Young people want to act. Here’s what’s stopping them.
Gen Zers care about their communities, but their motivations to get involved are often misunderstood. A new national survey of 1,000 young people aged 14–22, conducted by YPulse, reveals what it takes to engage young people and get them to participate in civic life. Part of C&S’s ongoing research, it builds on our insights from The Civic Outlook of Young Adults in America.
Involvement
90% of young people say they care about their communities.
Motivators
49% of young people are motivated by their friends getting involved.
Barriers
37% don’t know how to start, and 33% doubt they can make a difference.
C&S activates young people to create bold, fresh solutions to civic problems. The data shows what’s holding them back.
Our findings challenge the myth that Gen Z is checked out. Nine in ten young people care deeply about their communities, but many don’t know where to start or if their efforts will make a difference. They told us what actually moves them: working alongside friends, seeing real results, and having clear, accessible ways to get involved.
Young people want to be heard, trusted, and shown that participation actually matters.
This survey gives leaders, educators, and funders a thoughtful way to meet young people where they are and how to help them turn their interest into impact.
