From assets to agents of change: Social justice, organizing, and youth development

Few would disagree that young people today face formidable social problems. While policymakers and researchers might point to the familiar data on teen pregnancy, violence, and high school dropout rates, we believe that barriers to democratic participation are the greatest challenge facing youth. Political participation has been the cornerstone of America’s democratic ideals, and yet for women and communities of color, it has come with substantial costs. Similar to blacks prior to 1954, today’s young people face intense economic isolation, lack political power, and are subjected to pervasive social stigma. In response, young people throughout the country are mobilizing to demand a voice in public policy and are transforming institutions to be more accountable to their communities