My godmother overcame Jim Crow laws to vote. I register voters for her. [Voices of Democracy series]

In November 2019, as autumn breezes began to approach, the spirit of compassion was also plentiful. Many people were beginning to discuss the upcoming primary elections. I reflected on the stories of my godmother and her experiences at the polls. Repeatedly being turned down because she was a Black woman, she was asked how many grains of rice were in an opaque box, how many beans were in a large bag, if she knew the governor of a random northern state. I thought to myself about how blatant voter suppression truly is, and has been for decades. I could not let her sacrifices and perseverance go in vain. I knew I had to find a way to amplify the voices of my people and others in America who are silenced in not only our democracy today, but also throughout the history of our nation.

Though it was a year away, I often contemplated on how I would be turning 18 before the next presidential election. I began to seek ways that I could make an impact by encouraging my friends, family, and school community to vote. By attending When We All Vote Voting Squad Zoom calls, I was able to learn more about effective methods to register youth voters. Upon joining the Youth Activism Project community, I was introduced to The Civics Center, which supplies youth organizers with the resources that they need to empower and inform potential voters. Soon after the first few meetings, in a few months time, I became a National Student Ambassador Fellow of the South for When We All Vote as well as a member of The Civics Center’s Fellowship. I immersed myself in planning digital events (due to COVID-19), leading teams of student organizers, and having conversations with others across the nation about voting rights and the culture of voting. Both of these organizations have inevitably changed my perspective on what it means to be civically engaged, and what it truly means to use my own power.

A year later, now November 2020, I recall the past twelve months and see them as life-changing. I have been more involved in community engagement than ever before. America has witnessed the largest youth voter turnout in decades and the largest total voter turnout of all time. When I heard this, I was beaming with pride knowing that I, alongside other amazing organizers, had made monumental change. I admire When We All Vote and The Civics Center's constant creative efforts to empower youth voters and display how crucial it is to use your voice through the practice of voting. It is an honor to be a part of both of these fellowships. I have learned countless ways to become more involved in mobilizing for social change, especially in regard to civic engagement. I could have never imagined that voter advocacy would become such a large aspect of my activism and work towards social change. I have attained an immense amount of leadership skills and have found various forms of community. The opportunity for change still weighs heavily on my mind, as it always has, and is now accompanied by the comfort of knowing that every action towards positive reform is impactful. No matter how great or how minuscule your efforts may seem, I guarantee that your contribution will be part of something bigger than anyone could ever have imagined.

Jasmine Lewis is a 2020 Youth Fellow with The Civics Center and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at The University of Alabama. The Civics Center’s “Voices of Democracy” blog series celebrates and highlights the voices that matter to us most: those of young people working to improve civic engagement and participation in our democracy.