Several ambitious websites try to give young Americans a voice in politics and policy:

The Youth Policy Action Center is an elaborate site that supports discussion of issues, provides links to opportunities for voting and volunteering, puts people in touch with like-minded peers, and shows off youth-produced videos and other media. It’s a product of about 80 leading youth-oriented organizations.

The Association of Young Americans is an “AARP for youth,” an idea that I floated in an earlier post. The AYP website provides issue briefs, mostly on economic matters of special relevance to the younger generations of Americans, and forums for discussion.

The Constitutional Rights Foundation–a group that I work with fairly often–has launched CRF Forum: For Youth, by Youth. Again, there is a discussion forum, a set of issue briefs, and opportunities to become involved. CRF is also running a photo contest. It’s great to organize contests for young media-creators, because their lack of audience is a big problem.

WireTap is part of the AlterNet network, and it dates back to 1998. Its large audience consists of young (18-25) progressives. Its website provides blogs, news stories, and columns–often on economic issues like the prices of textbooks.