Why Young Voices Matter in Fiscal and Civic Leadership: The Power of Gen Z to Shape Our Future
The Future Is Now
We often hear that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. But across the country, Gen Z is proving that the future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to be shaped today. With their energy, diverse perspectives, and passion for change, young people are stepping into leadership roles in communities, classrooms, and campuses. They’re organizing, innovating, and redefining what leadership looks like in an era that demands action.
At Up to Us, we believe that fiscal and civic leadership thrives when it includes a plurality of voices. Gen Z isn’t waiting for their turn, they’re taking a step forward and reshaping the future of policy, equity, and community leadership.
What is Fiscal Leadership and Why Should Gen Z Care?
Fiscal leadership refers to the decisions that shape how public money is raised, allocated, and spent. It covers everything from national budgets to local funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure. For Gen Z, these aren’t foreign concepts; they impact student loan debt, climate adaptation funding, job access, and public services.
When future generations are expected to bear the long-term impact of today’s economic choices, it only makes sense that they should have a voice in how those decisions are made.
Civic Engagement Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential
Civic leadership goes beyond voting. It includes participating in community meetings, learning about and advocating for policies, and volunteering in local initiatives. These actions shape the spaces we live in and the systems we rely on.
Whether it's transportation access, affordable housing, or school funding, civic leadership helps ensure that everyday policies reflect the real needs of the people they serve.
What Young Leaders Bring to the Table
Innovation & Digital Fluency
Gen Z grew up with the internet, and they're using it to organize, educate, and lead. From online campaigns to digital advocacy toolkits, young leaders are using technology to amplify their message and mobilize communities. Programs like Up to Us and its initiatives provide platforms and outlets to channel that energy into organized, impactful action.
Diverse Perspectives, Inclusive Solutions
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in U.S. history. That diversity is a strength, one that fuels more inclusive and equitable decision-making. When young people lead, they bring lived experiences that help design solutions that work across communities.
We’re Built for Collaboration
Coalition-building isn’t just a strategy for Gen Z—it’s an instinct. From campus clubs to community coalitions, young people know that solving complex problems requires working together. Up to Us helps students build those bridges through cross-campus partnerships and peer-led initiatives.
The Data Speaks—Gen Z Is Showing Up
Despite common narratives, Gen Z is turning out and tuning in. Voter turnout among young adults has grown in recent election cycles, and participation in civic education programs is on the rise. Voter registration for young voters has shown higher numbers than in previous cycles.
Through programs like the Up to Us Campus Competition and Leadership Bootcamps, students across the country are diving into fiscal topics, building leadership skills, and becoming changemakers in their communities. They’re learning how budgets are built and how they can influence the systems that shape their lives.
How to Support & Amplify Young Civic and Fiscal Leaders
Invest in Leadership Development
Support programs that equip young people with tools to lead, like bootcamps, mentorship, and hands-on training. These experiences help transform passion into action.
Create Space at the Table
Make room for young voices in local decision-making. That can mean inviting youth representatives to advisory boards or supporting student-led initiatives in civic life.
Share the Mic
Help young leaders be heard. That could be as simple as sharing a student-led campaign on social media or inviting a young changemaker to speak at your next community event. Visibility leads to opportunity.
It’s Up to Us
Gen Z isn’t waiting to be asked. They’re already leading and bringing new energy and insights to the conversation. By supporting their leadership and opening doors for participation, we can ensure that our civic and fiscal future is more inclusive, more innovative, and more aligned with the realities of today.
The future is being written right now. And it’s up to us to shape it together.