By Natalie Gonzalez
February 26, 2026
Do you know who your state senator or representative is? For many young people in high schools and colleges across the country, the answer is probably no. If you have concerns about the way things are, those names should matter to you. Knowing who makes the decisions that affect your life, and how those decisions get made, is where change begins — and you have more power than you realize to shape them.
Limited civic knowledge among young adults is nothing new, but as legislatures continue to make decisions that directly shape tuition costs, career pathways, and daily life, its consequences compound. Students who are not paying attention forfeit their seat at the table. National research reveals that many young adults cannot answer basic questions about government such as how a bill becomes a law or when the next election cycle is for their state. These results indicate a strong relationship between gaps in civic knowledge and declining civic participation, a trend that poses serious consequences for the strength and sustainability of our democratic system.
Throughout my time at college in Florida, I have witnessed this disconnect firsthand. The policymaking process can feel like something that happens behind closed doors, far removed from campus life. Each year, however, the Florida Capitol designates a day for every public university to step directly into those spaces. For the past three years, I have participated in Florida State University’s Day at the Capitol — first as a student advocate nervously walking into legislative offices, and now as the coordinator proudly helping run the program. What once felt intimidating has become deeply empowering: students sitting across from lawmakers, discussing policies that shape their education and future careers, and seeing firsthand how decisions are made.
This year, students from healthcare, business, education, engineering, and the arts, many visiting the Capitol for the first time, arrived uncertain but quickly found their footing as conversations began. They found legislators eager to listen, willing to answer questions, and genuinely interested in what students had to say. As meetings progressed, students asked thoughtful questions, connected legislation to their academic programs, and clearly articulated our university’s priorities. By the end of the day, I saw their nerves turn into excitement as they realized that meaningful change often begins with a single conversation. Civic engagement had gone from abstract to accessible in a single afternoon.
Research indicates that students who receive civic education—whether learning how to register to vote or being encouraged to follow public issues—are substantially more likely to become active participants in politics as adults. In other words, engagement begins with awareness, not ideology. Civic participation does not have to be loud, performative, or partisan. It can begin by simply paying attention to one bill, one issue, or one decision shaping your community. Students do not have to agree with a policy to learn about it, nor do they have to aspire to work in politics to stay informed.
One of the most practical ways to build that awareness is by joining organizations on campus that prioritize civic learning and public policy discussions. Across Florida, programs like The James Madison Institute’s Campus Representative initiative equip students with resources, research, and opportunities to engage thoughtfully with policy issues. Whether through policy-focused institutes, advocacy groups, student government, or issue-based organizations, campuses offer spaces where students can sharpen their understanding, challenge their assumptions, and develop the confidence to participate in civic life long before graduation.
Knowledge turns frustration into action and opinions into advocacy. Paying attention to the decisions being made, understanding who is making them, and recognizing how they influence daily life are the first steps toward meaningful participation. This responsibility belongs to each of us, so start by asking questions, seeking out credible information, and showing up when it matters. If you want a voice in the world you are about to enter, start by asking questions, seeking out credible information, and showing up when it matters. Be informed, be engaged, be in the know.
