Based on in-depth interviews with leaders and activists of public and political organizations the article identifies the factors influencing the formation of the values of civic activism of young people. The structure of the study includes consideration of ways of engaging in civic engagement, the characteristics of consolidation within the organization (values, believes, identities, leader's authority, mechanisms of cohesion), interaction with government structures and civil society, and attracting supporters in offline and online environments. In addition, the author shows the factors of the formation of culture and attitudes of civic activity, the ratio of personal life and civic values, and the role of youth in organizations. The motivation for participation in civic and political activity of leaders and activists is dictated by ideological convictions, achievement of social status and recognition. The values of pragmatism, material gain, legal nihilism, and disdainful attitude of certain groups of young people to the laws of the country, the perception of protest actions as the most effective method of drawing attention to the problem, association or person are the personal factors in the formation of unconventional attitudes of civic activism. On the contrary, personal factors in the formation of conventional attitudes of civic activism are formed from respect for the constitution and laws of the country, the desire for positive interaction with the authorities, the development of the practice of jointly solving social problems based on the values of justice, morality and stability.