In a political landscape too often characterized by discord and vitriol, the next generation of Americans is raising its voice for a different kind of conversation — one that is inclusive, civil, and constructive. It’s a clarion call that cannot be ignored, especially as we approach a presidential election with a significant youth turnout at stake.

The Journalistic Learning Initiative (JLI) has long recognized the power of young voices and the need for platforms that can amplify their call for meaningful engagement. That’s why we launched the Common Ground Project, inspired by the Gen Z journalists who appeared in our documentary “The Future is Ours.” These are the voices of high school students who boldly tackle issues like climate change, gun violence, race relations, and gender equality. They’re not just the leaders of tomorrow; they’re the conscience of today, demanding that their leaders engage in civil conversations that lead to finding common ground rather than resorting to name-calling.

The Common Ground Project was born from the discussions these young journalists initiated, underscoring their desire to help bridge societal divides. This initiative, unveiled at the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association (JEA/NSPA) 2024 spring convention, provides a forum and resources to guide students in their efforts to find commonality amidst polarizing times. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and mutual respect — the very qualities that inform responsible citizenship.

However, despite these efforts and the record youth turnout in the 2020 elections, a recent poll by Harvard’s Institute of Politics reveals a troubling trend: fewer young Americans plan to vote in 2024, driven in part by dissatisfaction with the political status quo. We find ourselves at a crossroads where the need to listen to — and re-engage — younger generations has never been more urgent. As Setti Warren, the institute’s director, rightly points out, leaders would be wise to embrace the opportunity to re-engage this generation.

The youth vote is not a monolith; their concerns are varied and deeply felt, from climate change and economic uncertainty to the ethical use of AI. They seek leaders who will address these issues with honesty and action. With 16 million new voters since the last presidential election, the potential impact of Gen Z and millennial voters is immense. Their values could usher in an era of optimism in American politics, but only if their voices are heard and their votes are earned.

The JLI’s mission has always been to empower youth through journalism education and media literacy. Our work has shown that when students engage in journalistic learning, they become informed thinkers — critical consumers and producers of information. As echoed in “The Roadmap for Local News,” there is a need for “civic media practitioners” to inform the public and engage communities. The JLI’s Peer-Reviewed Research has validated the efficacy of our approach, proving that students who participate in our programs become not only effective communicators but also more engaged citizens.

The Common Ground Project represents the embodiment of our mission. It is an expression of our belief in the power of storytelling to inspire change and build bridges. By providing a space for young people to engage in dialogue and by encouraging them to seek solutions together, we hope to rekindle their faith in the democratic process.

As we face complex challenges as a nation, the JLI Common Ground Project stands as a beacon of hope. By fostering understanding and collaboration, we aim to transcend ideological boundaries and cultivate a shared vision for a more inclusive and united future. It is through initiatives like this that we cannot only engage but also empower the next generation of voters.

For more information about the Common Ground Project and the Journalistic Learning Initiative, please visit https://journalisticlearning.org/commonground/. Together, let’s shape a brighter tomorrow.

Ed Madison, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Journalistic Learning Initiative and an associate professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.