Understanding A Diverse Generation: Youth Civic Engagement In The United States

A report by CIRCLE (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement)

(From the Executive Summary)

Youth civic engagement is critical to our democracy. Young people benefit personally by participating and communities need their voices and their energies to address problems. The future of our democracy depends on each new generation developing the skills, values and habits of participation.

In this report, CIRCLE provides an overview of young Americans’ civic engagement: their service activities, membership in groups and associations, discussion of issues and political participation. Through its annual Current Population Survey (CPS), the US Census now provides data on these and other forms of civic engagement. Focusing on ages 18-29, we have analyzed this national survey data and examined the two most recent election years: 2008 and 2010.

To keep reading, go to the full report.