“I want to discuss with peers my age their stance on democracy today and how it’s changed from what we imagined it to be. I want to discuss different approaches to make democracy fit the ideals that we adolescents have in our mind. “

“Though critically flawed, the United States was brought about by colonists who demanded a representative government and I believe that is grounds enough for why one should vote. It is important to have your needs held in high consideration and any person running for any kind of office should have that as their primary reason for taking up the job.”

“Based on the state we are in right now, it doesn’t seem like we are off to a very great start with democracy. With us talking about issues and young people engaging, I think there is hope for more reforms.”

“I have always believed that democracy is crucial for a functioning society. I admire how this program helps encourage the youth to understand the history of democracy, its importance, and how to make it more applicable for others.”

“As part of this new generation of to-be voters, I recognize many of my peers are reluctant to vote. It feels as if everything we do, including voting, will not amount to any real change. What interests me about Democracy Camp is that we can work towards abolishing the mentality that we, as individuals, don't have any power, because we do.“

“ I'm passionate about and concerned about some of the issues that face our community today. I want to teach other youths about the significance of our votes. I want to help our community regain faith in our democracy by proving that people still care and are actively fighting for change.”

“I think that the youth population should get more involved in the voting process because they are our future voices and without their impact, we may not achieve what the youth wants. I think that the key to the problem is to definitely give an opportunity for young people to shape a democracy that they would trust. “

“I am very interested in civic engagement and I am invested in making a change in this world. I want to increase my knowledge of public involvement and democracy, and also get on paths of working towards a change.”

“At times it gets frustrating feeling like I have no voice in our society and goverment because of my age, and so when I saw this program it seemed like an amazing chance to share my opinions and bond with those who also desire to make a change. “

“I want to be able to give back to my community. In order for me to educate people in my community, I myself need to be well educated. I also want to participate in a long-term project that really benefits my community.”

“Although I have had many discussions about the slow decline of democracy, there hasn't really been any actions made to change that fact. By actively joining a program about it, I hope I can help preserve democracy, especially in my own community.”

“I am someone who finds conversations, especially difficult conversations, far better and more rewarding to conduct in person. What draws me to Democracy camp is not only the curriculum that seems tailor-made to my interests, but also the chance to actually help my community and give back to our democracy.”

“I would not describe myself as an activist or change maker mainly because right now I'm focusing on joining political groups and building a good foundation so in the future I can speak out against injustices and be able to make a big difference in people's lives and make a real change. “

“I am applying to participate in this program because I need something to occupy my time. This program was one of the best things for me to include myself in. Especially wanting to make a change in the democracy that we have now. I have some strong opinions on this democracy.“

“I want to further my understanding of the voting process and democracy as a whole for when I vote in the future. Voting will be an interesting experience.”

“I was a teen who had lost faith in our democracy. As a black woman in America, why wouldn’t I? But since I am a teenager of this generation, I feel like I must take interest in fixing today’s democracy and government in general. Later on in life, when I’m older with more knowledge, I wish to have an actual voice in government”

“Democracy excludes a lot of people and not many people know what happens when they vote. I wish to educate myself and, with this opportunity, educate others on their rights to vote.”

“I want to engage myself in society in a positive way. I like the fact that students will be able to talk about certain issues and injustices that are in society in this program and want my voice to be heard in these discussions.”

“I fear that with the current national and global conditions of democracy will not progress and will fail more people. As the generation that will be generously "handed down" this world, we will have to fix both the problems that past generations passed down to us and the problems we will cause ourselves.”

“I want to learn more about politics and be around other people my age that are interested in this too. There are not a lot of people my age that I know that are interested in this or want to talk about how to participate in our democracy. I want to be a person that is open minded about who I vote for and knowledgable when I do get to vote.”

“There are certain issues in our American society that needs to be taken under control.Taking these into consideration, YVote programs give students the opportunity to fight for a change and be part of the change. This is a chance for teenagers to get to know more about our society and communities and contribute to the betterment of them.“

“I'm applying to strengthen my knowledge about my country, and the type of democracy it runs on. I'm interested in seeing how this new information shapes my mindset about America, and about how I can change it.”

“ I want to meet other passionate people who are also as interested in politics and activism as I am. Additionally, I’m looking forward to learning more about politics and hearing different perspectives.”

“I find voting very interesting, especially the fact that young people can't vote -- I think the voting age should be 16. Right now laws are being chosen by people who are not going to feel the impact of them, and my generation is going to grow up and have to deal with their mistakes.”

“I am applying to participate in these programs because I would love to have a first hand and direct experience at making this country a better place. I believe that our right to vote is an important one that many take for granted. One's voice can go a long way so I think it is important to voice it.”

“There aren't that many programs out there for students that not only acknowledge that there is a serious problem in today's country about the lack of turnout at the polls but also teaches you how to be an active member in your community. In my opinion, the right to vote in this country has been taken for granted by a lot of people, even after the hundreds of years in which we fought for our rights as citizens to pick who will represent us in our democracy.”

“I was born and raised in Bangladesh where there was no freedom of speech in practice for youths. I did not have the right to self-advocate and voice my opinions and concerns for my birth country. As a recent immigrant to the United States, I am staggered by the power that American youths have in their country: the power of democracy.”

“As a youth activist, understanding and dismantling the false democracy that exists within this country that disproportionately affects marginalized groups, is the first step to creating change. Understanding the government, systems of law, and taking special interest in how this democracy serves or doesn’t serve minorities is one of the main fights as an activist.“

“I love debating and proving my point to be correct when its something i feel very passionate about such as basic human rights violations, racisms, sexism/misogamy, etc. I'm eager to gain skills outside a performing career that I can use in real life as going outside of my comfort zone and being in different scenery.”

“I try to make my activism not only be located on social media. I research and try to make my community better with mutual aid. As a child of immigrant parents, I was always taught to exercise my ideas. Voting is a perfect way to do so.”

“One of my favorite plays/shows is Hamilton. I love this play because it taught me so much about Alexander Hamilton and the colonial period. This play sparked in me a deep interest in understanding more about the development of democracy in the United States. “

“To me this is a rare opportunity to see our country's democracy firsthand as well as the undiluted public concerns we don't usually see on social media or even on the news. I'm interested in listening to others' ideas and formulating a proper plan to make our community and maybe even our country the best it can be.”

“For me, it is important for future voters to be able to understand the rights they have and the difference the use of their rights make. YVote is a great opportunity for me to be able to take initiative and educate others about the importance of voting and bringing change for a better future.”

“I have always had a notable curiosity for our city’s legal systems. Through the collective development approach of this program along with guiding questions and team activities, I know I will not only grow as an individual, but further understand the importance of working through political issues in a collaborative way.”

“Although I care deeply about progressive political causes, it is ultimately most important to me that all voices are heard, across the political spectrum, at the ballot box. Being part of this program would be an incredible opportunity to explore the areas of organizing that I haven’t been able to in the past because my previous experiences have been mostly digital and exclusively partisan.”

“This opportunity is unique because it would allow me to help New Yorkers in a broader sense by encouraging voting, discussing voting restrictions, and more. From this opportunity, I can help New Yorkers change the law to address problems that affect them including homelessness, pollution, and food insecurity. “

“I want to learn more about democracy and the role that I have in the future. Formulating democracy proposals and creating plans to implement them with my peers interests me. I feel that youth are the future and learning more about democracy will impact all of our futures.”