Hey, John!

Think back to your first experience participating in democracy. Was it casting your first vote? Testifying in front of your state legislators? Registering to vote for the first time? Joining a rally or protest in your community? The Alliance Network is building a world where young people across the country have the access, opportunity, and power to participate in our democracy. 

We launched our Democracy Debut campaign to celebrate new voters ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Now, we’re focusing the campaign on celebrating young people in the Alliance Network making their debut into our democracy in their state’s legislative session because there is no such thing as an off year when it comes to democracy.

Check out how some of the youth organizers in the Alliance Network have been making their democracy debut this year.

Erin Lee (she/her/hers), North Carolina Asian Americans Together

“I'm trying to encourage democracy in my family too—I helped my dad study for his citizenship test so that he could vote, and both of my parents recently voted together for the first time in the midterms!”

Livia Benitez (she/her/hers), Engage Miami

“I spoke on behalf of the Giffords organization to fight gun violence, and urged the Miami-Dade 2023 representatives for the state session to oppose the Permitless Carry bill before it was introduced. Being able to stand at that hearing, and express mine and my community's concern on this issue gave me a sense of power I never felt before.”

Ollie Bandong (they/them/theirs), North Carolina Asian Americans Together

“I'm participating in our democracy by doing more research and art on issues I'm passionate about. I'm hoping to make a series of zines and/or infographics to help educate my community on the issues of abortion access and climate change.” 

Continue reading the Democracy Debut story submissions over on the Alliance blog, and join us in celebrating with Alliance Network youth organizers by sharing their stories on social media!

In 2022, we saw young voters, many casting a ballot for the first time, turn out in record numbers. This year, youth organizers are holding elected officials accountable to pass progressive legislation and advocate for issues young people care about most. 

Youth organizers know that our democracy is strongest when more people get involved. The 20 youth-led organizations in the Alliance Network serving as local political homes for young people participating in democracy for the first time is key to strengthening our democracy. Let’s continue building the power of youth to make their voices heard, vote, testify, and protest, to move us closer to a democracy done right.

Cheers to our democracy debuts!

Eliana Reed

Content Manager

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