ServiceVote Challenge: Issue Advocacy Toolkit Available

August 29, 2024 | Volume 31, No. 34 | Published Weekly Since 1994

New ServiceVote Issue Advocacy Toolkit

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the voices of young people are more powerful than ever. A study from the CIRCLE found that 46% of young people who participated in issue advocacy reported that their involvement increased awareness and discussion of the issue with their communities. This statistic demonstrates that youth advocacy is not just a symbolic gesture - it is a force that drives tangible change.

However, to be truly effective, young advocates need more than just passion - they need the right tools and a clear plan. Recognizing the importance of equipping youth with the resources they need, we have curated a list of essential tools and tips to help young advocates maximize their impact. Check out the ServiceVote Issue Advocacy Toolkit. Whether you are passionate about climate change, social justice, education, or any other issue, this guide will help you make your voice heard and your actions count.

Tips for successful youth advocacy detailed in the Issue Advocacy Toolkit include:

Identify the issues you care about.
Research and gather data to support your stance.
Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Use social media to raise awareness.
Contact your elected officials and share your concerns.

The future is shaped by those who dare to speak out and take action. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the role of youth in advocacy has never been more critical. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge, tools, and strategies, you can turn your passion into action and drive the changes you wish to see.

Don’t forget to share your plans and join the ServiceVote Challenge! We’re calling on young leaders across the country, up to age 25, to share how they are taking action this election cycle - through Youth Issue Advocacy, Youth Voter Registration, Youth Voter Education, or Youth Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts - and how they will engage their peers, family, and neighbors leading up to Election Day on November 5. Share your activities by September 30 for a chance to receive a $200 mini grant.

Join the 2024 ServiceVote Challenge Today!

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD

National Voter Registration Day - September 17

Every election, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities during a single 24-hour democracy blitz to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise.

Visit weall.vote/ysa to register to vote or check your voter registration status

When We All Vote National Voter Registration Week of Action - September 16-22

Create an event to bring together local When We All Vote supporters.

High School Voter Registration Week | The Civics Center - September 23-27

With voter registration deadlines hitting as early as October 6, High School Voter Registration Week is the perfect moment to get those who will be 18 prior to the November election registered to vote. In addition, depending on what state you live in, even Sophomores and Juniors may be able

to preregister. If they can’t vote this November, you can still help them be ready for the next one!

Understanding elections is key to making informed decisions at the ballot box. As a young leader, you have the power to educate your peers about how elections work and why they matter. Adult champions can point youth leaders to resources that will help them educate themselves and their peers.

A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that only 23% of young Americans (ages 18-24) could correctly answer questions about voter registration deadlines and requirements in their state.

Let’s fill the knowledge gap and empower youth with knowledge and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.

We’ve curated a selection of resources to help.

Rock the Vote – Democracy Class

Teaching for Democracy Alliance – Instruction on Elections and Voting

iCivics - Election Headquarters

Learning to Give – Voting and Civic Participation Toolkit

Learning for Justice – Future Voters Project

The Civics Center – Why Register and Vote

Join the 2024 ServiceVote Challenge Today!

GRANTS & AWARDS

Riley's Way Foundation Youth Leadership Retreat - Deadline: September 9

This event will bring together 100+ young leaders from across the country to build meaningful connections with like-minded changemakers at Timber Lake West Camp in Roscoe, NY from Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 – Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Over the course of the weekend you will participate in leadership workshops and fun camp activities, be inspired by other young leaders, make lifelong connections, and brainstorm how to use what you learn to build a better and kinder world. The Retreat is open to youth of all gender identities ages 14-18 and is a FREE program. Room, board, and transportation costs are provided by Riley’s Way Foundation.

Youth as Solutions - Deadline: September 13

Youth as Solutions grants of $250 - $1,000 empower Leadership Teams - at least two young people in grades 6-12 and an adult mentor from a public school, school district, government entity, or nonprofit - using NYLC's guided service-learning process to address one of four impact areas, including civics & democracy by facilitating voter education and registration, educating others on democracy, building community networks of support, or creating structures for communities to serve together.

STORIES OF SERVICE

Everyday Young Hero: Akanksha Manna

Akanksha Manna (17 | Marietta, Georgia) was greatly impacted during the pandemic while witnessing her grandfather's mental health struggles. Since the start of the pandemic, elderly populations have had declining rates of mental health, coupled with an increase in social isolation. After volunteering at senior citizen homes, Akanksha saw art classes as a way to improve mental health in senior citizens and provide opportunities for participants to have fun and build intergenerational relationships with younger volunteers. In 2023, she used this experience to launch the nonprofit Sketching with Seniors.

Through partnerships with senior centers, assisted living residences, and hospice groups, Sketching with Seniors leads free art classes that are taught by high school students who have a passion for visual arts. Each week, Akanksha’s now more than 70 volunteers lead in-person classes across the greater Atlanta area as well as virtual classes for out-of-state groups. They’ve also incorporated opportunities for youth who love the performing arts to perform concerts at the centers and have worked with youth who are passionate about the environment to create art ideas using recyclable and repurposed materials! Akanksha loves engaging youth to take action using their interests and putting smiles on seniors’ faces daily!

RESOURCES & TRAININGS

Just the Facts: Steve Ballmer and America's Numbers | USAFacts

With "Just the Facts", Steve Ballmer is demystifying the data around the big issues that impact America. Learn about the numbers behind the topics you care about and get just the facts.

Politics Explained For Young People, By Young People

Politics Explained is a non-partisan news source for youth by youth to form their own opinions on U.S. politics. Features a new blog every Friday focused on that week's political news. Their mission is to provide others with a platform to learn the basics of American politics, and to stay up to date with political developments.