Sonic Youth

Aspen Ideas: Show Up amplifies young people’s voices, so they can turn protest into policy.

Give NowOver two nights in October 2020, the Institute’s Public Programs launched a first-of-its-kind digital event aimed at engaging people 18–34 years old. On the eve of the 2020 presidential election, Aspen Ideas: Show Up was meant to get people enthused about engaging in civic life.

Held in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation and Now This, a social media–focused news organization, Aspen Ideas: Show Up featured athletes moving the bar on social justice, a tribal elder’s fight for civil rights, a drag queen’s efforts to inspire voter participation, and more. Programming was free and open to all and included an hour-long, pre-produced broadcast followed by an hour of interactive programming each night.

Conversations were built around how to have better arguments, how to productively move from protest to policy, and how to stay civically engaged for the long run. Performances included YelloPain, a young rapper and hip-hop artist, sharing his music video on the electoral process, and the sibling music collective Infinity Song, performing their song “Mad Love.” The event included 4,200 unique registrants, 3,500 estimated live viewers across both nights, and more than 394,000 people from around the world who watched at least one piece of Show Up content across all platforms. In addition, the social media platforms involved in promoting the event received over 753,000 impressions.

One viewer on Twitter called Show Up a nonpartisan forum for young leaders who represent the next generation of doers, experts, and thinkers. Thanks to Jacklyn G. and Miguel A. Bezos, the Institute will keep those young leaders engaged for years—and elections—to come.