2026 Spark Prize spotlight: YVote paves the way for the next generation of changemakers * Brooklyn Paper

"I think that's what really made the difference to invigorate young people this past election season. I think if we want to continue with that same momentum, we have to continue to create seats at the table for young people. In some instances, we even have to step aside, because they do have a lot of great ideas. They have a lot of great solutions, and they just need the resources and guidance to help see those things to fruition."

"That's what really makes us unique. [The young people] develop the curriculum, they facilitate the programs, they run all of our social media, and they are in partnership and collaboration with the adult allies, which includes myself, in planning and setting the vision and direction for the organization."

Youth voter turnout ages 18 to 29 nearly tripled in the 2025 New York City mayoral election compared to four years prior, representing the largest increase among any age group. This surge resulted from candidate Zohran Mamdani's approach of including young voters in decision-making processes and engaging them through social media. YVote, a youth-led nonprofit, drives this momentum by empowering young people ages 14 to 18 to participate in democracy through programs including Democracy Camp, the Changemakers Institute, the Civic Fellowship, and youth-led media teams. The organization's distinctive approach involves young people developing curriculum, facilitating programs, managing social media, and collaborating with adult allies to shape organizational vision and direction.

Read at Brooklyn Paper