Youth Civics

Youth Civics

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Want to make a difference in your school or community? Whether you want to lead a project, educate voters, strengthen your community, or develop your leadership skills, the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis offers opportunities to help you make a meaningful impact. Explore our programs and resources to find the best way to get involved.

GET INVOLVED

YOUTH CIVICS SHOWCASE
Have an idea to improve your school or community? Already working on a civics project? The Youth Civics Showcase is your chance to share your work, inspire others, and connect with community leaders, League volunteers, and fellow students who care about civic engagement. Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis at the end of each school semester, the Showcase celebrates students ages 16-19 who are taking action in their communities.

What is a civics project?
A civics project is an opportunity to actively participate in your community and strengthen our democracy. Projects can be completed independently or in partnership with the League and may focus on supporting the League’s work or making a difference in your school or community.

Support the League

  • Research candidates for the Voters Guide.
  • Create branded voter education materials or social media content.
  • Help register voters at community events.
  • Track legislation that affects your community.

Make a difference in your school or community

  • Organize a voter registration drive.
  • Create social media to educate and motivate others.
  • Design your own project–we’ll help you bring it to life.

Why participate?

  • Showcase your work to community leaders, League volunteers, and fellow students.
  • Strengthen your leadership, research, and public speaking skills.
  • Receive mentorship and feedback throughout your project (optional).
  • Build your résumé while making a real impact in your community.

Timeline

  • Complete the interest form to get started.
  • Work on your project throughout the semester.
  • Present your project at the Youth Civics Showcase at the end of the semester.

Individuals completing a project with their school or a community group are welcome to contact the League office at YouthOutreach [at] lwvstl.org to become involved in the showcase. Individuals interested in working with a mentor at the League on a project, please fill out our interest form and we will get back to you.

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Want to make a difference in your school or community? Not sure where to start? Our One-on-One Mentorship Program pairs you with an experienced League of Women Voters volunteer who will help you turn ideas into action. Whether you’re passionate about voter education, civic engagement, or improving your school or community, your mentor will guide you every step of the way. Participants are also invited to present their work at the Youth Civics Showcase at the end of the semester.

What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a partnership designed to help you grow as a civic leader. Your mentor will help you:
Explore issues that matter to you.
Develop a project plan and set achievable goals.
Connect with community resources and opportunities.
Overcome challenges and celebrate your progress.

Expectations
Meet regularly with your mentor throughout the semester (weekly or as needed).

  • Communicate with your mentor between meetings to stay on track.
  • Commit to developing and completing a civic engagement project over the course of the semester.
  • Be open to learning, asking questions, and trying new ideas.

Benefits

  • Receive personalized feedback on your civic project.
  • Build leadership, communication, and project management skills.
  • Gain confidence in creating positive change in your school or community.
  • Have the opportunity to present your work at the Youth Civics Showcase.

LEAD CHANGE ON YOUR CAMPUS
Easy steps to running a non-partisan voter registration drive in your high school:

1. Explore Missouri’s voter registration rules:

  • Must be 17 ½ years of age to register, 18 years to vote.
  • Must be a US Citizen and a Missouri resident.
  • Voter Registration Deadline - The fourth Wednesday prior to the election.
  • Need a state ID number or the last four digits of your social security number to register.

2. Ask an educator or administrator to be your faculty advisor for your drive. 

  • Your advisor can help you with planning the time and location of the drive.
  • Another possibility is to partner with your Student Government to help you plan and promote your drive.

3. Reach out to the League YouthOutreach [at] lwvstl.org (here). We will schedule a meeting to discuss your drive goals and logistics. On the day of, we will provide you with registration materials, merchandise, trained volunteer(s), and updated information.

4. Advertise your drive using social media or flyers. 

SIGN UP FOR OUR PROGRAMS HERE