How does Gen Z feel about being referred to as Plurals? I believe one of their issues is being listened to. Maybe they like it, but from what I read, I have only heard them represent themselves as Gen Z with pride in that identity. I have NO experience nor expertise, simply curious. Thanks. And, thanks for the work you have done and are doing.
Sharon, because I was one of the people who pushed Simon to use the name "Plurals," I should provide an explanation for why we prefer that term. In naming generations it seems to make sense to use a term that says something about what the generation is like. Plurals describes a key characteristic of the generation, while Gen Z says nothing about it. The name Gen Z was given to the generation simply because it followed Gen Y (now better known as the Millennial generation)., which was given that name simply because it followed Generation X. We prefer the name Plural because of that generation's diversity: it is the first US generation in which there is no single ethnic or racial majority. It's also the first US generation in which Protestants (and perhaps even Christians) do not comprise of majority. Whether or not the Plural name sticks, as Millennial did earlier, is not yet certain. But, for the time being at least, we think it's a more useful label than Gen Z. Regardless, however, this cohort is strongly liberal and Democratic. As Simon pointed out, it will be crucial for the Democratic Party and American democracy.
Sharon, I realize that I didn't answer your original question about how members of the Plural/Gen-Z generation refer to themselves? Most research indicates that members of particular generation recognize that, in some way, they are distinctive from members of other generations. Exactly when they start to refer to themselves by a specific label is less certain. Most likely it's when a particular label becomes widely popular. By now, Boomers and Millennials use those labels to refer to themselves, but that didn't happen right away. I don't know when that will happen with Plurals/Gen Z or what name they will finally use, but I'd guess that will occur within the next 5-10 years just in time for another new generation to come of age.
I normally would never comment with suggestions on the content of a Substack, but Simon asked that we be forthright in this new vehicle, so here I go. 1) in circles I have been peripherally involved in, “Hopium” is a derisive term meaning false hope. This is especially prevalent in environmental analysis along the line of, a soft landing may be out of reach and the damage has been too extensive. I personally believe that we must fight for our democracy no matter what and assume life goes on. In this early stage of what I expect to be my Go To Substack now and going forward, I recommend that this issue be revisited sooner rather than later, and 2) Length - yesterday’s inaugural newsletter was the perfect length that a busy, informed person would read considering they likely have 5-10 other paid or unpaid Substacks to read along with other news sources. Today’s is pretty long and seems to include most of what we saw in NDN’s newsletters. The 55% goal is brilliant and I loved it when it was introduced earlier this year. Perhaps concentrate each main point in a separate newsletter. Louder one day, 55% the next etc. Not sure how often this will be published - some do weekdays (Hubbell) and Joyce Vance, others daily (Craven). These suggestions are mine alone and not based on any empirical data. No matter what the Title or Content ends up being, I will become a paid subscriber and regularly read, watch and listen. Thank you for all that you do.
Helpful stuff. The big essay today is something that has been in the works for months and needed to be long. Sometimes things are going to be long. Most things will be short.
Hear you about Hopium but I am attempting to turn the word into a positive, something aspirational, a mindset about making hard things possible. May be wishful thinking but we will see.
In this case this memo is going to be widely read by professionals and journalists, and breaking it up would have dramatically lessened its accessibility and impact.
And I am so familiar with the information having attended many of your sessions that it seemed long and repetitive but definitely will not be to a new audience. Point taken.
I'd take this one step further (channeling my wife who really is the brand strategist (former Levis, Nike, Adidas, Patagonia)) ...brand building involves taking an object, phrase or term and converting it into a defined meaning as the brand strategy intends. It does not always work, and it takes significant commitment, discipline, and execution in messaging, as well as capital to build and communicate the brand promise. At the end of the day, a brand is an empty vessel in which you fill with the brand promise. Remember above all: People do not buy what you make; they buy WHY you make it. Ensure the "why" comes across clearly, succinctly, and creates opportunity for affinity with your client, customer, constituent, subscriber, etc. Then over time, the term will assume the new meaning. "Hopium" does have a "guarded optimism" feel to it when you say it to yourself repeatedly (per my smarter half). And we need more than mere aspiration; the brand needs to communicate mission, commitment, and achievement... at the risk of invoking a prior brand promise, "Yes, we can... (drive to 55)" is what you want every subscriber to walk away with in their minds each day they read your contributions to the discourse. I know Hopium will offer much more than a single campaign (drive to 55), but whatever the campaign is (insert your favorite), the point is for people to say "Yes we can...<do the thing>" We hope that's food for thought.
Gregory, I'm a new subscriber. "Hopium" is new to me, so it doesn't carry a meaning other than used in this context. I just discovered Simon Rosenberg, and at that moment I desperately needed hope! I read a lot of what he is saying abut the facts of the performance and recent successes of the Democratic Party and his shining a light on the tremendous work that's being done across the nation at the grassroots level as well as via the Dem. Party to save democracy. There is much information on the site for how to get effectively involved in getting the hard work done that is necessary to reelect Biden. Your point is well taken. There could be more emphasis on the pieces of the mission, how we can get it done, and updates along the way of how we're doing! It's a CANDO MOVEMENT. Not just wishful thinking. I loved the interview with Anderson Clayton, NC Democratic Party Chair.
Irene- Welcome. I consider Simon a colleague and a mentor; he is a strategic board advisor to our organization (osetinstitute.org) and he is super smart, pragmatic and data-driven about this stuff which is way above my pay-grade. I hope you have found a community to help sustain your hope for our democracy.
Thank you, Gregory. And thank you for introducing me to Oset Institute. Very impressive. It is yet another example of dedicated, smart, skilled people across the country working hard to save democracy....giving me Hope!
The length is fine - because the piece remained focused and interesting to the end. Simon clearly had something to say and he said every word. I would not artificially limit length.
Variation is helpful in this medium -- e.g. a long, substantive piece, followed by a couple of shorter pieces. But always publishing the same type of predictable piece of the same length every time does nothing for you.
If you have a long barn-burner inside, share the whole thing in a cohesive package. If you have a quick take, share that too. The variety is natural and feels authentic.
I agree with all your suggestions for increasing Democratic votes. But I think you are missing a huge opportunity. Three of your four categories assume fixed beliefs among voting groups. Yet, I believe there is great potential to change back a recent shift in beliefs. Namely, that Republicans are the party of non-college graduates and blue-collar workers. It seems clear that Democrats do more to help these groups and we need to regain support from these voters. The Republican inroads have relied on false and misleading claims. They actually want to slash or privatize social security and medicare, reduce worker protections and bargaining power, oppose increasing minimum wages, increase income inequality, etc.
There have been large changes in voter and politician views in recent decades and I see no reason that these can’t shift again. For instance, in 1974, Richard Nixon was forced to resign by the threat of removal from office by many Republican senators. In 2006, the Voting Rights Act was re-approved in the Senate by a unanimous vote. I think it is important to recognize the potential to change minds by correcting misinformation and lies; hence the value of your concept of information warriors getting louder.
Take a look at my With Democrats Things Get Better presentation. It is designed to help us go on offense on economic issues with all voters. Let me know what you think. It's here, on the site.
Are you planning to coordinate these efforts with the DNC, Latino organizations, AA organizations (Black women are the Dem base, but increasingly, Black men have voted Republican since Trump), and yes AAPI (I read that they are feeling dismissed by the Dem party and are voting for R)? Though I agree with the 4 groups you would like to target, targeting the AA and AAPI groups in addition to the 4 groups would greatly strengthen the Dem coalition.
I really wish we would have universal required voting and ranked choice voting like Australia. Yes I know, that’s a long way off, if ever it comes. This was uplifting, seeing small margins do produce big results. Achievable nibbles. Excellent.
Fantastic information. Love the plan. I went to Reno and Las Vegas the week before the midterms to help young people vote. I did it in my own and went to college campuses with donuts. It was the easiest, most effective, most fun GOTV work I’ve ever done. The kids need help voting - they’re often unclear about the rules, don’t want to make a mistake, are intimidated/overwhelmed trying to figure it out and are likely not to vote if they don’t think they understand the issues. Everything we can do to cut through the confusion will be a game changer.
I am very disappointed that there is no interest in seniors(>60). We are not all republicans-we vote consistently. While a large portion watch Fox News and believe all of the lies are not aware of the plans to destroy Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. If you were to add our groups to your efforts you could achieve 55 or more.
My county in NY has the largest senior population in terms of percentage and are disproportionately actively engaged in Democratic organizing, GOTV etc. The middle aged and younger folks make up 25% at most. Who will carry on with petitioning, caucuses, new registrations, GOTV, rallies, events, phone banking, and postcarding? Yes, don’t forget us but also help us.
Marilyn - I agree with you that seniors' minds can be enlightened. How do we bridge the siloed communities; youth and seniors? Consider igniting communities opportunities through events hosted by either (youth for senior and senior for youth). I've only organized this on a small scale with middle school students but am also aware of senior centers who might welcome opportunities to provide purposeful action for its members.
Marilyn - I do not think that the intention here is to drive away ANY groups. I think that Simon is highlighting an opportunity that could be taken by driving up the turn-out of younger voters.
I agree with you when you say that there are more votes to be had in the over 60 demographic (I am in that age group myself, actually closer to 70 than 60, but I digress ). Would I be too bold to suggest that you reach out to others in that demographic (I have been doing so too), and talk to them about these issues and why voting for Democrats is important? I truly think that someone that is the demographic can be a better influencer than someone outside of it. My two cent, no offense intended! Thanks again for you post!
I think a topic that Republicans keep winning on is crime. How do we show that crime is not synonymous with "Democrat", that opposing police brutality and systemic racism is not "soft on crime," that GOP gun proliferation laws are part of what contributes to crime, etc? I think Dems could go a long way toward attracting the people we need to get to 55% if we had better answers to that issue.
I agree completely. And I think that is an issue that Democrats should be easily winning. Many Republicans believe in "law and order". So how do they feel about violent crime? Which party has been encouraging and condoning violent behavior? I think the answer is obvious to both liberals and conservatives, whatever Fox "News" hosts may say.
Here's an idea: use Chat GPT to illustrate Democrats' strength on economy and other issues. This is the next powerful technology everyone is going to be using especially young people using it for research and trusting it as a source of information. Take and share little videos of its answers to questions like "which American Presidents since 2000 created the most jobs" or "which American political party passes legislation to ban abortion." That's just one idea but the possibilities here are endless - don't let the right figure it out first.
Hi Simon, I'm Laura Brill, the founder and CEO of The Civics Center. We're a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on bringing voter registration to every high school in America. Thank you for amplifying the opportunity to engage young voters and to welcome them into our democracy. Most people don't realize that 4 million young people graduate every year, and the best place to help them register so they can vote as soon as they turn 18 is in high school. You can learn more about our work and our research at thecivicscenter.org and thecivicscenter.org/publications.
I love the work of The Civics Center. It is such important work for our democracy. We have a similar program in the county I live in where twice a year, for a week at a time, high school students work to register and pre-register (those who are 17 now but will be 18 at the next election) all of their eligible classmates. And they spend time talking about ballots and voting as well. I also sit on the Election Advisory Committee to our local registrar, and we have noticed a nice uptick in the number of 18 & 19 yr old voters in the last 2 elections. It is such a simple effort that creates a long term result by turning these young people into consistent voters in our democracy. Thanks so much for all you do. And everyone reading this should donate money, regularly, to your amazing organization. There is no easier and more effective way to make a huge difference in all our lives.
That is great to hear. That sounds like a wonderful program. Get ready for our graduation campaign, which we will be announcing soon. You can sign up for announcements here: https://www.thecivicscenter.org/newsletter . You may also be interested in reading our report from 2021, Future Voters and Gaps in Our Democracy. We take a deep look at programs and policies nationally and we take a deep dive into what is happening (or not happening) to implement state law in Los Angeles County. https://issuu.com/thecivicscenter/docs/2021-03-23_the_civics_center_report
Thanks for this amazing organization, Laura! I looked at the website map - MI has 2 schools so far. I so want to ignite/initiate our public leaders (like a Michigan mayoral effort or Michigan's DoE and superintendents push). Starting local, I will be reaching out to our mayor and local high school principals with your information. I am hopeful that someone will be reporting more schools back to you soon!
Apr 22, 2023·edited Apr 22, 2023Liked by Simon Rosenberg
Wonderful Coleen. Thank you. I hope you can inspire others. One of the biggest challenges we face is getting the word out about the huge opportunities for students to register to vote before they graduate from high school. Roughly four million young people will graduate in the next two months, and 40% of them will likely not go on to college. A great time for outreach is right now! Folks can check out https://www.thecivicscenter.org/cap-gown-ballot to learn more about Cap, Gown & Ballot.
:) And beyond the seniors who turn 18 senior year, millions more are old enough to preregister while they are in high school. In 35 states, young people have at least a year to register or preregister to vote before they turn 18. 16 states allow preregistration beginning at age 16. Both of these numbers will increase on June 1, as Minnesota becomes the 17th state to offer preregistration beginning at age 16, making it the 36th state that allows at least a year before a first election in which pre-18 year olds can register/preregister to vote. Check out thecivicscenter.org/resources for our map. New map with MN updated coming June 1.
This is really important information about the benefits of registering students to vote while they are still in high school, In Oregon you can register to vote at 16 and we have automatic voter registration through DMV. However there has been a downturn in the number of high school students getting their driver's license so we are missing many of these future voters unless there is a voter registration opportunity at the school.
Congrats on this great new project! I completely agree that getting better at "influencing the information environment" is priority #1 for Dems/Center Left coalition. The R's have built an entire parallel universe ecosystem that took years and keeps them competitive no matter how terrible their case is on the substance, and Dems have completely ignored this front. I will do everything I can to further this!
Love this plan. My big concern is the vote suppression that red states are working on. Removing polling places from college campuses is one example. Even if we get people to join this coalition, how can we ensure that they actually can cast a vote?
I feel more hopeful just having read the plan. The comment from Laura Brill of The Civics Center about registering high-school-age voters is important. I hope the two of you can connect.
So much of our current difficulty emerges from the thin margins in dozens of states. It makes perfect sense that shifting those margins will reduce the distorted influence that MAGA extremists have on our national politics.
There is a terrific group, Rhizome, that is cultivating civic organizers at the high school level and registering their peers to vote. Have a great infrastructure and leaders from Michelle Obama’s When Everyone Votes but could use some visibility and funding. Robert, your crowd, who I count myself as part of as a grateful daily reader, might give them
How does Gen Z feel about being referred to as Plurals? I believe one of their issues is being listened to. Maybe they like it, but from what I read, I have only heard them represent themselves as Gen Z with pride in that identity. I have NO experience nor expertise, simply curious. Thanks. And, thanks for the work you have done and are doing.
We are going to use the names interchangeably.
Thanks.
Sharon, because I was one of the people who pushed Simon to use the name "Plurals," I should provide an explanation for why we prefer that term. In naming generations it seems to make sense to use a term that says something about what the generation is like. Plurals describes a key characteristic of the generation, while Gen Z says nothing about it. The name Gen Z was given to the generation simply because it followed Gen Y (now better known as the Millennial generation)., which was given that name simply because it followed Generation X. We prefer the name Plural because of that generation's diversity: it is the first US generation in which there is no single ethnic or racial majority. It's also the first US generation in which Protestants (and perhaps even Christians) do not comprise of majority. Whether or not the Plural name sticks, as Millennial did earlier, is not yet certain. But, for the time being at least, we think it's a more useful label than Gen Z. Regardless, however, this cohort is strongly liberal and Democratic. As Simon pointed out, it will be crucial for the Democratic Party and American democracy.
Thanks.
Sharon, I realize that I didn't answer your original question about how members of the Plural/Gen-Z generation refer to themselves? Most research indicates that members of particular generation recognize that, in some way, they are distinctive from members of other generations. Exactly when they start to refer to themselves by a specific label is less certain. Most likely it's when a particular label becomes widely popular. By now, Boomers and Millennials use those labels to refer to themselves, but that didn't happen right away. I don't know when that will happen with Plurals/Gen Z or what name they will finally use, but I'd guess that will occur within the next 5-10 years just in time for another new generation to come of age.
I normally would never comment with suggestions on the content of a Substack, but Simon asked that we be forthright in this new vehicle, so here I go. 1) in circles I have been peripherally involved in, “Hopium” is a derisive term meaning false hope. This is especially prevalent in environmental analysis along the line of, a soft landing may be out of reach and the damage has been too extensive. I personally believe that we must fight for our democracy no matter what and assume life goes on. In this early stage of what I expect to be my Go To Substack now and going forward, I recommend that this issue be revisited sooner rather than later, and 2) Length - yesterday’s inaugural newsletter was the perfect length that a busy, informed person would read considering they likely have 5-10 other paid or unpaid Substacks to read along with other news sources. Today’s is pretty long and seems to include most of what we saw in NDN’s newsletters. The 55% goal is brilliant and I loved it when it was introduced earlier this year. Perhaps concentrate each main point in a separate newsletter. Louder one day, 55% the next etc. Not sure how often this will be published - some do weekdays (Hubbell) and Joyce Vance, others daily (Craven). These suggestions are mine alone and not based on any empirical data. No matter what the Title or Content ends up being, I will become a paid subscriber and regularly read, watch and listen. Thank you for all that you do.
Helpful stuff. The big essay today is something that has been in the works for months and needed to be long. Sometimes things are going to be long. Most things will be short.
Hear you about Hopium but I am attempting to turn the word into a positive, something aspirational, a mindset about making hard things possible. May be wishful thinking but we will see.
In this case this memo is going to be widely read by professionals and journalists, and breaking it up would have dramatically lessened its accessibility and impact.
And I am so familiar with the information having attended many of your sessions that it seemed long and repetitive but definitely will not be to a new audience. Point taken.
I'd take this one step further (channeling my wife who really is the brand strategist (former Levis, Nike, Adidas, Patagonia)) ...brand building involves taking an object, phrase or term and converting it into a defined meaning as the brand strategy intends. It does not always work, and it takes significant commitment, discipline, and execution in messaging, as well as capital to build and communicate the brand promise. At the end of the day, a brand is an empty vessel in which you fill with the brand promise. Remember above all: People do not buy what you make; they buy WHY you make it. Ensure the "why" comes across clearly, succinctly, and creates opportunity for affinity with your client, customer, constituent, subscriber, etc. Then over time, the term will assume the new meaning. "Hopium" does have a "guarded optimism" feel to it when you say it to yourself repeatedly (per my smarter half). And we need more than mere aspiration; the brand needs to communicate mission, commitment, and achievement... at the risk of invoking a prior brand promise, "Yes, we can... (drive to 55)" is what you want every subscriber to walk away with in their minds each day they read your contributions to the discourse. I know Hopium will offer much more than a single campaign (drive to 55), but whatever the campaign is (insert your favorite), the point is for people to say "Yes we can...<do the thing>" We hope that's food for thought.
If we need examples of how this is done, we had front row seats as the far right has co-opted and branded the word WOKE.
Take it back!! Woke up!
Gregory, I'm a new subscriber. "Hopium" is new to me, so it doesn't carry a meaning other than used in this context. I just discovered Simon Rosenberg, and at that moment I desperately needed hope! I read a lot of what he is saying abut the facts of the performance and recent successes of the Democratic Party and his shining a light on the tremendous work that's being done across the nation at the grassroots level as well as via the Dem. Party to save democracy. There is much information on the site for how to get effectively involved in getting the hard work done that is necessary to reelect Biden. Your point is well taken. There could be more emphasis on the pieces of the mission, how we can get it done, and updates along the way of how we're doing! It's a CANDO MOVEMENT. Not just wishful thinking. I loved the interview with Anderson Clayton, NC Democratic Party Chair.
Irene- Welcome. I consider Simon a colleague and a mentor; he is a strategic board advisor to our organization (osetinstitute.org) and he is super smart, pragmatic and data-driven about this stuff which is way above my pay-grade. I hope you have found a community to help sustain your hope for our democracy.
Thank you, Gregory. And thank you for introducing me to Oset Institute. Very impressive. It is yet another example of dedicated, smart, skilled people across the country working hard to save democracy....giving me Hope!
Irene- Kind words; we're humbled. If you have 14 minutes, please watch this, which encapsulates the mission: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/779769990
The length is fine - because the piece remained focused and interesting to the end. Simon clearly had something to say and he said every word. I would not artificially limit length.
Variation is helpful in this medium -- e.g. a long, substantive piece, followed by a couple of shorter pieces. But always publishing the same type of predictable piece of the same length every time does nothing for you.
If you have a long barn-burner inside, share the whole thing in a cohesive package. If you have a quick take, share that too. The variety is natural and feels authentic.
I agree with all your suggestions for increasing Democratic votes. But I think you are missing a huge opportunity. Three of your four categories assume fixed beliefs among voting groups. Yet, I believe there is great potential to change back a recent shift in beliefs. Namely, that Republicans are the party of non-college graduates and blue-collar workers. It seems clear that Democrats do more to help these groups and we need to regain support from these voters. The Republican inroads have relied on false and misleading claims. They actually want to slash or privatize social security and medicare, reduce worker protections and bargaining power, oppose increasing minimum wages, increase income inequality, etc.
There have been large changes in voter and politician views in recent decades and I see no reason that these can’t shift again. For instance, in 1974, Richard Nixon was forced to resign by the threat of removal from office by many Republican senators. In 2006, the Voting Rights Act was re-approved in the Senate by a unanimous vote. I think it is important to recognize the potential to change minds by correcting misinformation and lies; hence the value of your concept of information warriors getting louder.
Take a look at my With Democrats Things Get Better presentation. It is designed to help us go on offense on economic issues with all voters. Let me know what you think. It's here, on the site.
Are you planning to coordinate these efforts with the DNC, Latino organizations, AA organizations (Black women are the Dem base, but increasingly, Black men have voted Republican since Trump), and yes AAPI (I read that they are feeling dismissed by the Dem party and are voting for R)? Though I agree with the 4 groups you would like to target, targeting the AA and AAPI groups in addition to the 4 groups would greatly strengthen the Dem coalition.
I really wish we would have universal required voting and ranked choice voting like Australia. Yes I know, that’s a long way off, if ever it comes. This was uplifting, seeing small margins do produce big results. Achievable nibbles. Excellent.
Fantastic information. Love the plan. I went to Reno and Las Vegas the week before the midterms to help young people vote. I did it in my own and went to college campuses with donuts. It was the easiest, most effective, most fun GOTV work I’ve ever done. The kids need help voting - they’re often unclear about the rules, don’t want to make a mistake, are intimidated/overwhelmed trying to figure it out and are likely not to vote if they don’t think they understand the issues. Everything we can do to cut through the confusion will be a game changer.
I love the doughnut idea
Democracy and Donuts!
Just my inner brand strategist. But a strong bumper-sticker caliber campaign slogan might be "Drive to 55" or possibly just "Drive55"
🤓
I am very disappointed that there is no interest in seniors(>60). We are not all republicans-we vote consistently. While a large portion watch Fox News and believe all of the lies are not aware of the plans to destroy Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. If you were to add our groups to your efforts you could achieve 55 or more.
My county in NY has the largest senior population in terms of percentage and are disproportionately actively engaged in Democratic organizing, GOTV etc. The middle aged and younger folks make up 25% at most. Who will carry on with petitioning, caucuses, new registrations, GOTV, rallies, events, phone banking, and postcarding? Yes, don’t forget us but also help us.
Marilyn - I agree with you that seniors' minds can be enlightened. How do we bridge the siloed communities; youth and seniors? Consider igniting communities opportunities through events hosted by either (youth for senior and senior for youth). I've only organized this on a small scale with middle school students but am also aware of senior centers who might welcome opportunities to provide purposeful action for its members.
Marilyn - I do not think that the intention here is to drive away ANY groups. I think that Simon is highlighting an opportunity that could be taken by driving up the turn-out of younger voters.
I agree with you when you say that there are more votes to be had in the over 60 demographic (I am in that age group myself, actually closer to 70 than 60, but I digress ). Would I be too bold to suggest that you reach out to others in that demographic (I have been doing so too), and talk to them about these issues and why voting for Democrats is important? I truly think that someone that is the demographic can be a better influencer than someone outside of it. My two cent, no offense intended! Thanks again for you post!
I think a topic that Republicans keep winning on is crime. How do we show that crime is not synonymous with "Democrat", that opposing police brutality and systemic racism is not "soft on crime," that GOP gun proliferation laws are part of what contributes to crime, etc? I think Dems could go a long way toward attracting the people we need to get to 55% if we had better answers to that issue.
I agree completely. And I think that is an issue that Democrats should be easily winning. Many Republicans believe in "law and order". So how do they feel about violent crime? Which party has been encouraging and condoning violent behavior? I think the answer is obvious to both liberals and conservatives, whatever Fox "News" hosts may say.
Here's an idea: use Chat GPT to illustrate Democrats' strength on economy and other issues. This is the next powerful technology everyone is going to be using especially young people using it for research and trusting it as a source of information. Take and share little videos of its answers to questions like "which American Presidents since 2000 created the most jobs" or "which American political party passes legislation to ban abortion." That's just one idea but the possibilities here are endless - don't let the right figure it out first.
Hi Simon, I'm Laura Brill, the founder and CEO of The Civics Center. We're a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on bringing voter registration to every high school in America. Thank you for amplifying the opportunity to engage young voters and to welcome them into our democracy. Most people don't realize that 4 million young people graduate every year, and the best place to help them register so they can vote as soon as they turn 18 is in high school. You can learn more about our work and our research at thecivicscenter.org and thecivicscenter.org/publications.
Hi Laura,
I love the work of The Civics Center. It is such important work for our democracy. We have a similar program in the county I live in where twice a year, for a week at a time, high school students work to register and pre-register (those who are 17 now but will be 18 at the next election) all of their eligible classmates. And they spend time talking about ballots and voting as well. I also sit on the Election Advisory Committee to our local registrar, and we have noticed a nice uptick in the number of 18 & 19 yr old voters in the last 2 elections. It is such a simple effort that creates a long term result by turning these young people into consistent voters in our democracy. Thanks so much for all you do. And everyone reading this should donate money, regularly, to your amazing organization. There is no easier and more effective way to make a huge difference in all our lives.
That is great to hear. That sounds like a wonderful program. Get ready for our graduation campaign, which we will be announcing soon. You can sign up for announcements here: https://www.thecivicscenter.org/newsletter . You may also be interested in reading our report from 2021, Future Voters and Gaps in Our Democracy. We take a deep look at programs and policies nationally and we take a deep dive into what is happening (or not happening) to implement state law in Los Angeles County. https://issuu.com/thecivicscenter/docs/2021-03-23_the_civics_center_report
Great! Signed up for the Newsletter 👍🏻
This sounds great!
Thanks for this amazing organization, Laura! I looked at the website map - MI has 2 schools so far. I so want to ignite/initiate our public leaders (like a Michigan mayoral effort or Michigan's DoE and superintendents push). Starting local, I will be reaching out to our mayor and local high school principals with your information. I am hopeful that someone will be reporting more schools back to you soon!
Wonderful Coleen. Thank you. I hope you can inspire others. One of the biggest challenges we face is getting the word out about the huge opportunities for students to register to vote before they graduate from high school. Roughly four million young people will graduate in the next two months, and 40% of them will likely not go on to college. A great time for outreach is right now! Folks can check out https://www.thecivicscenter.org/cap-gown-ballot to learn more about Cap, Gown & Ballot.
Love this!
You’re right ... I hadn’t thought about those seniors whose 18th birthdays fall during their senior years.
:) And beyond the seniors who turn 18 senior year, millions more are old enough to preregister while they are in high school. In 35 states, young people have at least a year to register or preregister to vote before they turn 18. 16 states allow preregistration beginning at age 16. Both of these numbers will increase on June 1, as Minnesota becomes the 17th state to offer preregistration beginning at age 16, making it the 36th state that allows at least a year before a first election in which pre-18 year olds can register/preregister to vote. Check out thecivicscenter.org/resources for our map. New map with MN updated coming June 1.
This is really important information about the benefits of registering students to vote while they are still in high school, In Oregon you can register to vote at 16 and we have automatic voter registration through DMV. However there has been a downturn in the number of high school students getting their driver's license so we are missing many of these future voters unless there is a voter registration opportunity at the school.
This is a big issue in Oregon and elsewhere. NY just created an online system that doesn't require a driver's license or state ID. https://gothamist.com/news/after-years-of-delays-new-yorkers-can-finally-register-to-vote-online.
I hope you will check out our website at thecivicscenter.org. We've also created some helpful decks on Why High School Voter Registration Matters, which may be of interest: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CK5CXtwwhyJ3tBuHNgwDpjVRrmePrtqu3_ARq79MjlE/edit?usp=sharing
Oregon has online voter registration but students are more than likely unaware.
Congrats on this great new project! I completely agree that getting better at "influencing the information environment" is priority #1 for Dems/Center Left coalition. The R's have built an entire parallel universe ecosystem that took years and keeps them competitive no matter how terrible their case is on the substance, and Dems have completely ignored this front. I will do everything I can to further this!
Love this plan. My big concern is the vote suppression that red states are working on. Removing polling places from college campuses is one example. Even if we get people to join this coalition, how can we ensure that they actually can cast a vote?
Your proposal makes sense to me. Well done.
I feel more hopeful just having read the plan. The comment from Laura Brill of The Civics Center about registering high-school-age voters is important. I hope the two of you can connect.
So much of our current difficulty emerges from the thin margins in dozens of states. It makes perfect sense that shifting those margins will reduce the distorted influence that MAGA extremists have on our national politics.
There is a terrific group, Rhizome, that is cultivating civic organizers at the high school level and registering their peers to vote. Have a great infrastructure and leaders from Michelle Obama’s When Everyone Votes but could use some visibility and funding. Robert, your crowd, who I count myself as part of as a grateful daily reader, might give them
A lift.
'it is the metro areas that are “the state’s economic engine, generating tax dollars that flow outward to every corner of the state."
Fascist politics feeds the insulting myth that hardworking rural residents pay to support lazy urban dwellers'
"How Fascism Works", Stanley, p174