We the Young People: How Can Citizens Work Towards Building a Stronger Democracy?

In the aftermath of the divisive 2020 presidential election, PBS NewsHour and Student Reporting Labs (SRL) aired We the Young People, a half-hour virtual special highlighting the impact of young voters. The show featured teen voices, and conversations with experts focusing on issues that affect young people.

In these videos, students listen to conversations between teachers and students in different states reflecting on the state of America’s political climate at the beginning of 2021. Students will also hear reflections from teachers and students about the attack on the U.S. Capitol that took place on Jan. 6, 2021. 

Use the video, discussion questions and activities provided to learn how to talk about current events with their teachers and peers.. 

Hosted by Amna Nawaz, senior national correspondent and primary substitute anchor for the PBS NewsHour. The event also included PBS NewsHour White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, newly-elected young officials — including New Hampshire State Rep. Tony Branch, 19; Kansas State Rep. Kristen O’Shea, 28; Michigan State Rep Abraham Aiyash, 26 – teen fact checkers from Poynter’s MediaWise program and student reporters from across the country.