John,
The DNC has a newly elected chair, Ken Martin, and it’s crucial that he steps up the party’s investment in mobilizing young voters! Without a serious commitment to youth engagement, the Democratic Party risks losing momentum among some of our most diverse and energetic supporters and volunteers.
For too long, Democrats have assumed young voters will automatically support us, and we have failed to allocate the necessary resources to sustain their enthusiasm. But with Donald Trump taking over the national stage, the consequences of this neglect are becoming alarmingly clear: more young people, particularly young men, are being drawn toward the right.
Not every young man is as unsettling as the 20-somethings Elon Musk has dispatched to disrupt the Treasury Department, but the trend is real. If the DNC fails to act now, the rise of a pro-Trump youth movement will only accelerate.
Young voters are one of the largest, most diverse, and most progressive voting blocs in the country, and their activism has been crucial to Democratic victories at every level. Yet, despite their commitment, the party has consistently underfunded youth organizing.
This pattern cannot continue. If we want to win elections, we must take young voters seriously.
Congratulate Ken Martin on his new leadership role, and urge him to make young voters a priority by signing our open letter now!
Harnessing the idealism and energy of young people requires real investment. Under Ken Martin’s leadership, the DNC must significantly expand funding for youth outreach and organizing programs. This isn’t just about doing what’s right -- it’s a proven strategy for winning. When young voters are actively engaged, Democratic victories follow.
To build a Democratic coalition that is energized to win in 2026, 2028, and beyond, the party must make firm commitments to:
Dramatically increase the DNC’s youth organizing budget,
Expand campus outreach and voter registration to reach more young voters, and
Develop long-term engagement strategies that keep young people involved beyond just election cycles.
This generation is ready to step up into leadership, but they will only realize their full potential if we make sure they receive the resources they need. Keeping young voters engaged and mobilized is critical to the future of the Democratic movement.
Send a message to DNC Chair Ken Martin now, urging him to make the necessary investments to keep young people at the center of Democratic victories.
Thank you for taking action to ensure the energy and passion of young activists are not lost!
- DFA AF Team
