The Civic Advantage: How Youth Engagement Builds Healthier Communities
Ryker Law
Research consistently shows that civic engagement benefits young people’s health and well-being. A 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open examined data from over 51,000 children and adolescents across the United States and found significant associations between volunteering and positive outcomes. The study revealed that volunteering was linked to 97% higher odds of flourishing among adolescents, along with better overall health ratings and fewer behavioral problems for both children and teens.
The research demonstrates that when young people engage in community service or civic activities, they experience measurable improvements in well-being. University of Illinois research has similarly found that teens who develop a strong sense of purpose—often cultivated through civic engagement—report higher life satisfaction and more positive daily emotions.
These findings reflect a broader pattern: volunteering and civic participation provide young people with tangible connections to their communities and a clearer sense of their role in society. When youth participate in meaningful community work, they develop skills, confidence, and optimism that benefit both themselves and those they serve.
California’s Commitment to Youth Engagement
California has established formal pathways to encourage and recognize youth civic participation. The state created a State Seal of Civic Engagement that students can earn and display on their high school diplomas, recognizing their community service or government coursework. This initiative demonstrates the state’s commitment to fostering civic participation among young people.
UCLA research has found that California teens who volunteer and engage in civic life tend to be healthier and have higher educational aspirations. This research supports the connection between civic engagement and positive youth development outcomes.
The state also operates a Youth Empowerment Commission, consisting of 13 voting commissioners aged 14 to 25, providing young Californians with direct input into state-level policy discussions.
Boston’s Youth Lead the Change
Boston has implemented a participatory budgeting program called “Youth Lead the Change” that gives young people aged 12-25 real decision-making power over city resources. This program aims to build leadership skills, enhance civic participation, and strengthen connections between young residents and the city government. Through this initiative, youth can propose and vote on actual projects funded by the city, creating authentic opportunities for civic engagement.
Research-Based Benefits
The JAMA study found that among adolescents who volunteer, there were significant positive associations with health and well-being outcomes. Specifically, volunteering was associated with nearly double the odds of flourishing, better self-reported health, reduced anxiety, and fewer behavioral problems compared to their non-volunteering peers.
Looking Forward
The evidence from peer-reviewed research supports the value of youth civic engagement. Studies consistently show associations between volunteering, civic participation, and positive outcomes for young people, including better health, stronger sense of purpose, and improved well-being.
For young people considering getting involved, the research suggests that civic engagement can be mutually beneficial, helping communities while also supporting personal development and well-being. Whether through school programs, community organizations, or local government initiatives, opportunities for meaningful civic participation can provide valuable experiences and connections.
Programs like Boston’s participatory budgeting and California’s civic engagement recognition demonstrate that governments and communities are increasingly recognizing the value of youth input and creating formal channels for young people to contribute to decision-making processes.
The research foundation is clear: when young people engage civically, both they and their communities benefit. This creates a compelling case for expanding opportunities for meaningful youth participation in community life and governance.
Your Voice Matters
The evidence speaks for itself: civic engagement isn’t just good for your community—it’s good for you. Whether you’re a student looking to make a difference or an adult who wants to support youth engagement, there are concrete steps you can take right now.
Contact your school counselor about volunteer opportunities or civic engagement programs
Look into your local city council meetings—many have youth advisory positions or public comment periods
Check if your school district offers civic engagement seal programs or community service credits
Research local nonprofits that align with causes you care about
Consider running for student government or joining existing youth councils in your area
The research shows that when young people get involved, everyone wins. Communities get fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, while youth develop the skills, confidence, and connections that will serve them throughout their lives. The question isn’t whether youth engagement works—the science has already answered that. The question is: What will you do with this knowledge?
Sources
Lanza K, Hunt BP, Mantey DS, et al. Volunteering, Health, and Well-being of Children and Adolescents in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(5):e2315980. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2805381
University of Illinois research on teen purpose and life satisfaction. https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/230263956
Boston Youth Lead the Change program information. https://www.boston.gov/departments/youth-engagement-and-advancement/youth-lead-change
UCLA study on California youth civic engagement and health. https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/california-teens-who-volunteer-and-engage-in-civic-life-are-healthier-aim-higher-in-education-study-finds
California Youth Empowerment Commission. https://youthempowerment.ca.gov/
California Department of Education State Seal of Civic Engagement.https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/hssstateseal.asp
Image credit: ICMA