In this interview, American Promise’s Young Americans Network Coordinator Grace Hall is joined by Kalijah Robinson, a student at Weber State University and a member of American Promise’s Young Americans Council, to discuss how his work with American Promise has empowered him to make a difference in his home state of Utah.

Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself? 

I’m just a regular kid from a small city with big dreams. I grew up in Ogden, Utah, for most of my life. Since I was little, I’ve seen significant growth in not only the people but the city itself, whether that be community-based or population-based. I never thought I would be too much into philanthropy or volunteer work, but that has become a big part of my life recently. I’m currently enrolled at Weber State University, studying history and English, hopefully on the route to law school. I love sports, comic books, movies, trucks, and our good old United States. That is why I’m so passionate about what we’re fighting for with American Promise. 

Getting money out of politics isn’t necessarily an issue that is top of mind for many young people. How did you first become interested in campaign finance reform? 

At our university we have access to speeches, lunches, and sit-down Q&A sessions with our local government leaders, federal government leaders, companies, organizations, or anybody that’s having a significant civic impact. One day, I saw that they were having an event [featuring American Promise CEO Jeff Clements], so I attended. To my amazement, I was actually very interested, and I even signed [the American Promise Citizen Pledge]. From there, we never looked back. 

In your opinion, why is getting rid of corruption and dark money in our political system so important for young people especially? 

Youth are the backbone of America. If we do not make a change now, then we will continue to allow outside influences to change our way of life — a way of life that is crucial to our young Americans. We must continue to build up our amazing youth, and that starts with our democracy and our education. 

What is one issue that you would like to address with the passage of the For Our Freedom Amendment? 

Limiting foreign money or capping contributions in our elections is my main focus at the moment. I do believe in other causes and I am passionate about other things, but at the forefront, this is what I’m thinking about.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the Young Americans Council? 

I’ve already attained the goals for which I joined the Young Americans Council, which is [for my home state of Utah to join 22 other states and pass a resolution urging Congress to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that returns the power to regulate election spending to the states]. I helped. American Promise has made me feel like [my role in the effort] was the greatest swing of a pendulum in the world. I will continue to do my due diligence to make sure that I am continuing to make them feel like that with my work here in the Young Americans Council. 

What do you see as the barriers to passing the For Our Freedom Amendment, and what can we do to break down those barriers? 

I think it all lies within the divisions of our political standing. Whether that be left or right, both are being led by biased news outlets or social media posts. I admit sometimes I get caught doing it as well. But I recognize that we must unite and advocate, especially as a cross-partisan organization, and I believe others can have this realization too. The main thing that hinders our acceleration to the finish line is the division between political parties. 

How are you politically involved in your community? What advice would you give to other young people who would like to get involved but don’t know where to begin? 

Currently, I’m interning for a state representative this summer and fall, and I’m also involved with American Promise. I actively encourage my peers to register to vote and help them understand that their votes matter, especially at the local level. Many people think their vote doesn’t count because of the electoral college, but real change occurs in local governments. Last year, during election season, we helped register over 10,000 people. My advice to other young people is to vote, stay engaged, and participate in local meetings. Your voice truly matters. 

What would you say to other young people as a call to action? 

I would point out just how much money has been poured into our elections and highlight the clear threats this creates for our democracy. It’s important to help young people realize that they are the ones who can actually make a change. Young people today, whether they’re on the left or the right, genuinely care about just causes. They want to make the world a better place. They know their voices matter, and when they come together around these shared values, they can drive real progress. I believe this amendment does that. I believe that American Promise does that. I would empower them to take action and advocate for the change they believe in!