Expert Insights: How to Cultivate Civic and Political Care for Young People
In our latest report, Cultivating Care: How & Why Young People Participate in Civic Life, we explore the complex dynamics that shape young people’s civic care, or the range of motivations, activities and behaviors by which young people participate in the political and communal life of society. Parents, teachers and other trusted adults play a crucial role in cultivating young people’s civic care — trusted intergenerational relationships are key to teaching young people to think critically, discuss difficult topics with integrity and bridge connections to civic institutions.
We invited members of our Research Advisory Board to reflect on snapshots of our data and suggest how trusted adults might apply these learnings in their care of young people.
Q: We learned that young people are especially likely to care about education, the economy, abortion / reproductive issues, climate change, health care, and gun policy. In what ways have you seen that demonstrated in your communities and settings? How can trusted adults show their care, shared support, and collaboration around these and other important issues with the young people in their lives and communities?
Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu
I believe trusted adults can show their sincerity and care about issues by talking openly about them with young people, acknowledging the limits of our own understandings, and inviting curiosity and engagement rather than insisting on simplistic or reductionistic narratives. An organization called COLAGE, on whose board I serve, works to empower youth raised in LGBTQ-parented families. To accomplish this, multiple structures are in place to ensure youth participation through governance and leadership in every aspect of the institution.
Rabbi Julia Appel
Among the various kinds of Jewish institutions, there is generally a big emphasis on civic engagement, including the importance of voting and volunteering as well as advocacy efforts around social issues like education, equity, health care, and more. Creating opportunities for modeling respectful and relational dialogue, even with panels of people who may disagree, can have a profound effect on young people especially. Dialogue around difference, for me, is what is most important in civic engagement right now given the polarization of political life in America.
Q: Some BIPOC young people and LGBTQ young people share that their very identity feels political. How might adults and community leaders demonstrate care and foster a sense of safety so that all may engage in dialogue, especially when that might feel risky?
Dr. Onnie Rogers
Acknowledge that we are all political and politicized— the question is where power is situated and how it is utilized. For those whose politicized bodies are granted status and value and power, there is an obligation to protect, preserve, and promote the value of others. None of us escapes the political; we must be mindful and intentional about how our political positionality is used, for whom, and for what purposes.
Dr. Melinda Denton
In my own faith community, inclusion is a core mission and identity. It is explicitly stated at every gathering and consistently modeled. The leadership team includes BIPOC adults and LGBTQ adults, whose voices are valued and prominent. The church regularly participates in civic engagement activities in the larger community—volunteering, Pride parades, community social events, outreach events, etc. These activities are always inclusive of all ages, with youth included alongside the adults. This contributes to an environment where inclusion is more than words; it is the very heart of the church body, and the foundation for all the dialogue that takes place.
Q: Our research finds that 45% of young people feel as though religious institutions care “only a little” or “not at all” about things that matter to most young people. How might faith-based organizations convey common concern for young people and the issues that matter to them?
Dr. Vijay Satnarine
The formation of young people cannot be constricting; it should create the safe space young people need to make mistakes. It should do so in a way that the institution retains its integrity without sacrificing its ability to take young people seriously. Hollow celebrations are not appreciated by the youth. What young people do appreciate is the ability to look with satisfaction upon something of systemic import that they were able to institute.
Dr. María Del Socorro Castañeda
True dedication requires consistent engagement from organizational leaders. Young individuals must witness this dedication firsthand and feel confident that their thoughts and aspirations are genuinely respected. Organizational leaders should be present—attending youth-organized events, initiating conversations, and actively seeking their perspectives. A brief visit by a director or pastor can profoundly impact the youth, as they will remember and interpret it as a meaningful gesture of care and commitment.
