On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Frederick Gunn School hosted the first-ever Youth Voices in Democracy Summit 2024 in partnership with Youth Commons at the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship. This inspiring venue, designed to foster forward-thinking and active citizenship, provided the ideal setting for a day dedicated to youth empowerment and civic action. Over 50 students from middle and high schools across New England gathered, launching a powerful movement of young leaders eager to address the challenges of tomorrow.
The summit took full advantage of the Tisch Center’s collaborative spaces, enabling students to engage deeply in interactive workshops, reflective sessions, and practical discussions. Students participated in workshops on topics like political typologies, relational meetings, and effective civic dialogue, all of which provided hands-on skills in collaboration, communication, and leadership.
Ryan Ryu ’25, the summit’s chief organizer, explained the motivation behind the event: “Our goal was to give students a platform where they could learn how to turn their passion into action. The summit was designed to equip young leaders with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The programming proved to be transformative. A highlight was the “Discover Your Cause” workshop, led by environmental activist Cole Cochrane, where students learned to identify issues that resonated personally. Cochrane shared his journey in environmental advocacy, inspiring students to uncover their own passions and consider how they, too, could create positive change. As one attendee noted, “It made me realize that real change starts with something deeply personal.” Students emerged from the workshop with a clearer understanding of their causes and practical steps to implement their ideas within their own schools and communities.
Another impactful session occurred in the political typology workshop, where students explored how varied perspectives shape public discourse. In today’s polarized landscape, the session underscored the value of empathy and understanding in political conversations. The Tisch Center’s emphasis on active citizenship perfectly lent itself to these discussions, showing students that their voices can influence the future.
By the end of the day, the summit had fostered new friendships, ignited collaborative ideas, and instilled a strong sense of civic purpose. Students left the Tisch Center not only as more informed individuals but as young leaders empowered to bring positive change to their communities. The Youth Voices in Democracy Summit 2024 demonstrated that, with the right support and resources, young people have the potential to spark meaningful change far beyond the boundaries of a single institution.
Looking to the future, the impact of this inaugural summit is already evident. Frederick Gunn School’s role in hosting this event underscores its commitment to nurturing active citizens. The future of democracy is bright, and it lies in the hands of informed, passionate, and empowered young leaders who are ready to take on the challenges ahead.
