Nonprofit Aims to Boost Civic Engagement Among Gen Z

C&S initiative encourages small, low-barrier acts to empower 20 million young people over 3 years

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The nonprofit C&S is launching an initiative to encourage young people aged 14-24 to take small, community-oriented actions like contacting elected officials, volunteering locally, or hosting public discussions. The goal is to empower 20 million Gen Zers to get civically engaged over the next 3 years. The effort counters narratives that Gen Z is disengaged, and is part of a broader push to promote "informal volunteering" and grassroots civic participation among younger generations.

Why it matters

Fostering greater civic engagement among Gen Z is seen as crucial for strengthening democracy and addressing shared challenges. The C&S initiative aims to provide low-barrier entry points for young people to get involved, in contrast with perceptions that they are disinterested or lack faith in institutions.

The details

The C&S initiative will partner with schools, employers, and other organizations to encourage young people to take actions like calling elected representatives, volunteering locally, or hosting community discussions. The nonprofit's research suggests that the biggest barriers are young people not knowing where to start and not believing they can make a difference. The initiative will launch an online participation platform this summer to highlight how small individual actions can create national impact, inspired by movements like GivingTuesday.

  • The C&S initiative will run over the next 3 years.
  • The online participation platform is launching this summer.

The players

C&S

A nonprofit previously known as the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, launching the civic engagement initiative.

Rajiv Vinnakota

President of C&S, leading the initiative to empower 20 million young people to take civic actions.

Jennifer Sirangelo

President and CEO of Points of Light, a nonprofit that wants to double American volunteerism by 2035.

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Funding the C&S leadership program that provides stipends and coaching to 500 young changemakers.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Partnering with C&S on a new workplace-based initiative to teach young professionals civic and teamwork skills.

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What they’re saying

“You're not going to immediately go to a gym and try to bench press 325 pounds. You're gonna start easy, simple, something you can do — both to affirm and start to build your muscle.”

— Rajiv Vinnakota, President, C&S (wbal.com)

“Gen Z wants to do it fast, they want to do it authentic, they want to do it right now. They don't have time — no patience for institutions or signing up.”

— Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, Points of Light (wbal.com)

What’s next

The C&S initiative will launch an online participation platform this summer to highlight how small individual actions can create national impact.

The takeaway

By providing low-barrier entry points for civic engagement and empowering young people to take the lead, the C&S initiative aims to counter perceptions of Gen Z disinterest and strengthen democracy through grassroots participation.