Gen Z’s Next Challenge: Transforming Activism Into Lasting Change

By Jalen Vince

The dust from the 2024 election has settled, but its impact remains, highlighting the rising influence of young voters. Generation Z has proven to be a formidable force, shaping policy discussions and swaying electoral outcomes. Their energy, commitment, and resilience have been undeniable in influencing the political landscape. Yet, with the election behind us, the real challenge lies ahead. 

Young advocates must now shift from reacting to issues to proactively shaping solutions. The road ahead requires sustained, strategic efforts that will lead to tangible, lasting change. In 2025, young people have the opportunity to lead meaningful reforms and establish themselves as the architects of a more equitable and just future. 

Digital Activism

In recent years, youth-led advocacy has achieved remarkable milestones. Voter turnout among young people surged in the most recent elections, signaling a deepening commitment to civic engagement. Social media platforms have played a crucial role in amplifying these efforts, providing young voices with unprecedented reach and visibility. The power of these platforms has enabled young advocates to organize quickly, mobilize support, and galvanize mass movements. From global climate strikes to the ongoing fight for racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, young people have shown their capacity to drive large-scale activism. They have demonstrated the ability to challenge the status quo, demand accountability from institutions, and bring underrepresented issues to the forefront of national and global discourse.

However, while the momentum is promising, challenges remain. Too often, activism risks becoming symbolic rather than impactful. Digital activism, which can be a powerful tool, often lacks follow-through. Actions like signing online petitions or sharing hashtags on social media can raise awareness, but they rarely result in substantive change without sustained efforts behind them. Additionally, many of the structural barriers that have hindered progress for decades persist. These include funding cuts to public education, the rollback of civil rights protections, and systemic inequities in the justice system. If young people are to build on the progress made so far, they must focus on creating strategies that address these deep-rooted issues and move beyond surface-level activism.

The path forward requires advocacy that is holistic, inclusive, and results-driven. Social media and digital platforms remain vital tools, but they must be paired with traditional methods like lobbying, coalition-building, and community organizing.  

Key Strategies

To build effective advocacy, young people must leverage three key strategies: 

1. Harness the power of technology effectively 

Technology is a cornerstone of modern advocacy. By using tools like data analytics, young advocates can track key issues, mobilize resources efficiently, and measure their impact. Emerging platforms offer opportunities for real-time global collaboration, enabling movements to reach far beyond local communities.  

2. Build Institutional Influence 

Advocacy must extend beyond social media and protests. Young people need to secure positions of power by running for local office, joining advisory boards, or forming youth councils. These roles provide direct access to decision-making processes and ensure young voices shape policies at the highest levels. 

3. Ensure advocacy is sustainable 

We must prioritize long-term goals over short-lived wins. To avoid burnout and maintain momentum, young advocates should build supportive networks and embrace self-care practices. Sustainable advocacy ensures the continued growth of movements over time, transforming passion into enduring progress.

The time to act is now. Every small effort — including joining a local advocacy group, contacting representatives, or starting a grassroots initiative — brings us closer to meaningful change. Advocacy doesn't require perfection; it requires persistence. Each step taken today contributes to building the systems of tomorrow. Whether in local communities or at the national level, young people must recognize their power and seize the moment to drive transformation.

The road to 2025 is ours to shape. Advocacy isn't just about resisting what we fear; it's about building what we believe in. Young advocates have already demonstrated their power but now is the time to channel that energy into the structures and strategies that will create lasting impact. The stakes are high, but the opportunity is greater. Together, we can create a future where equity, opportunity, and justice are not just ideals but a living reality for all. It's time to step up, take action, and shape the world we want to see.

Jalen Vince is a Democracy Fellow in Virginia, who worked with the NAACP to mobilize Black voters.