The Young River People’s Council (YRPC) hosted a creative and impactful civic engagement event titled “Pickle Slushies for the Polls” at the Way of Life Facility, drawing in over 150 attendees for a day focused on voter education, registration, and youth-led leadership.
Designed to encourage community involvement in the democratic process, the event saw 15 community members registered to vote and countless others receive non-partisan voter information and resources. YRPC youth played a central role in planning and executing the event, exemplifying the UNITY pillar of Social Wellness by actively fostering community participation and civic responsibility.
The success of the event was amplified by the support of several key partners, including Native Health, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, the Salt River Tribal Library, and Arizona State University’s Indian Legal Program. Each organization contributed resources, education materials, and expert knowledge to empower community members with accurate and accessible voting information.
One of the event’s unique highlights was the Kids Zone, organized by YRPC members to engage younger attendees in age-appropriate civic education. Through fun and informative activities, children were introduced to concepts such as voting, leadership, and community service—planting the seeds for future civic involvement.
The event’s lighthearted theme, featuring free pickle-flavored slushies, created a welcoming environment that made civic education more approachable for attendees of all ages. Behind the scenes, YRPC youth handled everything from logistics and outreach to setup and community engagement, gaining valuable experience in event planning and public service.
“Pickle Slushies for the Polls” was a strong reminder of the power of youth leadership and culturally relevant civic engagement. Through their efforts, the Young River People’s Council is not only strengthening voter participation but also shaping the next generation of informed, active Indigenous leaders.