Texas Millennials Move the Needle

In the United States nearly every major progressive social movement has been fought and won with young people at its forefront. Today, we are seeing a new wave of civic engagement from young people. Millennials are marching for gun control, defending the rights of Dreamers, and mobilizing in the Black Lives Matter movement. The question remains, though, how this generation will consolidate its power, not just in the streets but in the voting booth. Unfortunately, the burden to do so is often placed solely on young people. If the Democratic Party, progressive foundations, and established social justice organizations want young people to go to the polls they must realize that they too bear an important share of this burden. They need to provide resources, investing in year-round, youth-led organizing and leadership. As progressives attempt to engage and move young people, they should look to Texas for examples of past failures and paths forward.