Good Trouble State of The Youth

As our nation approaches 250th anniversary of its founding the Annual State of the Youth will bring together MN's brightest young people.
About this Event

State of the Youth Union is an annual convening that brings together young people, community leaders, educators, advocates, elected officials, and cross-sector partners to assess the current realities facing youth and collectively shape a vision for the future.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the 2026 State of the Youth Union centers the voices, experiences, and leadership of young people at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. Grounded in the legacy of Congressman John Lewis and the call to create “good trouble,” the gathering explores what freedom, opportunity, belonging, power-building and democracy should look like for the next generation.

The convening highlights findings from youth listening sessions and community engagement efforts across Minnesota, elevating perspectives on education, mental health, economic opportunity, public safety, civic participation, and community well-being. Through storytelling, dialogue, workshops, and youth-led discussions, participants will identify challenges, celebrate successes, and develop recommendations for action.

More than a conference, the State of the Youth Union is a platform for intergenerational collaboration—creating space for young people to not only share their experiences but also help shape policies, programs, and investments that impact their lives. The event culminates in a collective call to action, ensuring youth voices remain at the center of building a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future for Minnesota and beyond.

Theme: "All of us must get in the revolution... until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete... We won't stop now." — John Lewis, 1963 March on Washington.