Decídete México

Problem Statement

Young people in Mexico must actively engage in political participation to foster a robust and equitable democracy in the country. The low level of political involvement among the youth poses a substantial barrier on the journey towards a more resilient and just democratic system in Mexico, and it requires effective attention.

According to INEGI, a mere 17% of individuals aged 18 to 29 participated in the presidential elections of 2018, underscoring the pressing need for increased engagement and civic responsibility among the younger population. This initiative strives to provide solutions to the question: 'How can we activate political participation among young people in Mexico?'

About Decídete México

Decídete México is a passionate, impartial and non-partisan movement with the primary goal of promoting civic participation among Mexican youth. Recognizing the vital importance of the voice and action of the youth in building a vibrant and participatory Mexico, our movement focuses on fostering informed and active decision-making.

Through a variety of innovative platforms and methods, Decídete México is dedicated to encouraging civic participation. From interactive workshops and virtual forums to physical events, educational courses, and inspiring talks, the initiative provides diverse opportunities for citizens to engage meaningfully in democratic processes.

The initiative strives to empower young people by providing them with key information through awareness campaigns, both digital and physical. We believe in the importance of civic education and in providing practical tools for citizens to exercise their right to participate in decision-making that affects our society.

Decídete México seeks to create an inclusive and dynamic space where the diversity of voices and opinions is celebrated. We believe in the collective strength to generate positive and lasting change.

Join on this journey toward an active and aware citizenship. Together, hubs are building a Mexico where every voice matters, and every decision shapes the fabric of our common future.

Decídete México, decide your future!

What has the project achieved so far?

2018

Decídete México in 2018 promoted various collaborative events aimed at strengthening youth democracy in the country. Notable initiatives included a nationwide free viewing of the Presidential Debate in Cinépolis cinemas and La Fiesta del Debate in cities such as Monterrey, Morelia, Mexico City, Puebla, Aguascalientes, Tijuana, Cuernavaca, León, Guadalajara, and Culiacán. Partnerships with organizations like Fundación Cinépolis, Ollín Jóvenes por México, Enseña por México, COPARMEX, and Kybernus facilitated these events. 

Additionally, the collaboration extended to the Elections Debate Panel Decídete México 2018 in Mexico City, done in partnership with Collective Academy, Ollín Jóvenes por México, Hunters, Archipiélago, and Centro CDMX. Simultaneously, Shapers in Mexico initiated conversations on social media through panel discussions and events surrounding the general elections on July 1, 2018. Decídete México's primary goals were to encourage youth democratic participation, including voting and electoral observation, and to eliminate existing taboos associated with electoral engagement while promoting the involvement of selected youth in supporting the implementation of the national voting system.

2021

Several virtual panels were held, with a notable emphasis on the panel titled "Politics No Longer Exists Without Them." This panel sought to underscore the importance of women's participation in politics, featuring perspectives from young women who have actively engaged in both politics and the government sector.

Another significant virtual panel was titled "Democracy in Crisis?" where the current political situation and prospects for promoting informed voting, youth political engagement, and combating misinformation were discussed.

In addition, digital campaigns were launched on Facebook and Instagram to provide key information to young people. This information included details about polling stations, essential data for voting, and crucial recommendations.

2023

Planning and project development took place, along with training sessions for the 12 hubs in Mexico participating in the movement. A toolkit with key elements was provided to prepare the hubs. Additionally, a campaign was launched, extending to virtual and physically to spaces such as schools and offices the primary goal is to ensure that young individuals have updated their voter ID card or electoral identification card from the National Electoral Institute (INE) to vote knowledgeably in the 2024 presidential elections.

With the aim of strengthening civic participation, strategic alliances were forged with various organizations and companies. These collaborations are intended to build meaningful debates that enrich the dialogue and provide the youth with an informed perspective on crucial topics in the upcoming electoral process.

What's next? In 2024

It is anticipated that each participating hub will organize various events, including forums, conferences, workshops and debates some with gubernatorial candidates, others with individuals who can provide important perspectives to help young people make informed decisions with their vote, each hub facing the challenge in their local area. Emphasis will be placed on providing information to new voters so they can cast their votes in an informed and conscious manner.

Additionally, three key national forums will be held virtually: in January, focusing on the power of civic participation in politics; in February, addressing perspectives on Mexico from political parties; and in early March, a forum on youth and their perspectives with presidential candidates. Simultaneously, the virtual and physical campaign will continue to ensure that the people have their updated INE (National Electoral Institute) to vote knowledgeably in the 2024.

We have 12 hubs working in diverse ways to boost youth political participation: Mexico City, Reynosa, Morelia, Querétaro, Toluca, Aguascalientes, Playa del Carmen, Mérida, Tijuana, Ensenada, Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí.

Soon, we will be updating the information to showcase the efforts of each of them.

How can other hubs engage with this project?

We are very excited for hubs to join and contribute to this initiative in your hub. Please get in touch with the coordinators listed on this page and send a message so that we can provide you with all the information for your participation.

Shapers in Mexico sparked a political conversation on social media, using #DecídeteMéxico, through panel discussions and events around the general elections that took place in Mexico on 1 July 2018.

Young people engaged in a round of debates on the largest election in Mexico's history.

Find out more.