Nonprofit pushes for greater civic engagement among Gen Z

C&S initiative aims to empower 20 million young people to take public-spirited actions

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A well-connected, privately-funded nonprofit called C&S is launching an initiative to encourage young people aged 14-24 to engage in small, low-barrier civic actions such as contacting elected representatives, volunteering locally, or hosting community conversations. The goal is to empower 20 million young people to take some form of public-spirited action over the next three years, with the belief that these small steps can lead to greater civic engagement.

Why it matters

The effort aims to counter narratives that Gen Z is disengaged, and is part of a broader push to promote 'informal volunteering' and grassroots civic participation among younger generations. C&S research suggests that young people will get involved if they see their actions having meaningful impact and are given the opportunity to develop solutions themselves.

The details

C&S, previously known as the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, is partnering with schools, employers, and other organizations to encourage young people to take actions like contacting elected representatives, volunteering locally, or hosting community conversations. The nonprofit is launching a participation platform this summer to highlight how small individual actions can catalyze national impact, and is also providing specialized support and coaching to 500 young changemakers through an existing leadership program.

  • C&S announced the initiative on February 25, 2026.
  • The participation platform is launching this summer as part of the recognition of the U.S. semiquincentennial.

The players

C&S

A well-connected, privately-funded nonprofit previously known as the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, which is launching the initiative to encourage civic engagement among Gen Z.

Rajiv Vinnakota

The president of C&S, who is leading the initiative and emphasizing the importance of small, approachable civic actions.

Jennifer Sirangelo

The president and CEO of Points of Light, a nonprofit that wants to double American volunteerism by 2035, who has observed that younger people tend to embrace service opportunities that aren't affiliated with institutions.

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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 (ksgf.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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

C&S is currently enlisting 25 companies for a pilot program to teach young professionals how to become better teammates and citizens, as part of a new workplace-based initiative with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The takeaway

This initiative aims to empower Gen Z to take small, approachable civic actions that can lead to greater engagement and a stronger sense of community, countering narratives of disengagement and providing young people with the tools and support to address societal challenges.