Problem Statement

Young people in Mexico need to become actively involved in political participation to build a strong and just democracy in the country, especially in Mérida, where according to INE Yucatán, young people are the least likely to vote in the state, while older adults are the most likely to participate. The low political participation of young people is a significant obstacle on the path towards a more robust and fair democracy in Mexico and should be effectively addressed.

Target Group

According to INEGI, only 17% of young people aged 18 to 29 voted in the presidential elections of 2018. This is why, young people from this ages are our target group.

Proposed Solution

Decide Mexico - Merida is a passionate, impartial and non-partisan movement with the primary goal of promoting civic participation among Mexican youth. Recognizing the vital importance of the voice and action of the youth in building a vibrant and participatory Mexico. We strive to empower young people by providing them with key information through awareness campaigns, both digital and physical. We believe in the importance of civic education and in providing practical tools for citizens to exercise their right to participate in decision-making that affects our society.

Hub Activities, Available Metrics and Short & Long-term Result/Goals

Our initiative seeks to reach 150 young individuals aged between 19 and 27 in the city of Mérida, motivating them to actively participate in the 2024 elections through an informed vote. We anticipate that out of those 150 participants, at least 60% will actively go to vote. In this sense, we aim to comprehensively address the challenges associated with civic engagement in electoral processes, combining both short-term and long-term strategies.

Our primary objective is to empower and mobilize a cohort of independent and secure young individuals who will actively contribute to the electoral discourse through informed decision-making and meaningful participation. To achieve this goal, we are establishing a multifaceted program with the following key activities from January to June 2024:

• Mapping of Key Actors (January - February 2024): Identify and catalog essential entities such as organizations, activist groups, youth organizations, companies, and dissemination partners.


• Needs Assessment for Elections 2024 (March 2024): Facilitate the creation of forums where young people can express their ideas, voice their needs, and contribute to shaping the electoral agenda for 2024.


• Implementation of Dialogue Spaces (March - May 2024): Establish dialogue spaces in various institutions, including universities, to foster open discussions among young people.


• Youth Perspectives Gathering (March - May 2024): Conduct extensive outreach to gather perspectives from the youth in Yucatan. This involves actively listening to their concerns, aspirations, and suggestions, forming the basis for informed decision-making and program development.


• Document Development (May - June 2024): Compile a comprehensive document summarizing the recommendations, needs, and ideas put forth by the youth of Yucatan. This document will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the priorities of the demographic and guide future initiatives.


• Youth Reviews and Signatures Collection (June 2024): Solicit feedback from the youth of Yucatan to ensure their ongoing involvement and satisfaction with the program. Additionally, collect signatures as a tangible demonstration of support and commitment from the engaged youth.


• Document Submission to Candidates: Transmit the compiled document to electoral candidates, ensuring that the perspectives and recommendations of the youth are actively considered in the political discourse leading up to the elections.

Collaborators

Collaborators will include universities such as Anahuac Mayab, UADY, Marista, as well as NGOs and private companies.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/decidetemexico/