Young Leaders Already Making an Impact
Across Ohio, a new generation of leaders is stepping up. Young people are organizing in their neighborhoods, speaking out on issues that affect their communities, and getting involved in civic life through youth leadership programs in Ohio.
Many young Ohioans are realizing that change doesn’t happen unless people step forward to lead. From community meetings to voter registration drives, they are finding ways to make their voices heard and help improve the places where they live.
Youth participation in civic life has been growing across the country. According to research from Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, nearly 47% of young voters ages 18–29 voted in the 2024 election, showing that younger generations are paying attention and getting involved.
At the same time, there is still work to do. In Ohio, only about 32% of 18-year-olds are registered to vote, which shows the importance of helping young people understand how their voice can shape the future.
Some young leaders in Ohio are already stepping into public roles.
One example is Ryan James, who became the youngest Black man elected to Cincinnati City Council at the age of 29. His work focuses on issues like housing, economic opportunity, and support for immigrant communities.
Leaders like James show that young people are not waiting for the future—they are helping shape it now.
But many emerging leaders are not in the spotlight yet. They are students, organizers, and community members working in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Cincinnati. Some are hosting community meetings. Others are helping people register to vote or organizing events that bring people together around important issues.
These everyday leaders are helping build stronger communities across Ohio.
Youth Leadership Programs in Ohio Preparing the Next Generation for sucess!
While many young people want to help their communities, they often don’t know where to start. Youth Leadership programs that provide training and mentorship can make a big difference.
Programs that teach organizing, strategy, and teamwork help young leaders turn their passion into real action. When young people learn how to organize their communities, they become stronger advocates for change.
That’s where programs like the Ohio Unity Coalition “Build With Us” fellowship come in.
The fellowship is a 12-week leadership training program designed to help emerging leaders learn how organizing and civic engagement work. Participants learn how to understand power, build organizing teams, and develop strategies that lead to real community impact. The program also focuses on real experience.
Fellows work on building organizing teams in their own cities while connecting with a statewide network of leaders focused on strengthening civic participation.
Mentorship is another key part of the fellowship. Experienced organizers share their knowledge and help guide participants as they grow into leadership roles.
Issues Young Ohioans Care About
Young leaders across Ohio are motivated by issues that affect their daily lives and their communities.
Voting access is one of those issues. Many young people want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in elections and that their communities are represented.
Economic opportunity is another important concern. Young adults want to see stronger job opportunities, fair wages, and economic growth that benefits their neighborhoods.
Education, community investment, and access to resources are also major priorities. These issues often inspire young people to organize events, build coalitions, and advocate for solutions that help their communities grow.
For many young leaders, civic engagement is not just about politics. It is about creating better opportunities for their families, their neighbors, and the next generation.
An Opportunity for the Next Generation
For young Ohioans who want to learn how to organize and lead, the Ohio Unity Coalition Build With Us fellowship offers a chance to develop those skills.
The twelve-week virtual program brings together participants from across Ohio who want to grow as community leaders. Fellows learn organizing strategies, connect with mentors, and build relationships with others who are passionate about civic engagement.
Participants who complete the program through Ohio Unity Coalition receive a financial stipend in recognition of their commitment and time.
Anyone interested in community organizing, advocacy, or civic leadership can learn more about the program and apply at strategicnonviolenceacademy.org
Ohio’s future will be shaped by the people who are willing to step up, organize, and lead. Across the state, young leaders are already doing that work—and their efforts are helping build stronger communities for everyone.
