As the United States prepares to turn 250 years old in 2026, the largest youth generation yet is crossing the threshold into adult citizenship. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s founders, setting the agenda for America’s future.
But warning bells are ringing. Amid polarization, eroded trust, and threats to well-being, young adults belief in democracy is waning:
- Only 39% of 18-29 year-olds think the “American Dream” is still possible.
- 81% think “the system is rigged.”
- 72% say America used to be a good example of democracy, but isn’t anymore.
- More than half say it’s a good thing for citizens to give up democratic powers so the government can function more effectively.
For the last 5 years, Made By Us has developed activities and content with hundreds of historic sites and history museums to inform and inspire young adults’ civic participation, bringing credible context to bear against apathy, misinformation and “hot takes.” By meeting young people where they are, working within the constraints of institutions, they operate like an iterative “test kitchen” to discover what interventions work best. Programs like 60-Second History, Democracy Vibe Check podcast, partnerships with Airbnb and Teen Vogue, or Civic Season (Juneteenth to July 4th) have invited millions of young adults ages 18-30 to play a role in civic life.
Now, Made By Us has launched Youth250, to ensure youth input into how the nation marks this moment, for the future thriving of our democracy, communities and institutions. The national Youth250 Bureau offers real-time Gen Z advice to organizations and institutions planning for this moment.
Join us on Wednesday, February 12th from 3-4pm ET to learn how and why they built this engine, what young people want and need in a democracy, what works when it comes to authentic and sustained engagement and key signals for the future of democracy.