From John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Institute of Politics, this exploration delves into Generation Z, their pressing issues, and their potential to shape the future. Born from the late 1990s to early 2000s, Gen Z has faced a series of unprecedented crises, including 9/11, the war on terror, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 financial crisis, the opioid epidemic, mass school shootings, global warming, the Trump presidency, and COVID-19. These experiences have led to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression among them, a trend Della Volpe has documented through years of engaging with young Americans nationwide. However, rather than succumbing to these challenges, Gen Z has mobilized around critical issues such as gun control, racial and environmental justice, and economic equity. They are more politically engaged than previous generations and exhibit a remarkable readiness to challenge the status quo. In this work, Della Volpe leverages his extensive experience to highlight the significant forces influencing zoomers' lives, the causes they are passionate about, and how they are confronting the challenges of their time, countering the stereotypes of being overly sensitive, lazy, or entitled. Gen Z is determined to take control of their future and the future of America.
