Attracting Young People to Politics

Dr Bachchu Kailash Kaini

The term 'young people' generally refers to individuals who are in the early stages of their lives, typically between adolescence and early adulthood.. While there is no strict age range universally defined for 'young people', it is commonly includes those who are in their teenage years and twenties. The specific age range may vary depending on the context and the purpose for which the term is used.

Attracting young people to politics can be a challenging task, but it is crucial for the future of any nation's democracy and the future.

Here are some tips on how to attract young people in politics:

• Make politics relevant to their lives. Young people are often disengaged from politics because they don't see how it affects them. Talk to them about the issues that matter to them, such as climate change, education, and healthcare. Show them how their votes can make a difference in these areas.
• Digital Engagement or social media to reach them. Young people are active on social media, so use it to connect with them. Share information about political issues, events, and candidates on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Utilise social media, online platforms, and digital marketing to reach out to young people where they spend most of their time. Create engaging content, videos, and infographics to make politics more accessible and understandable.
• Make it easy for them to get involved. Provide opportunities for young people to get involved in politics, such as volunteering for campaigns, attending protests, and writing to their elected officials. Make sure these opportunities are accessible and easy to understand.
• Be transparent and accountable. Young people are sceptical of institutions, so it's important to be transparent and accountable when engaging with them. Be clear about your goals and values, and be willing to answer their questions.
• Celebrate their successes. When young people do get involved in politics, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will encourage them to continue their involvement and make them feel like they're making a difference.

• Use clear and concise language. Young people are often turned off by jargon and complex language. Use simple language that they can understand.
• Be respectful and inclusive. Make sure that everyone feels welcome and included in political discussions. Avoid making assumptions about people's political beliefs or values.
• Be creative and engaging. Find ways to make politics interesting and engaging for young people. Use games, videos, and other interactive tools to get their attention.
• Youth-Focused Policies: Develop and advocate for policies that directly address the concerns and priorities of young people, such as affordable education, job opportunities, climate change, and social justice. Show that politics can bring positive change to their lives,
• Diverse Representation: Encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to participate in politics and leadership roles. Seeing representatives who look like them and come from similar backgrounds can inspire greater interest and participation.
• Youth Outreach Programmes: Organize youth-focused events, workshops, and seminars to educate young people about the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Collaborate with schools and colleges to introduce political education in the curriculum.
• Youth Advisory Boards: Establish youth advisory boards or councils to provide young people with a platform to voice their concerns, ideas, and suggestions directly to policymakers.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Offer volunteer opportunities within political campaigns or community initiatives to help young people actively contribute to causes they care about.
• Embrace Technology: Use technology to facilitate political processes, such as online voter registration, voting apps, and virtual town halls, to make politics more convenient for young people.
• Celebrities and Influencers: Collaborate with influential personalities, celebrities, and social media influencers who resonate with young people to promote civic engagement and political awareness.
• Youth-Centric Events: Host fun and engaging events that blend political discussions with entertainment, music, art, and sports. This can help break the stereotype of politics being dull and uninteresting.
• Encourage Dialogue and Debate: Create spaces where young people can express their opinions, engage in constructive debates, and discuss political issues openly. Encourage respectful dialogue and critical thinking.
• Lead by Example: Showcase young leaders who have made a positive impact on their communities through political involvement. Highlight their achievements and use their stories as inspiration for others.
• Education and Media Campaigns: Launch media campaigns and educational programs that emphasise the importance of political participation and how it can lead to positive change.
• Cultivate Grassroots Movements: Support and collaborate with youth-led grassroots movements that are working towards social and political change.
• Lower the Voting Age: Consider lowering the voting age, at least for local elections, to empower young people and encourage their active participation in decision-making.

By following these tips, we can help to attract young people into politics and make a difference in their lives.

Remember, attracting young people to politics is an ongoing process that requires persistence, inclusivity and adaptability. It's a vital to listen to their concerns and aspirations and involve them in shaping the future of their society.