Starting at the local level, Generation Engage aims to educate and involve young people in politics in a non-partisan manner. They simply want young people to be involved, and they foster the means for this. Whether at a cyber café, house of worship or some other venue, this group seeks to involve youth who otherwise would not have access to political involvement.

Founded in 2004, Generation Engage targets young voters, particularly those who have no college experience. The aim of its founders was to close the political gap that plagues young voters and stimulate dialogue about politics and the future of our country.

According to its Web site, Generation Engage is built on three principles:

1. Young people suffer not from a lack of interest, but from a lack of access

2. Our democracy should be a dialogue, not a monologue

3. The best investment we can make in the future of our democracy is in young leaders at the local level

Of course, technology plays a large part in this as well. The group’s Facebook allows members with similar interests to interact, recruit other members and donate. As with many grass roots organizations, membership and donations are what drive the group. It’s numbers are small, but opportunities are available for young people to become active and question local and national government in ways that were not an option when I was younger.

Generation Engage has provided opportunities for its members to interact with and question President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, and others – both during an election year and in off-years as well.

But in an election year so contested as 2008, it’s imperative that young people are aware of politics. As technology continues to bring people ever closer together, young voters are leading the way for new forms of communication and advancements in politics. They are aware of local and international issues and use technology to connect with people across the globe. It’s an incredible opportunity for young voters, and groups like this should be commended for their efforts to invest so much in our youth.