From guest writer Carolyn Kreuger,

Hello, Durham County. This is Carolyn Kreuger, the Coordinator of Kids Voting Durham, a non-partisan effort to help youth under 18 understand and believe in the power they have as engaged citizens and informed voters out of the Durham Cooperative Extension Office.

Our local youth are key to the health of our democracy, and our Kids Voting Durham Civic Leadership Intern Program helps them lead the way! Each summer, young leaders from all over Durham County aged 14-24 gain experience in  leadership, research, outreach, design, creative, and community-building skills while creating a the only Election Guide created by youth, for youth – helping to educate Kids Voting K-12 student voters (and even adults!) about our City Government, the voting process, and our upcoming Mayor & City Council Elections.

And we want your kids to apply today!

Kids Voting Civic Leadership program is a win-win for both our kids and our community.  Civic Leadership Interns work in a fun, inclusive team environment where youth voice is valued and youth have a genuine role in decision-making.  And, as they educate and engage Durham’s K-12 students in local government and elections, they are not just preparing for the future, they are strengthening our community and our democracy today.

When we asked past Civic Leadership Interns what they would say to youth considering being part of the program, here are a few of the things they shared:

• It is a great experience that allows you to make a real-world impact. Not only that, it's fun! You get to work with other youth who are passionate about the same things as you.
• Do it! It's great practice for other office work and it makes you more of an engaged citizen
• This is such a cool and unique experience to get involved with local government in Durham!!! You'll get to talk with candidates, create the election materials used through Durham schools, meet other youth equally invested in civic engagement and so, so much more.

Kids Voting offers part-time, volunteer positions that can be remote by zoom and/or in person at the Cooperative Extension Office and are eligible to earn service hours.  There are also 2-3 full-time paid in office Team Lead positions available.  For more information and to submit an application, visit www.kidsvotingdurham.org/blog/2025-summer-youth.  You can also register for the March 18 information session via Zoom or in person at the Durham Cooperative Extension office (721 Foster Street) where you can hear from past interns and ask any questions you might have. 

Even adults can get in on this great program.  If you are an adult with graphic design, tech, video, or other skills useful in creating our Election Guide and would like to serve as a volunteer Adult Ally advisor or resource for our youth team, please contact us at ckreuger@dconc.gov or 919-560-7321.

And certainly, keep an eye out for the Kids Voting Election Guide this Fall – it is the best way to inform your vote in the Durham Mayor or City Council election regardless of your age!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Kreuger | Program Coordinator, Kids Voting Durham