The importance of youth voice in public policy

Youth voice can have a monumental impact on the way policymakers think. Day-to-day life has changed for our generation, and adults alone can’t make decisions that affect youth. Youth voice is important to share with lawmakers because youth are able to use their struggles to make the world a better place. We are the next generation that will be taking on this world. 

Today I want to tell you a personal story that inspired me to share my voice. When I was 14, my father left, and my life was turned upside down. I felt betrayed by the one person I felt I could trust, and I felt so insignificant. Why would anyone listen to me, if those that supposedly loved me couldn’t stick around? When I first heard about STASHA, I never knew the platform it would give me to find my voice when I thought it had been taken from me. Even today, I’m still learning and going through the motions every day. Whatever backgrounds and experiences you all come from, I want you to know that no one can ever take your voice from you.

We can give our higher power law makers our insights on what is happening through our eyes. We can give them the ideas that we have on what we can accomplish. When young people are energized and inspired, the whole globe can change for the better through their dedication and passion. To youth that feel hopeless, or alone in this crazy thing called life, they can understand the purpose that they have. 

Youth voice can ultimately lead to a multitude of amazing things. One example is better-designed policies that draw on the lived experience, insights and innovative ideas of young people. It’s important to promote engagement to all people under the age of 18 as allies in the development and sustainability of new programs and policies, including giving feedback on current projects or developing new social programs. Listening to youth voices also gives youth and young people a greater stake in society, increasing the likelihood that they will be civically active as adults. 

As youth connect with lawmakers, the most important thing to remember is to be positive and do positive things. Success can only be achieved when we work together with our lawmakers, not against them, to make an everlasting, positive legacy within our society. If you follow your passions, youth can make a positive difference in the world, and be looked up to by peers, lawmakers, and everyone in between.

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