At this moment when anti-democratic instigators attack the principles, laws and lawmakers of our nation, we uplift creative youth development as the artistic activity with the most to contribute to our civic health. Sound democracy is dependent on shared power achieved through representation. For democracy to thrive at the national level, it must thrive locally. Creative youth development programs manifest this by putting decision making power in the hands of young people, amplifying the voices of the unheard, and fostering mutual understanding across communities.