Training Young Activists

Abstract

This article examines how nonprofit activist youth groups shape the civic and political trajectories of their adolescent members. Based on analyses of survey and semi-structured interview data gathered from low-income, racially diverse, and immigrant alumni members of grassroots youth organizing groups and from a comparison sample, findings suggest that adolescent activist groups foster high levels of civic and political participation in early adulthood. Similar to other public-oriented volunteer associations-such as student government-activist groups impart civic skills and experiences that facilitate later involvement. Yet activist groups may function as particularly intensive training grounds for future participation by developing members' political consciousness and engaging them in political processes. In spite of operating within a neoliberal context that sometimes inhibits the political activity of nonprofits, contemporary grassroots youth organizing groups, somewhat like the 1960s' civil rights groups decades earlier, can propel some young people toward ongoing engagement with social movements.

Charting the longitudinal trajectories and interplay of critical consciousness among youth activists

“…In addition, community‐based activist spaces provide adult staff who scaffold youth's organizing activities via youth–adult partnerships. Adult staff is often experienced in community organizing and in working with youth, so they engage with youth nonhierarchically and learn with youth rather than aiming to deposit information in them (Ginwright & James, 2002; Kirshner, 2015; Terriquez, 2015). Other contexts youth are exposed to most often do not encourage these forms of analysis and action.…”

“…They also engage youth in formal and informal political education (Mediratta et al, 2009; Valladares et al, 2020). Altogether, YOs and YLCs scaffold youth in a regular process of identifying shared issues, analyzing root causes, developing solutions, organizing protests, and leading public campaigns to address inequalities (Rogers et al, 2012; Terriquez, 2015; Valladares et al, 2020), effectively serving as consciousness‐raising systems. Hence, this study sampled youth involved in YOs and YLCs to illuminate the longitudinal development of CC among youth likely to experience change.…”

The Role of Childhood Participation in Cultural Activities in the Promotion of Pro-Social Behaviours in Later Life

“…For example, public speaking, representation, and community service during childhood are believed to influence the likelihood of later-life involvement with political groups [52]. Similarly, involvement with a civil-rights organisation can have an effect on participation in such causes later in life: for example, being involved in a youth organisation has a significant effect on the likelihood to attend political protests in adulthood [53]. This may suggest that volunteering with cultural organisations may be influenced by different drivers than general volunteering.…”

Social Activism and Extended Education

“…Determined acts of youth attract organizations in various sectors of society for collaboration. Increasingly, youth organizers are forming their own groups, setting their own agendas, and securing their own funding (Terriquez, 2015).…”