Youth political consultation can be a powerful mechanism for civic engagement, democratic mobilization, and effective policy development. Yet, as Dr. Wraychel Gilmore’s groundbreaking research reveals, Canada’s patriarchal political system remains resistant to meaningful youth inclusion, and change is overdue.
This conversation will explore how policymakers, educators, and community leaders can ally with youth to open political spaces that truly reflect their lived realities. Featuring insights from her book Renegade Politics: Advocating for Youth Political Engagement (forthcoming 2026, Dundurn Press), Dr. Gilmore argues that engaging youth voices is not only a matter of efficiency and innovation but a moral imperative toward justice and inclusion.
Dr. Gilmore’s advocacy is amplified by collaborations with Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae, Senators Stan Kutcher and Marilou McPhedran, and members of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council. Together, they are redefining what participatory democracy can look like when young people are seen as partners, not subjects, of policy.
Join Penn GSE's Global Possibility Network for an inspiring discussion on the participatory rights of youth and how deliberate, inclusive engagement can reshape the future of governance—both in Canada and beyond.
Speaker
Dr. Wraychel Gilmore is an award-winning child rights policy expert, founder and CEO of Renegade Consulting, and author of Renegade Politics: Advocating for Youth Political Engagement.