Dreaming of Justice, Living with Purpose

Generation Citizen opens with a call to reimagine democracy by recognizing youth voice and civic imagination as essential civic infrastructure and makes the case for why expanding youth access to civic opportunities is essential to democracy’s next 250 years. The essays that follow feature personal reflections from young people on the experiences that shaped their civic identities—from advocating for change in their schools to engaging local leaders and organizing in their communities.

Generation Citizen: When did you first begin to see yourself as someone who could influence change in your community? 

Bismark Ghanney: I first began to see myself as someone who could influence change in my community during my senior year of high school, especially while participating in Generation Citizen. I had always known that I wanted to pursue a career in government and law, but at that point, my passion was still raw and unrefined. Through Generation Citizen, that passion found direction and purpose.

Young people have an important role in shaping the future of our communities.

It was surreal to realize that I could have a real impact on my community and that my voice could help create meaningful change. The experience showed me that advocacy is more than just speaking up, it is about taking action, collaborating with others, and working toward solutions that improve people’s lives. Generation Citizen helped me channel my passion into action and made me realize that I not only could influence change, but that I also had a responsibility to advocate for the betterment of my community.

Generation Citizen: How did your experience with Generation Citizen shape your understanding of civic engagement? 

Bismark Ghanney: My experience with Generation Citizen shaped my understanding of civic engagement in a tremendous way. It helped me realize that young people have an important role in shaping the future of our communities. Civic engagement is not just for the older generations; we have the ability to get involved, advocate for change, and address the issues that directly affect our lives.

Generation Citizen also taught me that civic engagement is about much more than politics. It is about being engaged with your community, caring about the wellbeing of others, and taking meaningful action to create positive change. It showed me that civic engagement is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and the belief that every voice has value. Most importantly, I came to understand that civic engagement is not limited to any one age group, it is a responsibility shared by everyone. It is both a privilege and a civic duty to contribute to the betterment of the society in which we share.

Generation Citizen: What lessons from that experience still stay with you today?

Bismark Ghanney: Generation Citizen showed me that education is the foundation of civic engagement. The more we understand how our government, institutions, and communities function, the better equipped we are to advocate for meaningful and lasting change. At the same time, it made me recognize that access to civic education is not equal across all communities. Many people aren’t given the tools or opportunities to fully understand how they can participate in shaping the world around them.

Democracy thrives when people are informed, involved, and committed to improving their communities.

Because of that, I believe myself and others have a responsibility not only to continue learning but also to help bridge that gap for others. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or simply sharing knowledge, I want to empower others to recognize that their voices matter and that they, too, can create change. The belief that education empowers action and that informed communities build stronger democracies is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Generation Citizen: How has your understanding of democracy evolved since high school?

Bismark Ghanney: My understanding of democracy has evolved tremendously since high school. When I was younger, I viewed democracy primarily through the lens of elections and voting. While I understood that these were important parts of the process, I now realize that democracy is much more.

Since then, I understand that democracy is a continuous process that depends on active participation, informed citizens, and a willingness to engage with others, even those with different perspectives. It is reflected in community organizing, public service, advocacy, civic education, and everyday conversations that help shape our society. Democracy thrives when people are informed, involved, and committed to improving their communities.

Generation Citizen: What should democracy look and feel like over the next 25, 50 or 250 years?

Bismark Ghanney: In the future, whether it be 25, 50 or 250 years, I believe democracy should feel inspiring and exciting. It should encourage healthy discussion, respectful disagreement, and collaboration, with the shared goal of making society better for everyone. Democracy should empower people to participate, not intimidate them. It should be a system where people feel confident that their voices matter and where civic engagement is a natural part of everyday life.

I also hope democracy becomes less polarized than it often feels today. Differences in opinion will always exist, but those differences should lead to thoughtful conversations rather than division. A strong democracy should make it easier for people to communicate, understand one another, and find common ground. That starts with ensuring everyone has access to civic education so they can participate in informed and meaningful ways.

To me, democracy should resemble an ecosystem, interconnected, resilient, and constantly growing. Every individual, community, and institution plays a role in strengthening the whole.

Generation Citizen: What gives you hope about the future of civic participation?

Bismark Ghanney: What gives me hope about the future of civic participation is the growing number of organizations, like Generation Citizen, that are committed to empowering young people and giving them a meaningful voice in civic life. Young people are told that they have to wait until they’re older to make a difference, but Generation Citizen proves that meaningful change can begin regardless of age. By giving students the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for their communities, it empowers the younger community.

I am also hopeful because civic participation is becoming more inclusive. When people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences come together, they bring unique perspectives that creates inclusive change. I believe democracy is at its best when every voice has the opportunity to be heard, not just the loudest or most established ones.

Generation Citizen: What does meaningfully incorporating youth voice look like in practice?

Bismark Ghanney: To me, meaningfully incorporating youth voice means giving young people a genuine platform to advocate for change in their communities, not just inviting them into conversations, but ensuring that their ideas are listened to, respected, and acted upon.

It also means providing youth with the resources, education, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed. When young people understand how government and civic institutions work, have access to community leaders, and are given the tools to organize and advocate, they become empowered to create lasting change. Investing in civic education and leadership development allows youth to turn their ideas into action.

Incorporating youth voice also means recognizing that young people offer valuable perspectives shaped by their own lived experiences. We can identify challenges and opportunities that others may overlook. When we create spaces where youth are encouraged to lead, collaborate, and contribute to decision making, it can lead to stronger communities and a healthier democracy for everyone.

Generation Citizen: What does “civic imagination” mean to you?

Bismark Ghanney: To me, civic imagination is the ability to envision a better future for our communities and work toward making that vision a reality. Civic imagination challenges us to think creatively about solving problems, strengthening our democracy, and building communities that are more equitable, inclusive, and connected.

I believe civic imagination begins with hope, but it is sustained through action. It is not enough to just imagine a better future, we must also educate ourselves, collaborate with others, and take meaningful steps to bring that future to life. Whether that means advocating for policy changes, volunteering in our communities, or empowering others through civic education, every action contributes to a larger vision.