By Emma Smith
Democracy is alive and well. NC YMCA Youth and Government State Director Amber McClure opened with this message and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein confirmed it in front of a captivated audience of youth delegates and their advisors at the opening session of the 2025 Youth & Government Conference.
Stein opened the conference with an inspiring speech on Thursday evening. The Governor's speech highlighted the importance of youth action and how the future is in our hands.
In highlighting how his own history as an aspiring young changemaker impacted his current policies, Stein shared the motto that some things, no matter how hard, are worth fighting for. He shared the story of his father, a lawyer who chose to fight against Jim Crow laws even when he faced extreme violence in return.
This idea of self-advocating even when it's tough can be applied at conference when presenting and debating delegate bills and cross-examining in mock trials but especially outside of conference. Sharing our voices and advocating for what we believe in, no matter what pushback we receive, is the most integral part of making real change. Stein reinforced the importance of collective youth civic action and how it molds the very course of the future.
Without making an effort to vote and be civically engaged, we allow others to take our voice away from us. So, go out and register to vote, make your voice heard, and never let anyone disrupt your positive impact.
Thank you, Governor Josh Stein!
