ABSTRACT
There are many ways of looking at youth and the dominant narrative has been that youth are recipients of knowledge and support as they grow into adulthood. A less common view is that youth have agency and are instigators of change, not just passive receivers. What we are demonstrating in this book is that we are missing great opportunities for building better worlds by overlooking the potential in youth. Developing their leadership skills at earlier ages and providing them the resources they need to grow, develop, and experiment are critical if we want to create constructively contributing members of society. We have a chance to increase these possibilities through increased civic engagement that starts with youth. Plus, youth are closer in age, perspective, and attitude allowing them to connect more closely with other youth and foster momentum for engagement and social change.
