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Happy December, John!
As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together. Through bold initiatives and deeper community connections, 2024 has been a year defined by progress, determination, and resilience.
This season also invites us to dream of what’s ahead: setting new goals, building on what we’ve learned, and envisioning possibilities in the new year. We’re taking this moment to celebrate our shared victories, the lessons that shaped us, and the communities that inspire us to keep moving forward in our quest for a brighter, more equitable future.
We hope you’re cozy and warm as we dive into the final newsletter of the year—packed with highlights, updates, and a sneak peek of what's on the horizon!
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The 2024 elections revealed a growing disconnect between young voters and the political system meant to serve them, with youth turnout dropping to 42% and support for the progressive candidate declining across racial, gender, and geographic lines. This gap reflects deep frustration among young people over unmet needs and challenges like economic insecurity, rising living costs, and climate anxiety.
While the Biden administration took steps to address these issues, legal hurdles and the inability to reach young people meant those efforts fell short. In contrast, conservatives gained traction, particularly with young men, by effectively channeling this content into political support.
As Dakota Hall, Executive Director of the Alliance for Youth Action, reminds us, “ The idea that young people are apathetic to our political system is simply untrue. When we give young people a reason to vote, they don’t just show up — they deliver results.” Victories in reproductive rights and local initiatives nationwide prove that when given clear, actionable solutions, young people act with both purpose and power.
“ To reconnect with young voters, progressive leaders must move beyond generic appeals. Bold politics, authentic dialogue, and robust digital and grassroots outreach remain essential to reigniting their faith in democracy. ”
With federal protections under threat, local governments will play a critical role in safeguarding our communities in 2025 and beyond. The Alliance for Youth Action will continue to prioritize building local organizing infrastructure, recognizing that grassroots victories are pivotal in driving lasting change. Strengthening local organizing and winning local elections are not just essential to reclaiming our democracy—they are the foundation for a just, sustainable, and equitable future.
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On October 17, the Alliance hosted an insightful press briefing featuring our VP of Capacity Building, Rudy Garrett, alongside renowned political strategists Simon Rosenberg and Tom Bonier. The discussion focused on the flaws in current national polling and their often misrepresentation of the 2024 electoral landscape, offering insights into youth voting behavior as Election Day approaches
The Key Takeaways:
1. Forward Montana is building community all month long—statewide! 🎉 So far, they’ve hosted a Game Night, Community Skillshares, Advocacy Training, Study Session, and Town Hall. Want to get involved? Discover more events here [[link removed]] .
2. Beyond hosting post-election reflection spaces, MOVE Texas celebrated its Artist Fellows and their incredible work with a community-wide Art Walk in San Antonio. They also connected with the Austin community at a Movement Meeting and wrapped up the year with an End-of-Year staff retreat.
3. Florida Student Power Network is keeping the momentum going through year’s end! Their calendar has been packed with action-focused community-building events to connect, collaborate, and strategize. Highlights include a Membership Connection Space, a Justice 4 Migrants Committee Meeting, a DACA Info Session, and an End-of-Year Celebration to wrap it all up!
4. Minnesota Youth Collective teamed up with Urban League TC for an inspiring post-election gathering to reflect, regroup, and reevaluate with the community. They also brought students together at UMN - Twin Cities for an impactful event, creating care packs to support unhoused neighbors.
5. After a challenging election cycle, the Washington Bus is putting their communities’ well-being first by creating spaces to celebrate, heal, and build power. They hosted a Post-Election Youth Debrief and Healing Space, where the community came together to process, set collective priorities, and strengthen their movement. They also celebrated big wins and planned for what’s ahead at their annual Victory Fund!
Learn more about the Network’s community-building efforts, and maybe even find one near you by following them and us on Instagram!
Follow us and the Alliance Network to hear about any and all last-minute local efforts!
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Without our community—without you—our work would not be possible. Thank you for spending another year and standing alongside us as we work towards making our mission a reality. Our collective effort is invincible.
Here’s to ending 2024 on a high note,
Happy Holidays!
Selasi Tagbor Morales
Communications Coordinator
Alliance for Youth Action
650 Massachusetts Ave NW
Ste 600
Washington, DC 20001
United States
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