Corey Outlaw 
The current state of politics and government, as some people would have it, has far too many older adults issuing outdated policies that no longer benefit our new way of living. Young people all over America agree that it’s time for newer voices to step into office to make real and lasting change.
On February 21, Mikva Challenge, a youth organization that empowers youth voices to enact real policy change, held an event where young people all over Chicago came together to collaborate to build ideas for new policies to put in place that would benefit systemically disadvantaged youth, as well as reinforcement for older, current-standing policies.
“Its mission is to amplify youth voices and help youth get more involved in their communities,” says Benart Babtainca of Mikva’s Safety & Justice Council. With the help of Mivka Challenge’s staff, the young participants brainstormed ideas for policies that address many different issues that plague young people such as resources for youth exiting detention centers and reinforcement for Black Student Unions in Chicago Public Schools and colleges.
“…Here at Mivka Challenge, our model is all about youth empowerment. That means giving young people the tools to prepare them to have an actual seat at the table to create and give feedback on policies that actually affect them,” says Kaylin Davis, Safety & Justice Citywide Youth Council Manager. Mikva Challenge is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization founded on the premise that youth voice and participation matter. Mikva programming develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society.
For more information about Mikva Challenge, visit their website.
By Corey Outlaw, Freshman, University of Illinois Chicago
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