ICYMI: Senator Hassan Delivers Keynote Address at the NH YMCA Youth and Government 75th Anniversary Gala

CONCORD – On Friday, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan delivered the keynote address at the New Hampshire YMCA Youth and Government 75^th Anniversary Gala. Senator Hassan spoke about the importance of the program for preparing the next generation of leaders, the promise of democracy, and the importance of young people becoming involved in public service. The Youth and Government program works to empowers students across the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to participate in mock governments and learn firsthand about how government works. Current participants and alumni of the program were in attendance.

Highlights from Senator Hassan’s address:

“Our democracy is constantly changing; always reflecting both the actions and the inaction, the hopes and the fears, of our people. Democracy is not some self-sustaining abstraction; it requires individual and collective action aimed at protecting our democracy’s structures and the goal of expanding its promise of equality for all. That task is a responsibility that belongs to all Americans. And over time we have learned how important it is that each and every American takes this responsibility to heart. Because when we do – when more and more people insist that they too will participate – they reinforce their status as citizens and create the conditions in which decision makers listen to them and listen to a broader range of perspectives. That process is what has brought more marginalized people into our society and economy; unleashing new and different talents, strengthening our democracy, and allowing our country to grow and thrive. It’s why America has built the strongest economy and greatest democracy on earth.”

“Few states are better at bringing more voices into the democratic process than our own state of New Hampshire. From our town meetings to our citizen legislature, Granite Staters – including New Hampshire students – know that the best way to solve a problem is by getting involved.”

“[…] Don’t let anyone try to tell you that students and young people can’t make a difference. Quite often, it is your fearless voices that finally compel the rest of the country to act. And as students in the New Hampshire Youth and Government program, by caring for your community and pursuing public service, you are joining these efforts and helping write the next chapter of our democracy’s story.”

“[…] But those of you who enter public service will need to find ways to navigate partisan, polarized terrain so that we can continue to build a common future. The central challenge for all of us in a democracy is to be comfortable coexisting, not without any differences, but in spite of them. Meeting that challenge can be difficult, and it requires, among other things, empathy and hopefulness. Because make no mistake: what you are doing – getting involved in our democracy – is one of the most aspirational things that anyone can do. From voting to running for office, participating in our democracy is inherently aspirational; it is nothing less than an act of hope. You are choosing to believe in the capacity of your fellow citizens to look beyond themselves, imagine themselves in another’s shoes, and vote to make our country a better place for everyone — understanding, ultimately, that working towards the goal of equality brings out the best in everyone.”

“[…] There is, of course, much more work that we need to do to overcome our country’s challenges, and your generation’s task will be to lead us in doing that. […] Writing that story is up to you. But I know that you can do it – and I believe that you will. Because I know that when you all are given the chance to succeed, there is no limit to your capacity to dazzle us with your creativity or move us with your commitment to finally right long-existing wrongs.”

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