As the generations shift tides, Gen Z have found and maintained its voice online when it comes to being engaged in conversations. Being some of the most vocal about topics such as ICE, Palestine, Israel, and more that some may deem extreme or controversial.
But is the advocacy strictly relegated to posting, doomscrolling, and sharing instead of turning that into tangible actions for change? Representatives of the Aspen Policy Academy discuss how they can help Gen-Z folks bridge the gap.
Kate Green, Program and Communications Coordinator at the Aspen Policy Academy, said Gen Z may feel daunted about the process of getting started with the process of policy advocacy, which poses a barrier.
“Gen Z has a lot of passion about various social issues, and the issue definitely isn’t apathy. I think the policy process can just be a little daunting or opaque to young people, and they’re not sure of that first step on how to speak up and get involved.”
She continued, “Sometimes young people will focus on the federal level and think they have to make massive change right away. It’s really important to remember you can start very local—in your neighborhood, your city, your state—and then, as you build up those skills, you can influence larger policies.”
The Aspen Policy Academy helps Gen Z people obtain the tools and resources to efficiently interact with legislators, advocate for causes that are important to them, and explore opportunities for public service. The academy aims to increase the next generation’s access to civic and policy involvement through programs they offer such as Policy Impact for Emerging Climate Leaders, the Environmental Policy Accelerator, and career-focused events like their “Getting a Job in Policy” webinar.
Gloria Molina Estolano, associate director of programs at the Aspen Policy Academy, spoke about how the current generation of young adults can turn frustration into concrete asks.
“We help folks move from ‘I’m aware of this issue, I know it’s a problem, I’m really passionate, and I care about it’ to ‘What do I actually do about it, and who do I talk to?’ So we walk them through how to identify the right stakeholder and how to come to them with a really clear, actionable step—not just, “Hey, I’m mad about this issue.’”
She continued, “Often policymakers can feel inaccessible… But they need to hear from us — they’re here to serve us, and we’re electing them into office to help make our communities better. You can reach out to your city councilperson, state representative, and federal representatives, and they are required to be responsive to you. The more concrete actions you can share with them, the easier it is for them to respond.”
Grace Cordsen, a graduate of the Aspen Policy Academy and environmental storyteller/communicator focused on the polar regions, spoke about bridging the gap between just being vocal online and taking action. She is also a PhD candidate at Stanford this fall.
“Particularly with younger generations that are so in touch with media online, getting involved in policy or political action can feel extreme, because that’s what gets covered — like a big protest. But being involved in policy doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be very small actions that don’t happen on a public stage but still actually lead to action on the policy level.”
Ultimately their goal is to make policy advocacy and civic engagement more accessible. For more information about the Aspen Policy Academy, please visit aspenpolicyacademy.org.
