March 12, 2026 | 11 AM – 12 PM CDT
As democracies around the world face increasing pressure, from voter suppression and disinformation to disengagement and distrust, young people are stepping up to defend and reimagine civic life. This session examines how youth political and civic engagement is not only a sign of hope, but a strategic response to democratic backsliding.
Together, we’ll explore how young people are organizing movements, influencing policy, and demanding representation in systems that have historically marginalized their voices. We’ll dive into the data and real-world examples that show how youth-led action can reinvigorate democratic institutions and create a more equitable future.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what drives youth civic participation, the systemic barriers they face, and how educators, organizations, and institutions can support their leadership in meaningful, lasting ways.
This session is a must-attend for anyone committed to youth empowerment and the future of democracy.
Guest speakers :
Wilfred Chirinos, Generation Citizen
Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Wilfred is a Policy & Advocacy Manager on Generation Citizen’s Civic Voice and Policy team, a Boston University graduate, and a Master of Public Policy Candidate at Northeastern. At GC, he leads on policy research, state-level advocacy, and data, impact, & evaluation while supporting GC’s coalition and field-building efforts. Before joining GC, Wilfred worked extensively in Rhode Island, serving as a campaign coordinator for RI Lt. Governor Sabina Matos’ first statewide campaign, an aide to the RI Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and a youth leader for organizations such as Providence Student Union and RI for Community and Justice.
Matthew MacWilliams, MacWilliams Sanders Communication
Dr. Matthew C. MacWilliams is Global Public Opinion Lead at the Foundation International Communications Hub and serves as a Non-Resident Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, Senior External Adviser to European Movement International, and President of MacWilliams Sanders Communications. A political scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, his research examines democratic backsliding and the rise of authoritarianism across more than 29 countries. His work has found that authoritarianism—often activated by elite rhetoric and perceived threat—rather than populism alone, is a key driver of illiberal politics in the U.S. and Europe. He is the author of On Fascism: 12 Lessons from American History and a widely cited commentator whose research has shaped international debate on democracy and extremism.
Emiliana Korin, NYLC Youth Advisory Council
Emiliana Korin is a junior at Athens Academy in Athens, Georgia. Passionate about social justice, human rights, and volunteerism, Emiliana loves community organizing and working with local and national organizations to promote educational and advocacy initiatives. She established a student chapter of Amnesty International at her school and has leadership positions in several other student-run organizations. She has also been the recipient of several awards for her volunteer work. She hopes that her role in the YAC will allow her to expand her influence and inspire other young people to get involved in their communities in various ways.
Ezra Snell, Aspen Institute Center for Rising Generations
Ezra Snell, a Mississippi native and 2024 graduate of Jackson State University, has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth leadership and community change, earning induction into the university’s Student Hall of Fame. As Congressional Point Person for RESULTS, he advocated for policies supporting low-income families and worked with organizations like Alluvial Collective and Big House Books to support incarcerated youth and adults across Mississippi. After graduating magna cum laude in Sociology, he moved to Tulsa to serve as a policy fellow, helping lead a major voter engagement effort that contributed to the historic election of the city’s first Black mayor. An alum of the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship and current Youth Advisory Council member with the Aspen Institute Center for Rising Generations, Ezra is now pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy.
Moderated by:
Pam Siebert, National Youth Leadership Council
Pam Siebert is a skilled strategist and implementer, with over 20 years of experience in nonprofits and cross-sector initiatives– taking plans from ideas to action on topic areas including human services, substance abuse prevention, homelessness, education, and community service. In her current role as Vice President of Community Impact & Evaluation with NYLC, Pam supports youth taking action in their communities by conducting evaluations and managing special initiatives. She earned a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Gustavus Adolphus College, as well as certificates in organizational development, change management, volunteer management, and project management. Pam chairs the Board of Directors for Carol Mathey’s Center for Children and Families, is an ambassador for Moms on the Run, and actively participates in TeamWomen Minnesota and the GoGoDone co-working community.
For questions, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at [email protected].
This event will take place on Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 AM CT via Zoom. You will receive the link to join the Zoom call closer to the date.