CIAO DATE: 08/2009

Youth and Civic Engagement in the Americas Preliminary Findings From a Three-City Study: Rio De Janeiro, Chicago, and Mexico City

May 2009

The Helen Kellogg Institute for International Studies

Abstract

This paper examines how civically engaged youth in three different cities and countries in the Americas became engaged in civic activity. The usual concern about youth is their lack of involvement. However, the authors have learned from their work in Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, and Mexico City that there are youth in each of these cities who care deeply about their communities and are active in diverse organizations and projects. This paper is part of a broader study that examines youth who are significantly engaged in civic activity. In this paper, the authors will focus particularly on the youths' initial process of engagement and what motivated them to get involved.

Resource link: Youth and Civic Engagement in the Americas Preliminary Findings From a Three-City Study: Rio De Janeiro, Chicago, and Mexico City [PDF] - 228K