In the LWVNCC April newsletter, President Dick Johnson discussed the NCC League's "Spring Into Democracy" youth engagement initiative:

Why Spring into Democracy Matters — and Why We Need Your Support

Every spring, nature renews itself. And every spring, the League of Women Voters of New Castle County asks our community to do the same — to renew our commitment to democracy, one young voter at a time.

Our Spring into Democracy initiative targets one of the most underrepresented groups in the American electorate: citizens between the ages of 18 and 24. These are our neighbors, our children, our future — and statistically, they are the least likely to vote. Not because they don't care, but because no one has made them feel that their voice matters.

That's where we come in.

Through outreach at universities, community colleges, naturalization ceremonies, and local events across New Castle County, Spring into Democracy meets young people where they are. We register new voters. We educate first-time participants on how elections work, what's on the ballot, and why local races — school boards, county council, state legislature — shape their daily lives more directly than any presidential contest.

This year's initiative includes our new Student Ambassador Civics Program, which empowers young leaders on campus to become peer educators in their own communities. We know that a conversation between friends is more powerful than any pamphlet.

Democracy doesn't maintain itself. Every generation must be welcomed into it. When young people vote, they bring energy, perspective, and urgency to the issues that will define the next fifty years — climate, housing, healthcare, and the economy.

Supporting Spring into Democracy is not a partisan act. It is an act of faith in the idea that an informed, engaged citizenry is the foundation of everything else we hope to build together.

We need your help — as volunteers, as donors, and as advocates. Spread the word. Bring a young person to a registration event. Make a contribution that keeps this work going.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Spring into action with us.

--Dick Johnson, LWVNCC President

The League of Women Voters of New Castle County is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. To learn more or get involved, contact our League office.