Arden (left): “As part of the Memphis Youth Union [MemYu], we’re working to promote youth voice in Memphis, specifically in the political process. Our campaign goal is to lower the voting age to 16 because at this point, youth in Memphis don’t have a voice in the decisions that affect them every day. All schools require their students to have a government class, so the youth are informed and they care, but they don’t have an avenue to express their views. For example, issues involving the use of community centers directly impact youth. Groups in other parts of the country are also working to lower the voting age, and some places have actually done it already. For example, Takoma Park, Maryland was the first city to allow 16- and 17-year olds to vote in municipal elections and referendums. Eventually it could become a national thing like the amendment that lowered the voting age to 18, but our focus right now is local.”
Lucy (middle): “Youth and adult equity is the idea that if youth and adults make decisions together, both will value and respect each other’s experiences. Everyone brings their personal experience to the table, and everyone’s input counts.”
Taylor (right): “We are the world’s future leaders, so early civic engagement is important. Human behavior is, to a large degree, based on habit. Being more informed and engaged now can become a habit that makes us even more prone to be involved in the political process as adults. Touching on what Lucy mentioned, the fact is, adults can learn from youth just like youth can learn from adults. Connection and collaboration between two different age groups can be powerful and have a very positive impact on the city, community, and overall, the nation. That’s something the cohort wants to promote.”
Lucy (middle): “Youth and adult equity is the idea that if youth and adults make decisions together, both will value and respect each other’s experiences. Everyone brings their personal experience to the table, and everyone’s input counts.”
Taylor (right): “We are the world’s future leaders, so early civic engagement is important. Human behavior is, to a large degree, based on habit. Being more informed and engaged now can become a habit that makes us even more prone to be involved in the political process as adults. Touching on what Lucy mentioned, the fact is, adults can learn from youth just like youth can learn from adults. Connection and collaboration between two different age groups can be powerful and have a very positive impact on the city, community, and overall, the nation. That’s something the cohort wants to promote.”
Memphis Youth Union (Arden, Lucy, & Taylor are part of a cohort of 8 students)
Website: Memphis Youth Union
FB: Memphis Youth Union
Twitter: @thememyu
Instagram: @thememyu
Email: [email protected]
Article: Bridges Memphis Youth Union: A Movement for Youth Voice by Elizabeth Lee (9/11/16)
Website: Memphis Youth Union
FB: Memphis Youth Union
Twitter: @thememyu
Instagram: @thememyu
Email: [email protected]
Article: Bridges Memphis Youth Union: A Movement for Youth Voice by Elizabeth Lee (9/11/16)
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