Our Community

“Civic literacy, especially as a teenager in a diverse and ever-changing big city, is very important to me—and any opportunity I can seize that allows me to expand my knowledge and collaborate with like-minded peers is one I will pursue.”

“I am passionate about teamwork, organizing, and advocacy projects and participating in Democracy Camp will provide a platform in which I can advance my perspectives and create a degree of change in the community with a team.”

“I am interested in the need for engaged citizenship across all age groups, and especially younger people. Democracy Camp will be a great way for me to get my voice heard and collaborate with other people about issues going on with current events.”

“Democracy Camp’s innovative approach to treating young people as current leaders, not just future caretakers, aligns with my desire to actively contribute to societal change. I am particularly drawn to the camp’s focus on providing practical knowledge and skills for political participation, as well as creating an environment where youth voices are central.”

“Democracy is a form of governing, but it is also an idea. The idea of democracy allows people to be involved in decisions that are going to affect them. This program interests me because it allows for a way to converse about the issues and disparities that people, like me, deal with in the world.”

“I am applying for YVote’s summer programs to learn more about the history and the specific aspects of our democracy today that contribute to the general public’s distrust and discover how I as a young American can contribute to a brighter future for our country’s government and administrative policies.”

“[Demo Camp] offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning about democracy, unlike the traditional classroom setting. Led by youth facilitators, the program fosters a peer-led environment that promotes relatability and support as we explore and share our perspectives, and will enable me to delve deeper into my beliefs and values.”

“I hope to learn more about voting, especially since it is an election year. I haven’t really done anything like this before, and I believe it would be a fun experience where I could learn more about implementing change in my community.”

“I would like to expand my knowledge on democracy and learn as much as I can. I believe the knowledge I gain from this program can help me make more informed choices while I’m voting, and educate my peers to do the same.”

“I am applying to participate in the program as it’s something I have never once gave thought to. I used to believe that it’s not my part to fix our community or government or learn about it as other will do it for me. But now, I realize ignorance is not bliss. Being knowledgeable and involved is worth more than being a spectator in a life I will soon be living.”

“The prospect of being involved in co-planning and facilitating activities that challenge us to envision and build a better democracy is intriguing. I am eager to learn the skills necessary to actively contribute to shaping the future of our democracy and to explore how I can apply these skills in my own community and beyond.”

“ChangeMakers can help with personal growth because it could allow me to develop a stronger sense of purpose and resilience. I believe that through self reflection and learning, I may be able to gain a deeper understanding of my own identity, privilege, and how I can use my strengths to bring about positive change in my community.”

“I’m interested in learning about how we can make more young voters.”

“A lot of my friends and classmates are not at all interested in politics, government, or even current events. Those who are interested in politics have absolutely no faith in American democracy. Believing that the government is entirely corrupt lets people not try to solve the problems. I am concerned that this is a nation-wide problem. Therefore, I would like to be able to discuss specific challenges and solutions with other teenagers.“

“The biggest issue in my community at the moment is homelessness and the migrant crisis, and seeing homeless people commonly and thinking they’re nothing like us. I believe the government is responsible for this. We have enough tax money to fund shelters and food for people if we wanted to. I want to talk to people with power in the state about these issues.”

“YVote’s platform allows young people in NYC to learn more about articulating their thoughts and developing public speaking skills and to be a part of social movements to engage people in the matter that impacts society. Being part of YVote will help me become the activist I am working to be in the future.”

“There is a often concerning and increasing sentiment of apathy and disinterest towards voting in the nation because there is a sense of not being able to do anything even through participation in voting—thus leading to large percentages of non-participation in the country especially within certain communities. Despite coming from one of these backgrounds myself, I, however, do intend to vote after turning 18.”

“I want to find a position where I can utilize my skills as a youth activist and to learn more about the different social and political issues that impact our society. I want to gain an understanding of these different conflicts that have happened overtime, and how I can advocate and use my voice to inform the people about it.”

“I am passionate about advocating for those whose voices aren’t being heard.”

“I am excited about this program because i believe in the power of democracy and am eager to create positive change in my community and beyond, and I am determined to address issues like inequality, climate change , and social injustice.”

“I am deeply passionate about understanding and addressing the issues facing our community. Participating in this program will provide me with practical experience and skills in activism, such as community organizing, advocacy, and coalition-building. I am eager to learn from experienced mentors and contribute to meaningful initiatives that have a positive impact on our community.”

“I want to dive into the intersection between changing the actual science and engineering solutions of environmental issues and the policy side through a Democracy Project. I feel like both sides are often seen as separate ways to address the issue but I believe they are more connected than they seem.”

“I passionately advocate for change in society. I dedicate my time to raising awareness about issues that I deeply care about, whether they’re related to social justice or human rights. Through activism, I actively engage in activities such as attending protests and collaborating with individuals to push for meaningful reforms.”

“I’m interested in participating in this program because I wanna learn different perspectives to the topics and have open discussions about them.”

“I always had a interest in politics and what differences we can make in communities to make them a more positive environment. Since this program is involved with voting and is focused to making a change in communities, I thought this would be a good way to get a new variety of knowledge .”

“What interests me about this program is the way it has the possibility to change the future.”

“As someone who immigrated to America, I feel that it is also my responsibility to expand my knowledge about the three branches of government and electoral systems of America. Being able to have agency and the ability to create an impact is very important for me, and knowing how to make my voice heard and how to make a change in the world of others is crucial to live a purposeful life.”

“My feelings about voting is that if you have the opportunity to do so, go ahead and vote because not voting is giving up your voice. In the end, elections have consequences, so every vote matters. I want to represent not only myself, but also those who cannot advocate for themselves.”

“I am turning 18 about a week after the presidential election, and I have always felt powerless in our democracy. This program is a way for me to use my voice to make a difference without the ability to vote.”

“My feelings about voting is that if you have the opportunity to do so, go ahead and vote because not voting is giving up your voice. In the end, elections have consequences, so every vote matters. I want to represent not only myself, but also those who cannot advocate for themselves.”

“I am interested in this program to be able to have a voice in my community and create a larger impact.”

“Although democracy in the United States has been used as a method of justifying war, and masking the corruption in political parties, it can be used by the youth to reshape society and to empower movements.”

“I am interested in the opportunity to meet with other like-minded students who want to learn more about these issues so that I can create a network of people who share the same values as me, creating sustainable change in our environment and the way we think about things as a generation.”

“I’m interested in learning about the ins and outs of the democracy and how we can perhaps improve or fix it. Furthermore, I just like learning about stuff, and this is one of ‘em.”

“I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and empowering my peers to become active participants in our democracy. The opportunity to be part of a youth voter and civic participation movement is exciting to me, as I believe that young people have the power to bring about meaningful change.”

“Every single day, millions of people, especially young people, lose faith in the American model of democracy. Considering that 2024 is an election year, with two..interesting candidates, the need for discussion and proper discourse–and for faith and resurrection of democracy—is more urgent than ever.”

“I feel like most people aren’t represented, especially Hispanic people, and I’d like to be a voice for them or even give them the information that I’m learning in this program.”

“I attended the YVote ChangeMakers Institute throughout the school year where I learned a tremendous amount and feel much more confident being civically engaged and having discussions about politics, government, and current events in my city and country. I’m eager to extend my engagement with peers on politics and civic engagement through Democracy Camp.”

“I have a growing interest in social issues and my desire to make a positive difference in communities! I am interested in this program because it focuses on youth-driven movements, which I believe are powerful for change. Seeing the impacts my friends have made through this program has inspired me to join.”

“I am heavily invested in activism as well as doing good in order to help those who are less fortunate. I feel like no matter how insignificant you may feel in a country filled with millions, your vote always matters no matter what election and when i turn 18, i definitely will do my research and vote.”

“I have had a strong interest in politics throughout my high school career. I want to learn about others perspectives so that I can grow as a person. I’d also be looking forward to working with the diverse array of people to make a positive change in our communities.”

“I believe that voting holds a heavy importance in our democratic society. Voting is what lets the people truly have a representative government. Civil engagement is one of the most important factors of a thriving society.”

“A lot of people have the misconception that their vote doesn’t matter when in reality it does: the people who we elect into office are supposed to work for us, so if we band together and elect the right people into office, it may be the first step into fixing some of the things wrong in our society.”

“What is interesting about this program is that you learn things that you are able to implement within your peers and community. I am applying to participate because I want to learn more about democracy, the voting process, and the factors that affect it.”

“There are no political opportunities at my school and there isn’t enough people to vouch for them. These programs would be the first area of civic engagement I’d do, and it would be wonderful to experience them and learn.”

“I’m eager to join this program to communicate and discuss issue around the world today, and to use my voice to help make a difference.”

“I love discussing social and political issues happening in our country because I believe open minded conversation leads to growth and new knowledge gained.”

“I care a lot about the voices of those who are silenced.”

“After serving this past fall as a Senate Page, I have become fascinated by the various mechanisms of representation and democracy and I think Democracy Camp will provide a wealth of educational resources for me to access.”

“What is interesting about this program is that you learn things that you are able to implement within your peers and community. I am applying to participate because I want to learn more about democracy, the voting process, and the factors that affect it.”

“I think of myself as a person who wants more. I think that people immigrate to look for opportunities and are still gifted with nothing. I want a start to new—to a new democracy and to a new country that I can say is a country “full of opportunities.”

I want to learn more about how I can be involved in democracy and influence others to be more interested in their civic duty. Being able to grow and learn with people my age would be an opportunity for me to be surrounded by diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I would love to be a part of informing people about advocacy and activism.”

The YVote Change Makers Institute will provide me a platform to learn how to advocate for change. I think the education, interactive workshops and activities led by peer facilitators will provide an opportunity to discuss and debate issues. It will also give me a chance to learn and hear from others who are passionate about very important topics.”

“I can certainly say from experience that the biggest issue that my community faces is the fact that most of the youth is not involved in the democratic process. As a matter of fact, only 4.6% of Manhattan teenagers are pre-registered to vote, compared to the 95.5% at St.Lawrence county near Niagara Falls. I am committed to changing this.”

“I want to learn more about the government, alongside with other likeminded individuals as me. I like voting because it sets room for me to speak my opinion on subjects that could dictate my potential future and to have the chance to protect the future generations as well as myself.”

“I am interested in joining this program because I see it as an opportunity to learn more about responsibilities I will have in the future like voting. I will also have the opportunity to converse with other people my age about problems around the community and how we can create change.”

“Being an immigrant… I’ve always felt affected by politics and the state of our democracy but felt powerless to do anything about it, which was scary. But this just makes me more determined to find ways that I can take back some of that power and have a say about politics and my place.”

“I am really interested in an opportunity that gives me the free range to practice and sharpen my understanding of democracy. I believe voting is a privilege that not many are granted, therefore we should assert our right to vote as United States citizens, given that in some countries that ability or the ability to voice your opinion could result in your death. After all, a skill we don’t constantly practice becomes dead after a while.”

“I am excited about this program because i believe in the power of democracy and am eager to create positive change in my community and beyond, and I am determined to address issues like inequality, climate change , and social injustice.”

“I’m particularly interested in this program because I’d like to explore and gain new insights. I’m a very open minded person and want to see different perspectives in my communities.”

“After taking world history, I discovered my passion for learning about the formation of governments and the patterns of civilizations. I recently learned of Malala Yousafzai, an activist who spoke out against a ban on education for girls. She was just fifteen years old (my age) when she started making changes in this world, which has helped me understand that everyone – including myself – can make a difference, despite their age.”

“I’ve reached the age when I realize that there is so much more to the world than what I already know. I now understand the importance of being more aware of my surroundings and involving myself in current events, which I can do by educating myself, forming my own opinions, and sharing them in order to analyze the history and current state of our democracy.”

“I am applying to participate in helping out the community by gathering more knowledge regarding how I can educate others around me about worldwide issues. I’d describe myself as an activist, but more of a silent activist. I wish to become more confident in my opinions and what I believe is right so that I can help my community make change for the better.”

“I am applying to participate in this program because I am a strong believer in using your voice for the better to make a change in your community. As a high school student, I think it is really important to engage in tough discussions with your peers.”

“I want to educate others on their right to vote! I have first-hand experience with what lack of education does to a person. And in an era of rampant false news, it is more important than ever to stay informed.”

“I am applying to participate in this program because I am a strong believer in using your voice for the better to make a change in your community. As a high school student, I think it is really important to engage in tough discussions with your peers.”

“I became interested in the state of democracy in the US after seeing prior events occur such as the insurrection on January 6th. After that I started to learn more about just how corrupt our democracy can be at times with lobbying, fearmongering, and such. I want to see what I could do to help create change.”

“I desire to learn more about how our democracy works and actively make a change in my community. Students at YVote are already making change and I want to be a part of this process.”

“Voting is the most valuable gift bestowed upon by our precious Constitution and great Country to its citizens and everyone should leverage this gift to assert the right thing to do.”

“I believe in using my voice and knowledge to drive positive change. Through countless debates, I have dived into a wide array of topics. I believe that only through discussion of these topics can we refine the solutions to them as the future generation. My passion for these discussions fuels my activism and work towards creating a more informed and just society.”

“I find discussing and solving humanitarian and social problems very important. I am confident I can make an impact and share my ideas to help our community. I think that we need more people of our generation to step up and create a place where future generations can live without the same human rights problems that we are facing.”

“I have not yet had many in-school opportunities to learn about the way that our country functions democratically. Thanks to my AP U.S. History class, I am familiar with the basics of U.S. government, but my extent of knowledge is limited in a way that prevents me from having more substantial ideas regarding action plans that can be taken to resolve social/political strife within the nation and to devise solutions to societal difficulties that matter most to me.”

“I hope to overcome my apathy towards the civic process and engage with like-minded peers to analyze and tackle issues concerning our current democracy. The most interesting part of this program for me is the opportunity to create an actionable plan to increase civic engagement among our respective student bodies. I believe that a widespread initiative like this could have a significant impact on our city, especially with the representation of many schools and diverse individuals.”

“Making the world a better place is something I strive for through hard work. I deeply care about fairness people’s rights and taking care of our earth. With many people working together, I believe we can make good things happen — the power is in our shared efforts. I dedicate my time and talent to help solve big world problems.”

“I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of democracy and the vital role it plays in shaping our communities for the better. I am inspired by the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and activists, to amplify my voice, and to work collaboratively towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and participatory society in our city.”

“I am worried about our country and want to help make our world better. I would like to meet other young people who feel compelled to get involved. I am trying to be a change maker. I read the newspaper every day, pay attention to political issues, and will work on a campaign this summer.”

“I am very passionate about public policy and getting my peers involved in politics or at the very least making sure they are informed.”

“I want to participate in this program to gain more insight on youth civic engagement and delve deeper into our own mindsets about our democracy and what it should mean to not just us but for out parents, siblings, and other individuals.”

“I would describe myself as an activist because I am deeply passionate about issues like racial justice, criminal justice, climate change, and youth engagement. I have been advocating for the Youth Justice Opportunities Act which allows alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice practices to be placed. Using my voice to champion this cause has allowed me to broaden my knowledge on advocacy.”

“I would not yet consider myself an activist or a change maker, but I hope to make a difference one day. I have been a participant in some protests, but I want to become more involved in voting an civics.”

“I am applying to participate because I would like to dedicate my time during the summer for a cause that supports hopes I have for the future. I have concerns about the current state of democracy in my community and the country as a lot of my friends and peers don’t plan on voting or don’t understand our system of government.”

“I would like to learn more about social justice issues impacting my peers and our communities, and to join a group where we can work towards real, actionable change implemented through the following school year rather than powerful, though often ultimately pointless, contemplation of issues on my own. Democracy Camp will introduce me to 49 other diverse individuals (and many more combinations of perspectives!) with whom to collectively plan cohesive and achievable civic change projects.”

“As my first big step into advocacy, I want to be able to accept other people’s opinions more openly and widen my fixed mindset.”