Rising Up: How Gen Y and Gen Z Will Save America
I’ve been a lawyer for a long time. I’ve seen trends come and go, watched presidents rise and fall, and witnessed how fragile—and resilient—our democracy can be. But lately, something has shifted. Something that’s made me stop, take a step back, and feel a level of hope I haven’t felt in years.
That hope? It’s coming from Gen Y and Gen Z.
I’m not one of them. I didn’t grow up with a smartphone in my pocket or get my news through TikTok. But I’ve spent enough time representing them as a lawyer, watching, listening, and learning from them to know this: they are going to save America.
A New Generation Takes the Torch
Let’s start with the obvious. Gen Y (millennials) and Gen Z now make up the largest voting bloc in the country. And for too long, they’ve been underestimated, dismissed, or ignored by politicians more comfortable catering to the past than investing in the future. But that’s changing—and fast.
In the last few years, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation. These young Americans aren’t waiting for permission. They’re organizing, speaking up, and stepping in. They’re marching in the streets and showing up at town halls. They’re creating online movements and building real-world coalitions. And perhaps most importantly, they’re refusing to accept the tired idea that politics is something done to them instead of something they can shape themselves.
They’re not sideline players anymore. They’re the main event.
Leading with Values: Freedom, Fairness, and the Future
What’s different about this new movement is that it’s not about party loyalty or talking points. It’s rooted in values—real, human, timeless values.
Freedom. To Gen Y and Z, freedom isn’t a buzzword. It’s personal. It means bodily autonomy. It means being able to live without fear, love without barriers, and speak without censorship. They’ve watched attacks on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ freedoms, and voting access, and they’ve had enough. They’re reclaiming the word “freedom” and making it mean something again.
Fairness. They believe in equal protection under the law. Due process. Justice that doesn’t care about your ZIP code or the color of your skin. They’ve seen the system fail too many people for too long—and they’re done tolerating it. This generation is serious about reform, from police accountability to student debt to basic economic dignity.
The Future. No group has more at stake in what happens next than they do. Climate change isn’t a theory—it’s a daily reality. Economic instability isn’t abstract—it’s their lived experience. They know they’ll inherit the consequences of today’s decisions, and they’re organizing to make sure those consequences are survivable—and just. They want a future that works for everyone, not just the wealthy or the well-connected.
No More Sidelines: Standing Up to Extremism
I’ve watched as Gen Y and Gen Z have risen not just in response to the chaos of recent years—but in defiance of it.
They’ve lived through Trump’s first term and see what’s happening right now. Through the last several months of tariffs that hurt small businesses. Through DOGE and meme culture that exposed the absurdity of our markets. Through adult leaders lying about Signalgate and backroom deals that threatened transparency and the rule of law. They saw and are seeing it all, and instead of backing down, they’re stepping forward.
They’re not here to manage the mess. They’re here to fix it. To lead us out of this moment and into something better. They understand what too many older politicians forget: that democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot. It has to be defended, renewed, and rebuilt—every generation.
And make no mistake: they are doing just that.
A People-First Movement
This isn’t politics as usual. Gen Y and Gen Z are building something more powerful than a campaign. They’re building a movement.
It’s fueled by community, by connection, by a refusal to cede the ground of patriotism to extremism. They love this country—just not the version of it being peddled by fear-mongers and grifters. They believe America can be better, not because they’re naive, but because they know what’s possible when people come together with purpose.
And they’re doing it in a way that feels real. Honest. Human. They’re telling their stories. Listening to others. Creating content that breaks through the noise and makes people feel something again—hope, courage, resolve. They’re not just reacting to MAGA chaos. They’re leading.
Reclaiming Patriotism
They’re not afraid of the flag. They’re reclaiming it.
They’re redefining patriotism as protecting rights, not restricting them. As helping your neighbor, not turning on them. As standing up for truth, not selling lies for power.
I’ve seen young people at pride marches with American flags draped over their shoulders. I’ve seen them honor teachers and nurses and civil servants as the backbone of our country. I’ve seen them volunteer, vote, and show up for each other in ways that put older generations to shame.
This isn’t performative. It’s purposeful. It’s love of country in action.
Mobilizing the 90 Million
And here’s the part that gives me goosebumps: we’ve barely scratched the surface.
In 2024, around 90 million eligible Americans didn’t vote. Many of them are Gen Y and Gen Z. But I don’t think that’s apathy. I think it’s frustration. Disillusionment. Exhaustion. And I think that’s changing.
Because I see young organizers going door-to-door, not to lecture but to listen. I see voter drives at concerts, block parties, and tattoo parlors. I see voting reframed not as an obligation, but as an act of joy. Of defiance. Of building power.
This generation understands that we can’t just explain politics to people. We have to connect. We have to inspire. And that’s exactly what they’re doing.
A Call to Action
If you’re reading this and wondering what you can do, here’s the truth: you can join them.
You don’t have to be 25 to be part of this movement. You just have to care about the future. About fairness. About freedom.
- Register to vote. Help someone else do the same.
- Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your values.
- Share your story. Listen to someone else’s.
- Step into leadership in your community, big or small.
Don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Be someone who helps fix it.
The Future Is Here—And It’s Brave
Gen Y and Gen Z aren’t perfect. No generation is. But they are exactly what this country needs right now: bold, brave, connected, and clear-eyed about what’s at stake.
They’re not asking for permission to lead. They’re already leading. And if we’re smart, we’ll follow—not to catch up, but to stand beside them.
Because the truth is, they’re not just saving America.
They’re reinventing it.
And it’s the most hopeful thing I’ve seen in a very long time.
Mitch Jackson, Esq. | links
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Before the election, I wondered how people would decide the future of our country. And yet so many people stayed home and did not vote. Then Trump became president and started on a campaign to slash and burn our democracy and our standing as. world leader. I would think of Trump voters and wondered if they were getting what they wanted. I can understand the appeal of having an authoritarian leader. No more critical thinking, no more searching for the truth in a world where disinformation is the norm, no need to make decisions. Democracy requires work. The world seemed dark and many of my friends decided to tune out to the news. I tried but I have some hope and believe it is necessary to stay informed. Also, to speak out when given the opportunity. But I am older and I won’t be around too much longer to see the impact Trump’s actions will have on this world. Then a spark of hope as more and more people protested. Another spark of hope seeing young people getting more involved in politics. I speak out when I can but I am not running for office. Young people have the energy and many have the desire to shape the world. It will take years to undo the damage being done by this Administration but it can be done. I always encourage young people to get involved; otherwise, someone else will decide your future.
Thank you for your positive and hopeful thoughts about the future.
It is needed.
Nice weekend!