Photo courtesy of pmillera4
Following the intense 2000 presidential campaign during college, Johanna Berkson decided to switch career paths from sports casting to public service with the goal of advocating for the many issues she was passionate about. She jumped at the idea to join the OUR TIME team - where she plans to remain for however long it takes to engage all young Americans to take ownership of our futures.
This year’s elections proved the importance of the youth vote as a powerful factor in shaping the greater American voice in politics and government. This post is part of a special series looking at how youth in America can remain active and civically engaged in government, now that the 2012 elections have ended.
What Now?
OurTime.org’s efforts began with the election! According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, an estimated 22 to 23 million young voters turned out, comprising 19 percent of the American electorate - one percent larger than in 2008, and two percent larger than in 2004.
After young Americans vote, there are still many ways for them to be civically engaged and we’re making it our goal to keep them involved in the policy process.
The mission of OUR TIME is to combine the voting and purchasing power of young Americans so that politicians and businesses represent our needs better. Currently, they are not doing a good job. At least one in six of us is unemployed, almost one in three of us lack insurance, and those of us lucky enough to attend college on average owe more than $24,000 in student loan debt.
This has got to stop, and here is what we are doing about it:
Daily Translations
We get that politics is currently a foreign language and we’re tired of it too. However, in order for our generation to have a voice, we have to stay informed. If you’re not writing the menu, then you’re on the menu. That’s why we’re translating a cliff notes version of the news for you each day and sharing it via Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and our website. (Learn more here.)
One Million New Service Positions
Millennials have been hit hard by the economic downturn. One in two young Americans are un- or under-employed. Many of us are currently looking for work, nervous about whether we’ll get a job when we graduate, or don't know whether we’ll keep our current position. Here’s how we’re helping.
We’re promoting one million new national service jobs in areas such as nursing, teaching, disaster relief, infrastructure repair, etc. (Join the campaign here). Young Americans are looking for work with companies and organizations that will also allow them to have a social impact. New national service jobs will help provide young eager workers in areas where there is the most need.
Buy Young
Aside from politics, we are also saving you money and supporting young businesses through our marketplace, Buy Young (Check it out here). Forty percent of young Americans have started their own business or plan to do so. By promoting and buying from young entrepreneurs, we can play a part in ensuring the success of our generation.
Promoting Local, State, and Mid-term Elections
Young voter turnout was unbelievably impressive on November 6th. However, our generation seems to forget that elections happen more often than every four years when we vote for the President. Local, state, and Congressional mid-term elections are equally important. We want young voters to turn out in droves for all elections and we’re helping them do that by providing important upcoming election information.
Our generation was heard loud and clear on Election Day. It’s now up to us to ensure that we are not forgotten until 2016. Stay involved with OurTime.org and become a part of the Millennial movement that’s just getting started.