Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Parents, do you wonder how you can encourage your teenagers to carry out their civic duty when they’re not even old enough to vote? On today’s Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith discusses that question with the director of Generation Joshua.

Mike Smith:
This week, I’m talking with Ned Ryun about teaching civics to our young people. Ned, parents may find their teenagers don’t see the point of participating in politics, since they’re not old enough to vote. Can you respond to that concern?

Ned Ryun:
Mike, I can tell you right now that most young people under the age of 18 know dozens of people who can actually vote, and those young people can be the catalyst for getting others to the polls. In 2004, the top three Generation Joshua members registered 1,000 new voters between them, and none of those students were 18 years old. But by knowing the importance of the issues and knowing that the future of this nation is dependent upon young and old alike, being good stewards and performing their duties as citizens, young people can have a tremendous impact.

Did you know that a team of 50 Generation Joshua members working in Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District in 2004 touched over 50,000 households in less than a week? That’s 100,000 voters that were encouraged to get out and vote for family and life. The candidate they were helping is now a U.S. congressman. Young people do not have to wait until they’re old enough to vote to make a difference—they can make a difference right now.

Mike:
Ned, that’s a great reminder that every single citizen in our nation has a role in politics. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.