David Guo is an incoming Freshman at Drexel University. He is one of the 10 winners of the Youth Civic Solutions Competition, named in 2024 by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
The national challenge is designed to elevate the voices of young people aged 14-24 with innovative ideas about strengthening civic knowledge, engagement, and trust across the United States.
I spoke with David, whom I met at the National Conference on Citizenship, hosted in Washington, D.C., where C&S recognized him. He was a guest on a recent episode of the Fulcrum Democracy Forum (FDF). The program engages citizens in shaping a more effective government to better meet the needs of all people. Consistent with Fulcrum's mission, FDF strives to share diverse perspectives to broaden our audience's viewpoints.
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The Youth Civic Solutions Competition invited youth to address one of three pressing topics: improving civic knowledge and media literacy, increasing civic and political engagement, or building trust in one another and democratic institutions.
David started an organization that integrates arts and civics to promote knowledge and media literacy.
"It's called Canvas for Civic. I was initially motivated to do this because I saw that civics wasn't really taught actively, and it really didn't engage with the students. We often know that lectures and PowerPoints aren't really the most exciting way to teach things," said David.
David's artwork was featured at the Arizona Civic Champion Dinner. It depicts a hand lifting an ocean, revealing trash, which highlights the current issue of pollution. David not only wanted to provide awareness, but also "Try to influence people to act on it, and also create some urgency to act on this issue."
David Guo displaying art, including his own at the Arizona Civic Champion DinnerPhoto provided by David Guo
"For me, democracy means accountability and equal accessibility," said David. "For youth engagement and also education, being involved in civics for youth allows you to be informed and an active participant in their communities, and that's what creates democracy because it creates accountability." Regarding accessibility, David says, "Gen-Z will have the power to be able to speak up about current issues, and that's what we've been trying to do with the art competition, to give Gen-Z a platform."
In 2022, David founded Project HeART to offer art therapy classes in hospice and senior living facilities, supporting emotional well-being. As of today, the organization has grown to include 54 volunteers, with a newly established chapter in Virginia. Over 850 seniors have participated in its programs. Additionally, Project HeART has organized several art supply drives and created over 3,000 cards for children undergoing medical treatment, including 750 specifically for those in hospice care.
I spoke with Audra Watson, the Chief of Youth Civic Programs at C&S. She shared her work in leading youth-facing initiatives that seek to activate young people, equipping them with the skills necessary to discuss important topics that divide us and to constructively engage in problem-solving within their communities. To watch the interview, click HERE.
SUGGESTIONS:
Rich Harwood: A Philosophy of Civic Faith
Michael Rivera: The Importance of Getting Involved
Gregg Amore: Faith in Democracy
Hugo Balta is the executive editor of the Fulcrum and the publisher of the Latino News Network.
