Chicago Sun Times: Chicago youth offer public policy suggestions to city leaders through Mikva Challenge

August 19, 2021

From Chicago Sun Times

By Nichole Shaw Aug 18, 2021, 8:24pm CDT

Chicago youth offer public policy suggestion to city leaders through Mikva Challenge.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this election—whether you voted, helped spread the word, or engaged in civic conversations, you played a vital role in our democracy. At Mikva Challenge, we believe in the power of young voices and active citizenship. As we reflect on the election, let’s keep working together to build a just and equitable society where everyone has a voice. The election may be over, but there is plenty of work ahead. #Election2024 #DemocracyIsAVerb #YouthEngagement #MikvaChallenge

Today, more than 1,900 Chicago high school students from more than 100 schools will serve as election judges, helping make Election Day a success. With the support of Mikva Challenge and the Chicago Board of Elections, these young leaders are gaining a hands-on experience in civic engagement while assisting voters at polling locations across the city.

Youth voices are essential to a healthy democracy. Research from CIRCLE shows young people involved in civic duties are more likely to become lifelong voters and inspire family members to vote. In fact, 98% of past student judges said they intend to vote, with 94% committing to encouraging friends and family to do the same.

#YouthVoice #DemocracyIsAVerb #MikvaChallenge

With Election Day tomorrow, the Chicago Youth Organizing Academy (YOA) was hard at work encouraging voter participation.

Earlier today, they dedicated their efforts to phone banking, reaching out to voters in the neighborhoods they previously canvassed. They offered follow-up support to help voters create a plan for Election Day. In line with their bilingual canvassing approach, the calls were conducted in both English and Spanish.

We are incredibly proud of their dedication and grateful for their work in turning democracy into a verb.

#democracyisaverb #mikvachallenge