Generation Z (generally considered to be those born between 1997 and 2012) is entering the workforce. But the workforce hasn’t fully accepted their place and purpose—not just in the private sector, but in government, too. There is a vast array of opinions being voiced, both positive and negative. 

Before we can dive into what Gen Z brings to the table and how to engage with them, we must first look at what holds them and other future generations back from working and participating in government. We need to understand who they are and what can be done to encourage them.

Gen Z has the power and potential to do a lot of good things. They need to be taken seriously, properly educated in civics, and given opportunities that lead them toward a stable and prosperous career in public service. Gen Z accounts for approximately 20.81% of the U.S. population, making up about 18% of the current workforce. But while they’re a large part of the U.S. population, they constitute less than 2% of government employees nationwide.

Youth and Government Education

Educating our youth and facilitating their growth regarding their knowledge of local and state government is important to how they go about participating in government later in life. Do they trust it? Do they know their governor’s name? Do they know how bills are made and passed?

“The 2023 Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey found that about one in six Americans could not name any of the three branches of the U.S. government; and a significant portion of Americans did not know what rights are protected under the First Amendment.” This data is startling; we are relying heavily on current as well as future generations to lead our government with prosperity. If the majority are unable to decipher the basic principles of America, this is something that should worry us all and push us to revolutionize civic education and do better for our children.

How Do We Market Public Service to the Youth?

There are various ways to try and market public service to youth to create an attractive career and atmosphere for them. Each generation that we have seen is different. An article written by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP highlights 10 strategies to attract younger talent to government careers. To name a few, they highlight transparency, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing a modern work environment, highlighting your social impact, and creating a positive experience.

It is incredibly important to openly promote transparency and open communication within the organization. Times are ever changing. We can either take part in this change or we can wait for the change to happen to us. To recruit younger generations to get involved, it would be beneficial to further explain organizational strategies, highlight social impact, and foster a positive work environment.

How Will Gen Z Impact the Next 250 Years?

Reflecting on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, naturally we think about what the next 250 years will bring. It’s clear that Gen Z will do a lot to change the trajectory and landscape of local government and reinvent it completely. I have found that this generation does not care about the spotlight that working in public service shines on you. They are not in it for recognition; they want to create a world where everyone is seen as equal and given opportunities that confirm they are deserving of a life that is kind to them. Gen Z has grown up in a time that was ever changing and in constant turmoil. Through their ability to hold a positive light, they have the opportunity to create positive and substantive changes.

To this generation, democracy is critical; they are for the people, wholeheartedly. In the last few decades, we have continued to see people struggle and there hasn’t been enough done to help those who need it the most. Gen Z has the power to change that. They have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the community and sustaining its prosperity, and they have shown their capacity for holding government accountable, always striving to maintain the highest degree of public service.

What Does Gen Z Have to Say?

Leah Beatty, an MPA student at the University of Kansas, had insightful comments to add when asked, “Why do you think Gen Z isn’t getting into local government? What is holding them back?” She replied, “I think how combative government has become can create a sense of fear or nervousness to pursue any career in government. However, young individuals aren’t educated in local government and don’t understand that it’s not the same as it can be in higher levels of government. Truly, what I think is holding them back is the unknown and fear of how things may continue in the future.”

Some respondents from the survey chose to be anonymous, but what they had to say was important. When asked the question, “What frustrations do you have with the older generations’ views on Gen Z, and how could that impact willingness to join?” one answer was that “they think we’re lazy.” 

Similarly, Anna Hoy, a rising 2L at the University of Kansas School of Law, said, “Gen Z is not lazy. We have just learned to adapt to new technologies that make us smarter and more efficient. I also don’t agree that entire generations can be spoiled. We have been through hardships just as every generation has.”

Lyndon Le, a recent political science graduate from Wichita State University, was asked, “What does the American Dream look like to you, and how is it different from what we learned in grade school?” He answered, “The American Dream has been a key defining factor in what makes the United States a great country. The idea was that anyone could come to the United States, work hard, and eventually own their own house, buy a car, and start a family. It is the land of opportunity. This dream has been plagued with complications of politics and greed. 

These complications have widened the gap between the working class and the exuberantly wealthy, reducing forward financial mobility for the middle to lower class. To me, the American Dream is still the same…the dream has just become significantly harder to achieve.”

What Can You Do to Engage?

To engage Gen Z, you need to meet them at their level. They have shown that they are looking to make the most changes at a human level. They want to lead strong communities that are full of culture and diversity. When asked to describe their generation in one word, Gen Z provided positive answers—words such as trailblazers, adaptable, passionate, and creative. Gen Z is here to make an impact, help others, and create generational change.

Don’t fear Gen Z, embrace them with open arms. They are full of knowledge and grit; they just need a true and real chance to prove it. Offer them a seat at the table. They want to feel like their voice is not only heard but listened to. Invite them to meetings to observe and ask for their input. You could be surprised at just how insightful they are.

Also, be willing to be flexible. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it be a new social media trend or an icebreaker before a meeting; Gen Z wants to see personality in government. This is a serious job, but that does not mean that you can’t have fun with it.

Gen Z is creative and ready to take on the biggest issues of our country, and more specifically, what our cities and counties are facing every day. When they are fighting for something that they believe in, there is nothing stopping them from achieving that goal.

EMMA RONIGER is a management intern at the League of Kansas Municipalities.

Revised and reprinted from the Kansas Government Journal