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In 2020, the United States witnessed one of the largest youth voter turnouts in decades. Millennials and Generation Z, often dismissed as politically apathetic, showed the nation that when young people engage, they can alter the course of history. But civic engagement should not be confined to election season alone. The decisions shaping our schools, streets, environment, and economy are made every day — and young Americans are often absent from the conversation. Fifteen to twenty minutes of daily news consumption, focused on local, national, and international developments, can equip Millennials and Gen Z to understand the world around them and influence policy for decades to come.
The first frontier of engagement is local news, which may seem mundane compared to national headlines but directly affects citizens’ daily lives. Local governance touches everything from public safety and school boards to zoning laws and city budgets. Yet many young people remain disconnected from these institutions. Consider recent school board elections in states like Florida and Texas. Policies affecting curriculum, student mental health programs, and library collections were shaped by a small number of vocal citizens, often without meaningful input from young families, students, or renters who are most affected. Similarly, local housing decisions — zoning laws, affordable housing initiatives, and infrastructure projects — dramatically affect Millennials and Gen Z, who are navigating rent hikes, student debt, and the challenges of homeownership. By spending just five minutes a day reading a city council newsletter, local newspaper, or community radio update, young Americans can understand the issues in their own backyards and influence outcomes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Moving beyond city limits, national news provides the context needed to navigate federal policies that shape the trajectory of an entire generation. From climate legislation and student debt relief to healthcare access and reproductive rights, federal decisions have outsized consequences for Millennials and Gen Z. A lack of engagement allows policymakers and interest groups to act unchecked, while informed citizens have the power to mobilize, advocate, and hold leaders accountable. Take the student loan forgiveness debate: what began as a fringe issue became a central national conversation because young people organized, spoke up, and insisted that their voices be heard. Similarly, youth-led climate movements, like the Fridays for Future campaigns inspired by Greta Thunberg, have elevated climate change to the top of the national agenda, forcing politicians to respond. Even fifteen minutes of daily engagement with reputable news sources can help young Americans track these developments, evaluate competing viewpoints, and prepare to act when the stakes are high.
Equally important is awareness of international news. In our interconnected world, global events have direct repercussions on local economies, national security, and cultural trends. Understanding the world beyond U.S. borders fosters a nuanced perspective, enabling young citizens to participate meaningfully in discussions about foreign policy, trade, energy, and climate action. The war in Ukraine, for example, reshaped energy markets, influenced inflation, and guided decisions about military aid and diplomatic strategy — all of which affect American families and young workers. Likewise, global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic translated into shortages, higher prices, and economic instability domestically. By dedicating just a portion of their daily news time to international developments, Millennials and Gen Z can see how policy decisions ripple across borders and understand the United States’ role in a complex, globalized world.
The true power of this engagement lies in cultivating perspective, critical thinking, and agency. Social media algorithms often trap users in echo chambers, highlighting sensational or emotionally charged content rather than thoughtful analysis. By contrast, deliberate news consumption encourages discernment — distinguishing fact from opinion, identifying bias, and weighing the significance of events. Informed citizens are better equipped to navigate political messaging, challenge misinformation, and participate constructively in public discourse. Recent ballot measures on abortion rights in states like Kansas and Michigan demonstrate this vividly: youth engagement, fueled by consistent news consumption and understanding of the issues, contributed to surprising victories for voters seeking to uphold personal freedoms. These examples show that knowledge is not passive — it is a tool for shaping reality.
Committing to fifteen minutes of daily news may seem small, but the cumulative impact is enormous. A suggested routine could include five minutes on local news, five on national coverage, and five on international developments. Podcasts, curated newsletters, or reputable news apps can make this habit easy and engaging, whether during a morning commute, a coffee break, or an evening wind-down. Beyond being a civic duty, staying informed becomes a personal investment: young people who understand the issues shaping their world are more likely to vote, advocate, and participate in their communities. In other words, being informed is empowering, practical, and transformative.
It is also about future-proofing society. Millennials and Gen Z are inheriting the consequences of decisions made by older generations — from climate policies and healthcare systems to economic inequalities and foreign relations. Their engagement ensures that these policies reflect the needs and priorities of those who will live with the outcomes the longest. Fifteen minutes a day might seem insignificant compared to the scale of global challenges, but it compounds across millions of citizens. A well-informed generation can counter misinformation, demand accountability, and influence policymakers to act in ways that are equitable and forward-looking.
Moreover, informed youth engagement fosters intergenerational dialogue. Older generations often rely on young people to bring fresh perspectives, especially on technology, social justice, and global interconnectedness. By staying up to date with daily news, Millennials and Gen Z can participate in these discussions confidently, bridging gaps and building coalitions that span age, culture, and ideology. In a democracy, this dialogue is essential: policies crafted without input from the people most affected are rarely sustainable or fair.
In the end, civic engagement is more than a civic duty — it is a form of empowerment, a statement that young Americans are neither passive observers nor spectators of history. Fifteen minutes a day may seem like a small commitment, but it equips Millennials and Gen Z with the tools to influence policy, shape culture, and hold power accountable. Whether it is understanding how a local zoning law affects rent, tracking student loan legislation, or following global climate negotiations, informed citizens can act deliberately, decisively, and responsibly.
Millennials and Gen Z are not just the future — they are the present. The decisions they make, the conversations they join, and the policies they influence today will shape the nation for decades. Fifteen minutes a day is not a burden; it is an investment. By staying informed, young Americans claim their seat at the table, sharpen their perspective, and ensure that democracy reflects the voices of all citizens. In an era of rapid change and global uncertainty, knowledge is power — and this generation, armed with awareness and engagement, holds the potential to transform the United States and the world for the better.
I must end the piece with this quote that is so pertinent today: “A well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” — Thomas Jefferson.
Ref: Some recommended legitimate news sources: AP, Reuters, NPR, BBC, The Guardian etc.
