This report is a product of the newly formed “Global Alliance for Youth Political Action”, which is comprised of Accountability Lab, Community of Democracies, Democracy Moves, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, People Powered, and Restless Development.
“Walking the Walk” uses research and interviews to push back against the narrative that young people are turning away from democracy itself. Instead, the report articulates the ways that young people are distrustful of formal political institutions, explores the ramifications of youth formal political disengagements, and argues for the importance of involving young people in the democratic process.
The report also offers concrete recommendations to governments around the world, international bodies, funders, and organizations on ways to ensure young people are front and center in democratic renewal efforts. This includes:
- Investing significantly financially in youth political engagement;
- Providing concrete opportunities for young people to engage in the political process through lowering existing barriers to entry for participation and being part of government itself;
- Training elected officials to recognize and appreciate youth political engagement;
- Officially and urgently elevating young people as a critical leverage point in efforts to promote democratic reform.
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