Youth are more inclined to participate in informal processes than in formal political and electoral ones. Activism, protests, and campaigns are common avenues; youth are often driving forces behind reform movements. In the current world and throughout history, there are many examples of powerful youth-led protest movements. Youth also tend to get involved in civic, service-oriented activities, such as volunteering for a social cause. Many young people are more inclined to join a tree-planting project, for example, than to join a political party talking about planting trees in the future. 

Both formal and informal engagement can be understood as political participation. Both can be beneficial for a vivid and resilient democracy. In some cases, it is important to help bridge gaps between the two.