Youth Engagement is a current top priority for LWVDV. 

(from CIRCLE, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement) 

"Our communities and our democracy become more just and equitable when all people—individually and collectively—get involved and take action. One reason to focus on youth civic engagement is that such participation is a habit like any other: starting early can form a habit of civic engagement that will last a lifetime.  When all young people develop healthy civic habits, skills and commitment, our democracy will prosper.“ 

“… Young people, while not a monolithic group, share certain characteristics that have the potential to make them powerful civic actors, and their participation carries benefits. They have unique perspectives on local issues, they often bring new ideas to the table, and they can be an inexhaustible source of energy and passion for social change."

Youth Council

The purpose of the Youth Council is to get more young adults registered to vote and to encourage them to become active voters and active participants in their communities.

Youth Engagement Project

The Youth Engagement Project focuses on post-graduate individuals in their twenties who are entering the workforce, a demographic that consistently shows low engagement with civic practices. The primary challenge this project addresses is the disconnect between young adults’ stated civic interest and their actual participation rates.

Lawrence Youth Grant program

The Lawrence Youth Grant team is a youth grant program, funded by the interest generated from a bequest endowment.  The committee is currently working on developing program guidelines, applications, proposal templates and communication plans.  (Watch for announcements and details.)