Why Young Voices Matter in This Fight
As a father of five beautiful boys full of life and hope, I constantly worry about the future this next generation will endure. I worry about equal access to education, the need to create more jobs, student loan debt, national debt, affordable housing, affordable healthcare, youth justice reform, minimum wage, and war—all things that will directly affect the next generation. The impact of the current administration will be felt for decades, leaving our next generation of leaders with the task of rebuilding trust, transparency, and accountability. We are in the midst of national chaos. Chaos that we will inevitably pass down if we do not fix this now. This kind of repair will take all of us, across all ages, but especially the younger voices.
Young voices matter not just in politics, but in everyday life. As the youngest members of society, they play a critical role in shaping the future of our culture. Decisions made about the youth should never be made without their involvement. Young people need a seat at the table. The next generation of young voices deserves more credit; they are a lot smarter than we think. The youth have strong opinions, know how to influence others, and think differently from wiser generations. This brings fresh and diverse perspectives that can drive change—change we desperately need. Young people bring a different type of drive, creativity, passion, and self- determination. Bringing young voices to the forefront will promote a world with better representation. When we amplify their voices, we build a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive democracy. Most importantly, we make space for them. Space that shows young people their voices matter, where they can feel heard and be seen.
I will fight to ensure the youth have a permanent seat at the table, because, after all, they are the future. I could drone ad nauseum about the power of young voices, but I will keep it short. This message is more powerful straight from a young voice, and I will introduce you to one who is working alongside me to fight for a better Oklahoma. She was a part of something truly special this summer, an experience that allowed her to connect with Oklahoma in a unique way. Hear more about her experience and what she has to say about the need for younger voices in this fight for Democracy in her blog post. Meet Valarie.
