Eli, a student at Sentinel High School, told a Missoula rally that many young people feel disempowered by current national politics and urged them to engage in civic life.

“Young people… feel powerless,” Eli said, describing how constitutional democracy is supposed to empower citizens and arguing that perceived powerlessness benefits those seeking to concentrate authority. “When the people of this country feel powerless, that is exactly what the president wants,” Eli said, warning that that sentiment can lead to disengagement on policy decisions that affect education, health care and public lands.

Eli urged peers to vote, organize and participate in community efforts, saying, “We are here to say that there is an alternative. Americans deserve better from our government.” The student thanked other young leaders at the rally and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in debates over school funding, public services and civic values.

Organizers used the student’s remarks to encourage attendees to recruit young people to local groups, to sign up at outreach tables and to attend civic events such as Pride and Juneteenth observances.