On Election Day, members of the Young River People’s Council (YRPC) demonstrated youth leadership and civic responsibility by volunteering at the Salt River Community Multi-Purpose Building, one of the local polling centers for the 2024 U.S. General Election.
As part of the Council’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative, YRPC youth created a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere for voters by offering snacks, refreshments, promotional items, and interactive games. Their goal was to increase voter turnout, ease the voting experience, and make the polling location a more inviting space for community members of all ages.
YRPC members took pride in not only supporting the election process but also helping to engage their peers and elders in the importance of civic participation. Their efforts embodied the UNITY pillar of Social Wellness, emphasizing community connection, service, and informed civic involvement.
Throughout the day, YRPC members gained firsthand insight into the logistics of election day operations, deepening their understanding of democratic processes and how they can play a direct role in supporting them. By serving as welcoming faces at the polling site, the youth reinforced the message that civic duty belongs to everyone—especially Indigenous youth.
This initiative marks another example of how the Young River People’s Council continues to encourage leadership through action, empowering youth to be active participants in shaping their communities and the future.