Indiana youth can become more civically involved

As the 2023 legislative season sets up, Hoosier youth can benefit from some lessons in civics. 

Young people in Indiana can find ways to engage with the governmental process. 

Indiana Youth Institute President and CEO Tami Silveman said youth may become involved beyond Election Day.

“Whether it’s at the school board level or whether it’s heading into our state legislative session, we need to be engaging and modeling and make sure that kids have a voice and an understanding,” Silverman said.

Silverman urges nonprofit organizations that work with young people to consider implementing civics programs to involve youth.

Local organizations including Voices and Foster Success run programs to bring youth voices to lawmakers.

Silverman said in today’s divided political climate, it’s important to teach youth about civil discourse.

“It just means that you can engage with people,” Silverman said. “And we should be engaging with individuals and leaders that we disagree with and there’s a way of going about doing that that can be productive.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that 70% of Americans surveyed believe that incivility has risen to “crisis” levels.

While a basic definition of civility often starts with politeness and good manners, a deeper interpretation involves principled debate and civil discourse. IYI says civility involves:

-A dedication to listening to various and differing viewpoints,
-Seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue,
-Understanding and managing our own biases and preconceptions,
-Engaging in robust debates that remain respectful without attacking another person’s character,
-Connecting with and staying engaged despite deep disagreement.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.