John Della Volpe, a renowned expert on youth political behavior and the Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, has spent over two decades studying the evolving opinions and activism of young Americans. In an interview earlier this year with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, Della Volpe discussed the generational shift in activism and political engagement. "This is the most powerful youth movement we’ve seen since the civil rights movement of the 1960s," Della Volpe remarked during the interview, underscoring the unprecedented political influence that Gen Z wields today. Stewart praised the tenacity of young people in their fight for a better future, prompting Della Volpe to add, "They’re not just the future—they’re the now."

With his groundbreaking research and best-selling book Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America, Della Volpe has become a leading voice on how this generation—facing unprecedented social, economic, and political challenges—has transformed fear into a powerful force for change.

In a recent interview with Michael Zeldin for CommPRO, John Della Volpe discussed the resilience of Generation Z amidst significant societal turmoil, emphasizing that this generation has not only weathered unprecedented challenges but has also taken bold steps to drive change. According to Della Volpe, Gen Z—those born between the late 1990s and early 2000s—has faced a relentless series of crises, from gun violence to climate change and economic instability. Yet, instead of succumbing to fear, they have turned their anxiety into action.

“Fear of being shot when I walk into a public building, fear for my health, fear for my potential children,” Della Volpe explained, sharing the stark concerns voiced by Gen Z during focus groups conducted across the U.S. However, he highlighted the inspiring response of these young people. Rather than withdrawing, they have leaned into activism, fighting for a better future. “They’re not just stepping up for themselves—they’re stepping up for the most vulnerable.”

Della Volpe, author of *Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America*, noted that this generation's political engagement is higher than previous ones at their age. “They are participating in civic society and politics at rates that no other generation has,” he said. The 2022 midterm elections, for instance, saw record youth turnout, with Gen Z advocating for policies related to gun control, environmental justice, and racial equality. Their involvement, he argued, has already shaped major national outcomes, such as the bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation and the largest investment ever in climate change solutions.

A key factor behind this shift is the strong values-based voting that defines Gen Z. “They want their values reflected in their leaders,” Della Volpe emphasized, pointing out that this generation, despite the trauma it has experienced, shows a high degree of empathy. He attributes this not only to their upbringing but also to the global interconnectedness brought about by social media, which allows them to witness struggles across the world in real time. “By definition, younger people are among the most vulnerable in our society,” he said, “yet they continue to stand up and protect those even more vulnerable.”

Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Della Volpe is optimistic about the long-term impact of this generation. He believes their heightened political engagement and empathetic worldview will redefine the landscape of American democracy, driving it toward greater collaboration and inclusivity. As he put it, “They are already showing us how to channel fear into progress—and this is only the beginning.”