In Hastings, Nebraska, a grassroots initiative called NEw Voices is working to transform how young people interact with their local government. The organization, which targets individuals aged 14 to 26, provides a structured yet welcoming environment where youth can learn to advocate for community needs and build direct connections with elected officials and civic leaders. Organizer Alizabeth McDermott, who helps steer the group's activities, explained that the core mission centers on removing the fear and uncertainty that often prevent young people from stepping into the political arena.

"It’s incredibly important to have an outlet for young people in their communities to be able to understand that there are people who want to hear their voice, who want to listen to them," McDermott said. She noted that many young people feel intimidated by the complexities of local government, especially during a time of heightened political polarization. NEw Voices aims to dismantle those walls by offering a nonpartisan, approachable forum where participants can ask questions, share ideas, and see firsthand how their input can shape decisions.

For Camila Torres, a student at Hastings High School, the path to becoming involved with NEw Voices began on social media. Scrolling through her feed one day, she spotted a post from the organization that immediately caught her attention. "I was looking for opportunities to get more civically involved, especially in Hastings," Torres recalled. "The way I got involved with NEw Voices is that I was looking on social media, and one of their posts actually popped up, and so I was like, oh, that sounds fun."

Torres admitted that she had been eager to participate in civic life since her freshman year but faced a significant personal hurdle: a lack of confidence. "I really wanted to get civically involved my freshman year, but I just didn’t really have the courage to really find something or really just go out and branch by myself," she said. That barrier kept her from taking the first step until she discovered NEw Voices, which offered a ready-made entry point.

McDermott said Torres’s experience is far from unique. Many young people, she explained, share a desire to engage but are held back by a sense of isolation or uncertainty about how to begin. "A really big part of NEw Voices is that it helps us to make politics less scary," McDermott said. "In a time where you see a lot of political divide, and a lot of young people are kind of afraid to get into that world, it helps us kind of take down those walls and make sure young people understand that there are communities that want to hear their opinions and want to see them interacting and engaging with their local government."

The organization’s approach includes regular meetings, workshops on local governance, and opportunities to speak directly with city council members, county officials, and other decision-makers. Participants learn how to research issues, craft persuasive messages, and navigate the channels of municipal power. The goal is not only to educate but also to empower young people to become lifelong advocates for their communities.

Torres now has a clear message for other young people who may be considering civic involvement but feel hesitant. "If you want to start getting more politically involved, or more, say, civic involved, or anything that involves involvement in your town or your state, I think NEw Voices is just such a great way to start, or just finding an organization kind of near you is a great start," she said. Her journey from a hesitant freshman to an active participant illustrates the transformative potential of organizations that meet youth where they are.

By lowering the barriers to entry and emphasizing that every voice matters, NEw Voices is helping to build a new generation of engaged citizens in Hastings. As McDermott put it, the organization is proof that young people are not only willing to participate but are eager to do so when given the right support and encouragement.