Hey, John!

Youth organizers in the Alliance Network turned young people out to vote in big numbers last year, and they’re keeping up the momentum in 2023. Our network has big plans to continue holding elected officials accountable to young people. By now, most Alliance Network youth organizers are deep into legislative work, advocating for progressive bills to pass and pushing back against bills that would be harmful to young people. 

Recently, Alliance staff were asked to share examples of the amazing legislative work happening in the network. Here’s what our team had to say about what they’re loving to see youth organizers fight for in their communities:

Virginia Student Power Network

“This legislative session, Virginia Student Power Network has been fighting back on a slate of legislation harmful to students and Virginian’s across the state. They’re pushing back on harmful bills related to attacks on trans youth and policing in schools. They're working hard against legislation that would create more opportunities for law enforcement officers to interact with drivers by lifting the ban on pretextual stops -- which would allow law enforcement to stop drivers operating a motor vehicle for things like a missing light on their license plate or driving with a brake light out.”

-Alliance Staffer, Amara Reese-Hansell, uplifting Virginia Student Power Network 

Chicago Votes

“This year, Chicago Votes is fighting to restore voting rights to people currently in prisons. Since 2020,  they have been advocating for the “Voting in Prison” bill which would restore voting rights to people incarcerated in Illinois, post conviction…If passed, this would make Illinois the first state to restore voting rights to people in prison making it one of just a few places in the US that allow incarcerated citizens to vote.”

-Alliance Staffer, Kathryn Quintin, uplifting Chicago Votes

The Washington Bus

“Washington Bus has been advocating at the state and local levels for issues important to young people for over a decade. This year, they’re really stepping up their efforts in their Democracy Done Right campaigns…These are the types of policies that are possible when young people have a seat at the table. The Washington Bus is working to reimagine a more innovative, accessible, and equitable democracy!”

-Alliance Staffer, Kenny Myers, uplifting Chicago Votes

Read more about the legislative work happening this year over on the Alliance blog.

Earlier this month, President Biden addressed the nation with a second State of the Union speech since taking office in 2020. One of the biggest takeaways from the President’s address was that America has the tools to be better, we just need to finish the job. To that we say, young people have always been the backbone of progress in this country, and this year Alliance Network youth organizers are here to get the job done. Read more on what our network has planned for the year.

2023 is the year of igniting powerful change starting at the local level and beyond. Together, let’s continue supporting the young people who are mobilizing their communities, and advocating for progressive policies in their legislative sessions.

In solidarity, 

Kenny Myers

Director of Network Capacity

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