Cincinnati's youth are leading. But are we listening?

Opinion: Cincinnati's resident satisfaction survey results captured perception, but not the lived leadership of young people.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a group of diverse teenagers gathered in a circle, representing the youth leadership and civic engagement in Cincinnati. The image uses vibrant neon colors overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines, turning the everyday scene into a modern pop art piece.The vibrant energy and civic-minded spirit of Cincinnati's youth are driving positive change in the city.Cincinnati Today

This opinion piece highlights how Cincinnati's youth are already taking action and leading in their communities, but the city's resident satisfaction survey fails to capture this. The article focuses on a civic engagement initiative called 'Widening the Lens' at Taft High School, where students are driving conversations and solutions around issues like gun violence and community building, while adults in positions of power are learning to show up and listen to the young people.

Why it matters

The article argues that the city's survey data does not tell the full story of what is happening on the ground, led by young people. It suggests that by tapping into the existing leadership and initiatives of youth, the city could build more resilient and connected communities. The piece emphasizes the importance of adults in power positions showing up, listening to, and supporting the work young people are already doing.

The details

The article describes a 'Widening the Lens' program at Taft High School, where 15 students and 15 community members came together for conversations. The students led the discussions, sharing their perspectives on safety, news coverage of Black and brown youth, and their own community-building efforts. The adults in the room, which included city council members and school board members, were surprised to discover the students were already taking action, like planning an annual 'Stop the Violence' event and starting a Christian athlete group. Instead of the adults trying to build programs for the students, the focus shifted to the adults providing access and support for the student-led initiatives.

  • The 'Widening the Lens' program at Taft High School had two sessions, with the first one a few weeks before the second.
  • Antwan is planning his second annual 'Stop the Violence' event this summer.

The players

Antwan

A young man who is planning his second annual 'Stop the Violence' event, a summer gathering where kids from the neighborhood can feel safe and happy.

Chayse

A student leader and senior at Taft High School who founded and leads a Christian athlete group that meets regularly before school.

Matt Lizik

The principal of Taft High School, who is building a space where adults believe in young people enough to create real conditions for them to lead.

A Picture's Worth

A nonprofit organization that co-led the 'Widening the Lens' program at Taft High School.

Learning Grove/FamiliesFORWARD

A nonprofit organization that co-led the 'Widening the Lens' program at Taft High School.

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What they’re saying

“These young people don't need anyone to build something for them. They need people to show up to what already exists.”

— Elissa Yancey, Author

What’s next

One of the school board members proposed adding student voices to the district's current strategic planning process, creating an open channel between young people and the people who make decisions about their education.

The takeaway

The article highlights how Cincinnati's youth are already leading and taking action in their communities, but the city's survey data fails to capture this. By tapping into the existing initiatives and leadership of young people, the city could build more resilient and connected communities. The key is for adults in positions of power to show up, listen to, and support the work young people are already doing.