Introducing Critically Thinking: How Young Leaders are Shaping Democracy | TDG Fellowship

This week we bring you a special episode from Annalise Huang, one of our 2025 Podcast Fellows.

The episode features an in-depth conversation with Kayla Pilgrim, a 19-year-old founder of Civic Success, about her journey in civic engagement, the motivations behind her work, and the innovative ways her organization is inspiring young people to participate in civic life. Kayla discusses the challenges and opportunities of modernizing civic engagement, the impact of social media, the barriers young people face, and the importance of sustained, meaningful involvement. The episode concludes with practical advice for young listeners looking to get involved in their communities.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Democracy Group Network
• 00:23 Welcome to Civically Thinking
• 01:19 Meet Kayla Pilgrim: A Young Civic Leader
• 02:40 Kayla's Journey into Civic Engagement
• 05:20 The Civic Success Project
• 10:01 Challenges and Innovations in Civic Engagement
• 14:44 The Role of Social Media in Civic Engagement
• 17:58 Personal Challenges and Staying Engaged
• 23:36 Advice for Young People on Getting Involved 26:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Know a student interested in democracy and podcasts? Send them over to our fellowship to apply: https://www.democracygroup.org/fellowship

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