As the political environment of the United States becomes increasingly polarized and apprehensive, civic participation is more vital than ever. Now, the responsibility of advocacy lies in the hands of the younger generation. Although this reality may seem daunting for some, this isn’t a new responsibility for students. In fact, throughout American history, young people have often been at the forefront of social movements, community improvements and political change. Whether it was the Little Rock Nine, who integrated Central High School amid violent resistance and racial prejudice, the Kent State University students protesting against the Vietnam War or the student-led political action committee, Never Again MSD, which pushed for gun reform following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, young voices have always been a force for change.
Today, that legacy of student activism continues in North Carolina with students across the state stepping into leadership roles and advocating for their peers. One of those students is Avani Narayanan, a Green Hope High School senior with a passion for advocacy and politics. When she isn’t making strides within her school’s Women in Politics club, Narayanan serves as a council member on the N.C. Youth Advocacy Council for NC Child, an organization dedicated to gathering students who aspire to advocate for themselves and their peers. Narayanan has helped strengthen initiatives for mental health in public schools, as well as collaborating with students across the state to create proposals, which will empower NC Child to make change within their communities.
“[Our work] is about making sure that students are aware of the mental health resources around them,” Narayanan said. “[We also try to ensure that students] have access to resources such as counseling, therapy and peer support.”
Narayanan exemplifies a way in which young people can take action through raising awareness. With suicide being the third leading cause of death among high school students, and the rate of children with anxiety and depression in North Carolina doubling from 2016 to 2023, the importance of accessible mental health resources seems undeniable. Organizations like NC Child demonstrate that students always have a space to make an impact, and if that space doesn’t exist, they could be the drivers of change and create their own.
Ian House, a senior at Green Hope High School, demonstrates how young people can influence policy directly. As founder of the Student Voice Alliance, an organization which has been active since Oct. 2024, House specializes in collecting student input through anonymous digital surveys on topics like advanced coursework, class rank, cellphone policies and grades. He then provides these insights to policymakers at the local and state level to ensure that student perspectives are considered in the policymaking process. House also serves as a student advisor to the North Carolina State Board of Education, attending school board meetings, reviewing proposed policies and advising the board from the student perspective.
“[I always ask myself], What can I do? What can I use and how can I help others collectively influence the decisions of government,” House said. “[I want to] represent the students in North Carolina, because it’s not only me, it’s we.”
Whether through direct communication with policymakers or other forms of civic engagement, the youth are finding ways to make their voices heard. Journalism, which is often referred to as the fourth branch of government, empowers people to inform, question and inspire action. Erik Keitz, a senior at Panther Creek High School and Co-Editor-in-Chief for the school’s newspaper, views it as an opportunity to hold those in power accountable and spark meaningful change within his community. From addressing issues like his school’s parking system to mentoring new reporters on how to find and develop story ideas, Keitz uses his voice as a member of the student press to shed light on issues that directly affect his peers.
“I feel as though [journalism] is sort of the connecting point between people [and] politicians,” Keitz said. “Most people are good, but uninformed, and part of the job of journalists is to connect people with the truth [so they stay informed].”
While journalism gives young people like Keitz the power to inform and advocate through storytelling, others find their voice in entirely different spaces. Broughton High School senior Brandon Estevez currently serves as director of North Carolina’s 4-H Geospatial Team, where he has assisted in rebuilding the program and expanding its reach across the country.
Under his leadership, the team has secured over $13,000 in grants, doubled its membership and helped position North Carolina as one of the nation’s leaders in 4-H Geospatial space. His efforts have not only strengthened the program’s national reputation, but also created new opportunities for students to explore research, technology and collaboration.
“Rebuilding our Geospatial team is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments,” Estevez said. “[Seeing my team members improve] has been really encouraging to see [as] a leader. ”
From state advocacy councils, to student newspapers, to STEM programs, these students show that civic action does not have to begin at the voting booth. Even when students simply follow their interests, they may end up making an impact because they took the initiative.
“People are always scared to be the first person to [take action],” Estevez said. “But there is [always someone] willing to join you. [You just have to] take the first step.”
