The story behind the story of this year’s primary elections has been the power and influence of America’s youth vote. Record numbers of young adults are turning out to make their voices heard; in some states, turnout rates among young adults have doubled or even tripled. Barack Obama, in particular, has struck a chord among young adults with his message for change: among the under-30 crowd, voters are breaking almost 2:1 in his favor.* We’ve found these statistics interesting not only as indicators of political strategy, but as evidence of a new level of growing civic participation among young adults. According to Peter Levine, director of the civic engagement research group CIRCLE, rising youth turnout rates are reflective of this generation’s “deep concern about the critical issues at stake and the impact of this election on our country’s future.” Young adults are anxious for change and are now considering voting as one way to play a role in determining our collective future. (more…)

An Overview of Our Vision and Plans for the Next Two Years

April-September, 2008: Fundraising and Research

During this period, we will work to fundraise and establish a solid base of support for the project. Both of us will meet with prospective funders and work to establish partnerships with publishers, college and university faculty and student groups, community groups, and organizations promoting civic engagement. Our secondary focus will be on continuing to conduct interviews and writing the next two chapters of the book with Billy Starr, Founder of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, and Liz Titus Putnam, Founder of Student Conservation Association. (more…)

Our Key Accomplishments: Fall 2006 - Spring 2008

Fall 2006: The Idea is Born

• Project concept formed through conversations with each other and Matt’s mentors, Bob and Alice Evans (founders of Plowshares Institute).
• Developed preliminary goal: to capture and disseminate the wisdom and experience that Bob and Alice had acquired over their careers.
• Quickly expanded our mission to include a diverse selection of accomplished changemakers whose stories could inspire and equip a new generation of social leaders.
• Began researching the extent of our generation’s social involvement, and studying and talking to members of our “target audience” to define the challenge and opportunity. (more…)