Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member in Congress, and Haley Lickstein, a civic engagement influencer, dive into the urgent need for young voices in politics. They discuss how economic issues, climate change, and gun violence resonate with their peers. Frost and Lickstein share strategies to boost youth voter turnout and the importance of year-round engagement. With a focus on grassroots organizing, they inspire younger generations to take charge and transform their concerns into action, emphasizing that their vote matters more than ever.
Stacey Abrams and her guests discuss the pivotal role of Gen Z voters in shaping election outcomes and the need for their engagement.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in Congress to ensure inclusive legislation reflecting various demographic experiences.
A significant theme is the crisis of trust among young Americans towards political institutions, highlighting the need for genuine engagement from politicians.
Deep dives
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Introduction of a New Podcast
The podcast features a sneak peek of a new show titled 'Assembly Required,' hosted by Stacey Abrams. This show aims to counteract feelings of despair and nihilism that can arise in today's political climate by highlighting positive stories of activists and advocates working for change. Abrams invites listeners to join her in exploring how ordinary people can contribute to a better future, establishing a tone of hope and activism. The show intends to provide actionable insights and inspirations, suggesting that engagement is crucial in making a difference.
Youth Engagement in Politics
A significant focus of the episode is on the importance of youth voters in shaping electoral outcomes. Stacey Abrams emphasizes that the youth vote has been pivotal in previous elections, particularly highlighting their role in the victory of Biden and Harris. However, young voters often express skepticism about whether their participation will lead to impactful change, which reflects a historical pattern of disenchantment with political processes. The discussion highlights that addressing the concerns of young voters about issues like the cost of living, gun violence, and climate change is essential in mobilizing them for the upcoming elections.
Challenges of Political Representation
There is a strong call for more diverse representation in Congress to better reflect the multi-generational and multi-racial makeup of the country. Representative Maxwell Frost and Haley Lichtstein discuss the necessity of having voices from different backgrounds to ensure that legislation is inclusive and representative of all communities. They point out that increased participation of young and marginalized groups in politics can provide necessary insights into the lived experiences of various demographics. By advocating for legislative reforms and encouraging grassroots activism, they highlight potential pathways for systemic change in political representation.
Building Trust Among Young Voters
The episode also delves into the crisis of trust young Americans feel towards political institutions. Both guests discuss the need for politicians to validate the concerns of this demographic, emphasizing that genuine engagement is crucial to rebuilding faith in government. The conversation suggests that corruption and disillusionment stem from neglecting the voices of young voters who feel unrepresented in political dialogues. Practical strategies mentioned for restoring trust include organizing community discussions, facilitating direct interactions with elected officials, and ensuring that constituent needs are prioritized in policy-making.
Introducing Crooked’s newest podcast: Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. The election is in the hands of Gen Z, a cohort of young Americans that’s diverse, creative, and—often—skeptical. This episode at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Stacey is joined by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first member of Gen Z to be elected to Congress, and influencer Haley Lickstein, a leading voice on civic engagement among young people, to talk about how they’re working to get their peers involved.
Be sure to subscribe to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams on your favorite podcast platform, or on YouTube for the video version, and be sure to join Stacey next week as she continues to break down the issues and build up the solutions.
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