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Made By Us outlines youth-focused toolkits and a 'Youth Through 250' bureau to boost civic engagement
Summary
Connor Walsh of Made By Us told the committee the group is building youth toolkits, a Gen Z scorecard, wish walls and a Youth Through 250 bureau to increase young people’s influence and visibility in 250th programming, citing survey figures about low youth civic confidence and information levels.
Connor Walsh, representing Made By Us, presented a strategy to engage younger Americans in the 250th through tools and direct youth participation. He described a national effort—"Youth Through 250"—that assembles a cohort of 100 people aged 18–30 to advise organizations, and offers free toolkits, a Gen Z scorecard and facilitation for focus groups and youth-led committees.
Walsh said these efforts are grounded in national survey findings about young people’s relationship to civic life. He cited figures to illustrate the challenge: that "16 percent of 18 to 29 year olds are proud to live in the U.S.," and later noted that a low share of that cohort report feeling well informed about civics. "We want to uplift youth voices," Walsh said, describing wish walls, time capsules and social-media efforts aimed at increasing youth visibility and contribution.
Walsh urged local organizations and museums to use the free toolkits and to consider integrating youth input through short focus groups or participation on planning committees. He said the group’s materials are free and that Made By Us can help set up small focus groups and iterative youth involvement for local programs.
Committee staff said the resources will be posted on the statewide partners page and that the Youth Through 250 bureau will be available to Washington organizations seeking youth feedback ahead of July 4.
