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In an increasingly fragmented landscape, young people are adamantly fighting for the world they want. Gen Z is known for channeling personal passions into social and environmental causes, holding a high standard for taking care of our people and the earth.

Young people are not devoting themselves to specific politicians or parties, opting to rally behind issues directly impacting their lives and futures. With voters aged 18-34 constituting nearly one-fifth of the American electorate, they’re already shaping the future of the nation’s democracy. The issues they support—chief among them climate change—reflect a priority to protect the civil liberties and world they’re inheriting.

Climate Change 

Climate change stands out as the principal issue for young people, with 59% of U.S. adults under 30 expressing concern about the longevity of our planet. In addition to climate change, there are two critical issues that threaten our environment: biodiversity loss and pollution. Collectively known as the triple planetary crisis, young people understand internationally coordinated efforts as the way out.

Youth are championing not just awareness but also concrete solutions, advocating for conservation efforts and the rights of vulnerable groups, including Indigenous communities who are often marginalized in decision-making processes. This generation is not waiting for permission; they are taking action, promoting lifestyle changes and demanding systemic reforms to mitigate pollution and overconsumption.

Reproductive Rights 

In the wake of shifting reproductive rights, young people are making their voices heard. Polls indicate that 44% of those aged 18-26 disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. And among the total top percentile of issues young people care about, reproductive rights and bodily autonomy proved to be the top.

As a Ms. Magazine analysis of the Harvard University Youth Poll noted, “Inflation won every time—except when paired with women’s reproductive rights, where it was considered the more important issue: 57 percent to 43 percent.”

This issue isn’t just about choice; it’s tied to broader concerns about mental health, bodily autonomy and liberty, healthcare access, and economic stability. The implications of restrictive abortion laws influence where young people decide to study, live, and work, emphasizing the importance of fighting for reproductive rights in their advocacy.

Economic Realities

While environmental issues and abortion rights dominate discussions, young people are also concerned about economic stability. A staggering 53% of respondents identified inflation as a top issue, with many struggling to meet basic needs amid rising prices.

Young voices echo the sentiments of a generation grappling with student loan debt and the unaffordability of housing and healthcare. As one person poignantly expressed in a focus group run by The Harvard Gazette, “How can I think about voting about abortion when I can’t afford rent?”

It’s intersectional. This intertwining of social and economic issues reveals a critical truth: young people’s overall well-being and safety largely depend on their financial standing. Activists are frustrated with the lack of systemic action addressing this lapse in basic needs in many parts of the U.S.

Foreign Policy 

Young voters are also increasingly vocal about foreign policy, emphasizing the need for a more collaborative approach to global challenges and more regulated U.S. involvement.

A significant majority supports measures to address these concerns, and when it comes to complex international conflicts, young Americans favor dialogue and ceasefires over military intervention. This perspective is reflective of a generation that values diplomacy and humanitarianism, seeking to bridge divides rather than deepen them.

A survey by the Pew Research Center reported that 56% of young people say “preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction” should be one of the top three foreign policy priorities for the country. A move away from previous generations, Gen Z is headstrong about taking a less exceptionalistic attitude toward diplomacy.

It’s evident young people are not just passive observers; they are active participants, driven by passion and purpose. Their engagement with key issues signals a shift towards a more informed and active electorate. By rallying around causes that matter, young people are not only shaping their own futures but also redefining the landscape of civic engagement.

The Anthem Awards is thrilled to partner with the pioneering feminist publication Ms. Magazine to champion the power of youth involvement on democracy. Co-founded with 2023 Anthem Lifetime Achievement Recipient Gloria Steinem, Ms. has been the leading voice at the forefront of feminist journalism since 1972.

Explore our three-part editorial series to learn more about the leading causes mobilizing young people nationwide.

And don’t forget—public support for the Anthem Community Voice Awards is open until next Thursday, Oct. 31st! This is your chance to support your favorite 2024 Anthem Finalists, who represent some of the most inspiring impact projects of the year. Celebrate them today at celebrate.anthemawards.com