding an Advocacy, Public Speaking and College Apps Workshop on June 29, at the Youth Council Pavillion! Everyone can sign up using the QR code and YC members can sign up via volunteer matrix. We hope to see you there!

Vote16NJ co-founders have introduced Bill S3240 , which will allow the voting age to be lowered to 16 in some NJ elections. This will have an impact on the youth in NJ, and will serve as an example for other states. Learn more about what this will mean for your voice.

East Brunswick Public Schools announces upcoming budget cuts for the 2024-25 school year! This includes cutting staff and elementary music education. To help reverse this decision, attend the Budget Forum on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the JMPAC! Swipe for more information.

NJ's politics are largely driven by the county line advantage on the ballot. Structuring ballots around the county line impacts election outcomes by steering voters towards specific candidates. Many electoral officials look to rule out this ballot design as other states organize their primary ballots around the electoral position being sought. Swipe to read more!

Sign up for the New Brunswick League of Women Voters Video and Essay contest where the winning video and essay each get $500! Submit an entry on this year's topic in order to convey the importance of voting and influence democracy to the community. The goal of this contest is to inspire young people to vote and participate in our politics. Swipe for more info!

Sign up for the New Brunswick League of Women Voters Video and Essay contest where the winning video and essay each get $500! Submit an essay or video on this year's topic in order to convey the importance of voting and influence democracy to the community. The goal of this contest is to inspire young people to vote and participate in our politics. Swipe for more info!

Want to get involved in your community while earning a few extra bucks? Give back to your community and witness democracy in action by becoming a Poll Worker! Swipe to learn more and apply using the QR code on the last slide.

EAST BRUNSWICK RESIDENTS: Our latest school board elections have garnered only a 24.53% voter turnout rate, representing a shocking underrepresentation of members of our community. In order to combat this, in combination with Youth Voice in Action , I am starting an initiative to allow 16+ year olds to participate in Board of Education Elections. Studies consistently demonstrate that 16 year olds possess higher or similar levels of civic knowledge to their 20+ year old counterparts, and that they maintain the necessary mental capabilities in order to make informed decisions, such as those in elections. Involving students in political endeavors in high school helps promote increased civic participation throughout their lifetime, combating the problems of youth apathy towards government. Interested in helping to make a difference? Sign our petition here! https://lnkd.in/gaByMqpu