Youth Revive Hope in Democracy

By Lila Lindeen

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” spoken as the end quote of guest speaker Dr. Jami Nelson-Nuñez’s inspirational speech given to the delegates of the 2025 NM-YAG Conference echoed in the minds of all who were present. And honestly, my first thought when I heard this was, “it feels impossible to change anything right now.” The saying emphasizes that if you wish to see your values reflected in society, you must work to enact them. This is a major premise of the NM-YAG mission, to enable Youth to feel confident in creating and advocating change whether it be in the face of adversity, fear of failure, or lack of resources. Which, in the current climate of our nation - both political and social - feels like an effort without reward, without possibility. 

Currently, we are in a state of increased political turmoil that hasn’t been presented in the media comparable to now with the amount of platforms of promotion. This affects the accessibility to enacting change in the world. While some may argue it “increases accessibility,” I would argue that’s not the case. Because while there’s greater access to promoting our own values through social media, it reduces access to observing other people’s values. Ideas and opinions become lost in a sea of contrasting values and sometimes misinformation and the constant production of new content, values, or misinformation drowns out the other yet continues to increase the stress about opinions without truly communicating the want for change or change in itself. This contributes directly to the loss of reward for working to change a system many have expressed discontentment with. The aforementioned reasons especially impact the youth, instilling sentiments of hopelessness. 

It is important to recognize this and brainstorm the new pathways for communicating mass change despite feelings of discouragement. One thing Representative Ian Wald from Santa Fe High School advocates is curating feed, whether social media or other, with a strong background of credibility that largely revolves around issues you care about. By doing so, he says, you unlock the key to concrete perspectives that will consolidate factual info - thereby being more informative and increasing the ability for oneself to accurately communicate their values. Elizabeth Wilder from Albuquerque Academy brings up another point of significance for the youth in which this day and age has both sides of a largely polarized political scene only listening to their side. In order to elicit and communicate change effectively through all the conflict, she says, we need to be less aggressive and willing to work with everyone without pointing fingers. 

Another important aspect to consider regarding change is that the issues we face right now feel so vast and insurmountable that, as previously mentioned, they create a sense of helplessness among many voters in the country. However, the Youth have their own thoughts on the issue. Gavin Mitchell, current Land Commissioner for the ‘25 YAG Conference from Albuquerque Academy, concurs with Elizabeth Wilder that instead of letting the major issues in the world, like foreign policy, get the youth down, look to your local communities. As a member of a few Youth Advisory Boards himself, Gavin emphasizes that through taking civic engagement actions in your own community through things like city council, legislation, or student counselors there are multiple paths to make an impact. Anna Choe, current State Auditor, expresses a key foundational point that cannot be repeated enough. As long as you keep trying to get involved, with confidence in your convictions, and true passion, regardless of reaping rewards, fight for what you believe in and it can become reality.

This article isn’t meant to be another “inspiring motivator” that doesn’t praises but doesn't really initiate change. In order to take the messages presented here and truly “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” you mustn’t let the overarching feelings of discouragement, impossibility, and complexity limit you from trying. Act. Although it may be difficult to find hope, there are always possibilities. Involve yourself in organizations, clubs, and even social groups that are putting in the work to create the change you want to see in the world - like YAG. And though we may be young, as long as we try we’re making a difference. So, work with the platforms you’re given and sincerely invest in being the change we need in the world.