Dear  John ,
Gen Z voters (those 18-27) are expressing frustration and angst about the state of our democracy. That trend is coming through loud and clear in recent polling. What can you do to help turn that frustration into action? We’ve got a few ideas.
One of the best actions you can take is to talk to young people you know about why you are voting for pro-democracy candidates by sharing your experience as an engaged citizen. Personalizing your conversations with young disengaged voters can make a huge difference in connecting with them. You can share your past with the future.
Do you remember the drills for nuclear attacks while you were in school? Talk about it.
Do you remember how a bipartisan committee in The Senate investigated Watergate and how it was Republican members of Congress who convinced President Nixon to resign? Talk about it.
Do you remember the pride you felt when a Black man won the presidency? Talk about it.
Do you remember the unified spirit of America following 9-11? Talk about it.
It is easy to forget that many younger voters today were under 3 years old on 9-11. They were aged 2-11 years old when President Obama was elected. They were 10-19 years old when Trump won in 2016. Many of them know very little of the years before Trump.
While many of us saw Trump as a departure from historic norms, Trump and COVID consequences WERE THEIR NORMAL - their baseline. Sharing your experiences will help them put theirs in historical perspective in a non-confrontational way. Help them understand that things can get better.
Our Substack has excellent first person stories to inspire you in sharing your own experiences. Talking and sharing, but not lecturing, can help others understand the real risks that are posed in this year’s election cycle - and their role and responsibility in determining their own future.
Other CTAs for Gen-Z and you:
🎯 Become a Poll Worker One of the most rewarding and fun election related jobs!
đź“Ť Find Gen-Z actions by joining our partner, Â NextGen America events in the ActionCenter
🌟 Start or join a voter registration drive in your local community focused on ages 18-30 (community colleges, high schools, universities and sports clubs are good venues) Look locally or in the ActionCenter
đź—Ł Converse with like-minded Americans on the HUB, our internal social platform
The work to protect democracy is gearing up for the November elections. We’ll be there with you as we continue to identify opportunities for you to get involved.  Thanks for all you do!
It takes ALL of us,
The Union
