by Kiyana Newell

The biggest lesson from 2024? If we want a future where racial justice is achieved, every person’s basic needs are met, and resources can be accessed equitably, we have to win in state and local elections.

Last year we launched our small donor (New Era Colorado AF) and independent expenditure (Young People for All People) committees to support, elect and fight for candidates who are committed to passing the policies that young people demand.

After years of advocating for young people by running best in the nation electoral programs to turn out voters, having hundreds of conversations with elected officials (and some not-so-subtle Tweets) about young people’s demands, and organizing to help pass bills that are meant to improve our lives – young people still can’t afford rent, groceries, find reliable access to reproductive health care, or pay their student loans. The reality is most legislators come into the building with an ideology that is hard to shake and are accountable to corporate donors and lobbyists – not young people.

Now, more than ever, it’s up to us to fight for our human rights, a multi-racial democracy, our freedom to exist, and for the policies we need to thrive. We need everyone on board, so keep reading for a download of wtf happened in November, what work is to come, and how you can join our Colorado movement!

Sooo… let’s talk about the 2024 election.

The big takeaway: We cemented human rights in our state Constitution, including the right to abortion and the freedom to marry. Colorado remains a beacon of hope for Youth Agenda priorities and champions who are willing to put in the work to invest in young people’s futures. Despite national results, Colorado’s young voters defied the odds and turned out at record levels. We voted at 27 points above the national average for youth turnout! Take a second to celebrate these wins!

Prefer a video? We’ve got you covered!

Young people—and New Era Colorado—were essential in protecting our right to abortion and freedom to marry through Amendment 79 and Amendment J: Exit polling shows that 69% of voters ages 18-44 voted in favor of Amendment 79, including 77% of young women and 62% of young men.

There are champions who will fight for us: We helped elect two Youth Agenda Champions to office and they each sit on two House committees: Yara Zokaie and Katie Stewart. Our third race to re-elect Representative Stephanie Vigil was so close (like three votes close. BIG reminder that your vote can make or break local elections). We endorsed and made (significant) monetary contributions to these candidates through our Small Donor Committee. Our independent expenditure committee, Young People for All People, mobilized thousands of young voters to turn out and vote for these Youth Agenda Champs.

New Era Colorado ran its most impactful cross-entity electoral program yet: We reached 1+ million young voters and our base of young people (that includes you!) turned out at 86%, 17 points above the state average and at least 42 (!) points ahead of the national average. Young voters who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color turned out at 54%, also far above national averages.

What’s next, and how can you tap in?

We need to build a multiracial, working-class movement that is centered in humanity and dignity. How do we do that?

We undo systemic racist policy and block the Trump administration. Introducing… Season Chapter Three of the Real Advocates of the Colorado Capitol! The stakes are high. We’ve got big plans this year to fight economic injustice and protect your right to privacy.

To do that, we need shared investment and your help to help us get over the line. Right now, our state is broke AF, and we don’t have the revenue to shield ourselves from the Trump administration. Our Real Advocates will fight for a progressive tax code where the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe. Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved in the 2025 legislative session by following our Instagram!

We organize in our communities. New Era is successful because we organize all year, every year. Fear is valid, and many need a space to make meaning and reconnect. Our regional lead organizers are creating communities of young people, and we’d love to have you! Sign up to get involved today. Enjoy a coffee on us, no commitment necessary, so we can help you build power in the ways you want.

We elect more Youth Agenda Champions. In 2025, we plan to focus on winning city council and mayoral offices across the state. These offices are critical to protecting Black and Brown communities right now (example A: Mayor Mike Johnston is willing to go to jail to protect our communities from mass deportation). We also know that the Governor and Attorney General races in 2026 will be critical to fighting back against Project 2025 and safeguarding Colorado. Sign up to get our emails so you know when and how to vote for our futures.

New Era Colorado will continue to fight until young people’s vision of the world is real: through organizing, policy change, electoral work, and backing the Youth Agenda with our resources (yes, we’re talking money!). We’ll stay focused on state and local policies so our communities can continue driving progressive change. When you’re ready to tap in, we’d love to have you on board, whether it be as a Real Advocate, volunteer, or monthly member.