Organization’s Objective
Open societies rely fundamentally on the participation of an informed, empowered and organized citizenry in a vibrant and robust democratic process. Unfortunately, civic participation has trended downward for 25 years, leaving governmental decision-making in the hands of a shrinking and unrepresentative fraction of the populace. Given shifting demographics (notably the decreasing proportion of Baby Boomers), the social norms of democratic participation among Generations X and younger will drive the future of our society.
While voting rates among young people are on the increase, the progressive movement needs more than just voters. We need volunteers, activists, donors, organizers and leaders –- people who will contact elected officials, serve on civic committees and boards, work for progressive non-profits and run for office.
In short, the progressive movement needs new energy. We may have cracked the conservative stronghold in Congress, but the far right's governmental power is entrenched and they're gaining ground in the media, philanthropy and academia. Meanwhile, long-term activists on the left are burning out, and social isolation is becoming the American norm. It's make-or-break time: if we draw in new numbers NOW and cultivate new leaders, we survive as a movement. If not, progressive organizations and causes will die a slow death and become a historical footnote.
Against these odds, point-and-click activism isn't enough. Our society will be shaped by fewer and fewer people unless we experiment and discover innovative ways to build sustained civic participation among young people. We CAN cultivate a new generation of progressive leaders who will power the progressive movement and change the direction of this country, but only if we reinvent activism as relevant, appealing and sustainable for progressives in their 20s and 30s, starting NOW.
