Future Preparedness Index August 7, 2009 12:42 PM
Young People First, an organization that aims to establish a powerful constituency of young people to advocate for long-term priorities in the United States, is developing the Future Preparedness Index. The FPI "will empower younger generations to prevent the next cycle of hidden crises here in the US, and encourage a proactive, practical approach to successfully meeting our most critical long-term challenges." The FPI is being developed and you can play a role - Young People first has set up a questionnaire which will assist in developing the FPI. Follow the link to the Questionnaire.
-- Association of Young Americans
80 Million Lauch Event in DC TODAY!! May 7, 2009 5:43 AM
A coalition of young people have come together to lobby, support and encourage good jobs for today's young generation. On the 80 Million Strong website, they assert: "With tens of thousands of dollars in debt from student loans and credit cards, young people need jobs, yet in times like these the newly graduated are forced to compete with more experienced workers for even the most entry-level positions. We need jobs now." Their Launch event is happening today, May 7, 2009 in Washington DC. Check out their website for more details: 80 Million Strong.
-- Association of Young Americans
Activism, Economy | Comments (0)
4-07-09: The Power to build new bridges instead of new walls April 7, 2009 1:51 PM
In his closing remarks on his first extended trip abroad, President Obama reminded an audience of university students in Turkey that "The world will be what you make of it." Whether you agree with our President's politics and policies or not, he has correctly identified the growing power of the world's youth to change politics and policies around the world. As you read and debate the issues included on this webpage or any other, remember that to change the world, you have to first participate in it.
-- Association of Young Americans
80 Million Strong! March 30, 2009 8:15 AM
A coalition of young people have come together to lobby, support and encourage good jobs for today's young generation. On the 80 Million Strong website, they assert: "With tens of thousands of dollars in debt from student loans and credit cards, young people need jobs, yet in times like these the newly graduated are forced to compete with more experienced workers for even the most entry-level positions. We need jobs now. That's why we are:
- Convening a summit of young people in Washington, DC to discuss this problem and propose solutions
- Developing federal legislation based on the summit's recommendations
- Building a grassroots coalition that truly reflects and empowers the Millennial generation"
You can learn more about their efforts and get involved through the 80 Million strong website. As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in our Forums on what the federal government can do to encourage growth in our economy and good jobs for young Americans.
-- Association of Young Americans
Activism, Economy | Comments (0)
New Year's Resolution? - Change Begins With Me December 31, 2008 7:59 AM
At a time of year when many are pondering how they will improve their life in the new year, the Case Foundation is launching a new campaign to inspire people to think about how they can impact their communities.
"[T]his campaign calls for Americans everywhere to think about the change they can make in their community in the coming year, then visit the Case Foundation's web site and share this commitment with us and the world. The campaign is simple and easy. There is no idea too big or too small.
"Just by pledging to make a difference, one lucky individual will win an all expenses paid Inauguration trip for two. This includes airfare, a three night hotel stay, and tickets to the Inaugural ceremony and the Hawaii Inaugural Ball. And, in the spirit of giving, this person will be set up with a once in a lifetime opportunity to serve in Washington, DC as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
"The Change Begins with Me campaign is just the beginning of our year-long effort to help transform inauguration excitement into community action." You can learn more on the Case Foundation website.
Are you planning to be involved in your comunity this year? How? Share your thoughts and experiences in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
Constitutional Convention December 17, 2008 3:29 PM
Mobilize.org and the National Constitution Center are hosting Constititional Convention: Building Democracy 2.0 this January 9-11 at teh National Constitution Center.
"This event gives Millenials around the country the opportunity to network with other Millenials, engage in discussions about the election and American democracy [...], as well as renowned experts in the fields of history, politics, constitutional law, and political management."
If you are interested in participating, register here, but hurry as space is limited.
-- Association of Young Americans
Activism, Gov't Reform | Comments (0)
Students Concerned about Federal Budget November 11, 2008 12:37 PM
Initial reports from last week's election are that over 2 million more young people voted in 2008 than in 2004, according to CIRCLE. While there are a multitude of issues of concern to young Americans, A group of young people at the University of Pennsylvania have formed a non-partisan coalition - Pound It - to address federal budget issues, including increasing annual deficits and the growing national debt. Pound It's website describes their goal as follows:
- Hey, do you know how the national debt is going to affect your future? Do you really care? Probably not. However, it's going to have a bigger impact on your life than you may realize. Pound-It is a nonpartisan coalition of students at the University of Pennsylvania, formed to increase awareness about our current budget crisis. Our goal is to start a discussion about balancing the needs of the elderly and the futures of the young. Check out our site for more info. Help us turn that $10 trillion debt into a thing of the past!
Learn more about Pound It at their website and learn more about the federal budget in the Assocation of Young Americans Deficits and Debt Issue Paper. As always, we invite you to share your thoughts and concerns about these important national issues in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
Activism, Budget, Deficits and Debt | Comments (0)
Young Americans' Top Concerns October 8, 2008 8:37 AM
18 to 35 year olds from over 30 states took the Association of Young American's National Issues Survey, stating what national policy issues concerned them most. The top 5 issues of concern are:
1) Education
2) Healthcare
3) Jobs and the Economy
4) Environment / Climate Change
5) Iraq
Over the next few days we will be featuring each of these 5 issues here on our blog. Today, the most identified issue of concern: Education.
Nationally, our K-12 and higher education systems have been found to need significant overhauls. "The most recent Program for International Student Assessment showed that U.S. 15-year-olds trailed their peers from many industrialized countries. The average science score of U.S. students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based group that represents the world's richest countries. The U.S. students were further behind in math, trailing counterparts in 23 countries," according to a Washington Post report.
As detailed on the AYA Higher Education Issue Paper: The Department of Education formed the Commission on Higher Education and charged it with developing a comprehensive national strategy for postsecondary education that will meet the needs of America's diverse population and also address the economic and workforce needs of the country's future." The Commission approved a final report that "urges a broad shake-up of American higher education" including: every student having the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education, restructuring the entire financial aid system and increasing federal investment in areas "critical to our nation's global competitiveness."
You can learn more about the Presidential candidates positions on education through the links to their websites below:
John McCain
Barack Obama
Ralph Nader
Bob Barr
And as always we encourage you to share your thoughts and views in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
2008 election, Activism, Education | Comments (0)
Second Presidential Debate Tonight October 7, 2008 3:05 PM
Tonight is the second debate between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama. The debate will have a town hall format with question from the audience members and via the internet.
Association of Young Americans' members in Philadelphia will be out at the Black Sheep Pub starting at 8pm tonight for a debate watching party - feel free to join us! The Black Sheep is located on 17th street between Spruce and Locust. Even if you can't make it, please share your thoughts on the debate and the election in our Voting '08 forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
2008 election, Activism | Comments (0)
Pennsylvania Voter Registration deadline - TODAY!! October 6, 2008 8:25 AM
Today is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania, the home state of the Association of Young Americans. You can learn how to register today on the Pennsylvania Department of State's website. You could also contact any of the presidential campaigns for the locations of their voter registration efforts. From Iraq to Afghanistan, College Affordability to the Economy, voting is one of the ways to make the issues you care about heard.
If you are in the Philadelphia area, please join us at the Black Sheep tomorrow night, 8pm-10:30pm, to watch the 2nd Presidential debate. The Black Sheep is located on 17th Street between Locust and Spruce Streets.
-- Association of Young Americans
2008 election, Activism | Comments (0)
7/24/08 - Does a "Generation Gap" = a "Voting Gap" July 24, 2008 10:02 AM
The most recent Wall Street Journal poll found that 55% of voters aged 18 to 34 prefer the 46-year-old Sen. Obama, while 31% favored Sen. McCain. That 24-point edge is up from a 13-point advantage for Sen. Obama in last month's survey. The question is whether this apparent voting gap will be replicated on Election Day. More importantly, how will the candidates react to the gap; will they assume this segment of the voting population is locked up and can be ignored or will they attempt to increase their current numbers by speaking to the issues that concern young americans (see AYA's National Issues Survey for wht you have said are your top issues). Talk about how you're making your voice heard in this election cycle in our open forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
4/25/08 - Will Candidates Continue to Pursue Your Vote? April 25, 2008 10:33 AM
The SF Chronicle published an interesting piece looking at the realities of the youth turnout in the 2008 primaries as compared to the continued power of the "older" voting brackets. Analyzizing the numbers, the paper suggests that older voters remain the larger (and more reliable) voting bloc. Further, that negative campaigns are more likely to turn off young voters than older. If true, this just reinforces the need of young voters to SPEAK UP and DEMAND a debate on the issues, not on irrelevant ideas. Fill out AYA's National Issues Survey,speak out in a forum and make sure your voice is heard.
-- Association of Young Americans
Engaging Non-College Young People April 18, 2008 1:41 PM
A good deal of attention has been paid this election season to the "youth vote", the majority of which has focused on college students. What about young people who do not go to college after high school? "So far this election season, young voters without college backgrounds have lagged behind their college-educated counterparts at the polls. On Feb. 5, the day of the Super Tuesday sweepstakes when 20-plus states held primaries or caucuses, 79 percent of young voters had some kind of higher education under their belts and 21 percent had a high school diploma or less, according to data compiled by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)," reports the Christian Science Monitor. "The college-noncollege gap surfaced nationally in 1972, as unions and other organizations that had mobilized young people who didn't attend college declined. Reaching out to this group became expensive and time-consuming for campaigns, especially during the primaries."
Share your perspective as a young person, who either did or did not attend college, as to why you will or won't vote this year? What suggestions do you have for candidates and organizations to better reach out to young people who do not attend college? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Voting'08 Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
40th Anniversary of the Assassination of Martin Luther King April 4, 2008 8:31 AM
Forty Years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed in Memphis, TN. The Day before his murder, Dr. King gave a speech, in Memphis. Here is an excerpt:
"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind.
"Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
"And so I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"
Clips of the speech and the full text are available at AmericanRhetoric.com.
Share your thoughts about his legacy, and race relations in America in our Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Getting Your News February 18, 2008 11:12 AM
The NY Times is reporting the Presidential election is not only seeing an increase in young americans coming out to the polls, but an increase in that same group watching cable news networks. During the week of Feb. 5 voting:
- CNN's ratings among viewers aged 18 to 34 were up 232 over the same week in 2004
- Fox was up 78%
- MSNBC was up 400%
How are you getting information about the election? Do you read the white papers on AYA or rely on other websites? Let the community know how you stay up-to-date on the issues and what influences your vote in our forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
Are You Registered to Vote? February 4, 2008 6:36 PM
The key to having your voice heard in American politics is (for those of you who aren't cynics) voting at the polls. When people share a common interest and vote for candidates who reflect that view, their views will be carried to Congress and the White House. The Nation has an interesting article looking at whether registration requierments will hinder the impact of young Americans during tomorrow's Super Tuesday primary voting. Do you feel you can contribute to politics without being registered? Did you register in the state you were born, where you live currently, or even where you attend school? Debate the importance of registration and ways to improve how Americans register in our Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
2/1/08 - Another Voice Heard February 1, 2008 4:12 PM
This article in the Houston Chronicle highlights the efforts one Young American is taking in order to make his vote count. One of AYA's goals is to get all young Americans to stand up and demdn to be heard by politicans of every party. The easiest way is to use the one tool every politican MUST listen to, your vote. Please continue to visit this site, learn about the issues, voice your opinion and remember, whether it's a cacus, a primary, your local election or the Presidential election, make sure your voice is heard and VOTE!
-- Association of Young Americans
The Growing Influence of Young Americans January 14, 2008 11:35 AM
Traditionally viewed as more liberal than conservative, more laid back than politically active, the efforts of Brett and Alex Harris challenge the status quo of youth and politics. As detailed in a NY Times article today, these 2 evangelical authors and speakers are putting their political beliefs into political action as they reach out to all young conservatives to drum up support for Gov. Huckabee. While AYA remains non-partisan and neutral in the Presidential election, we do support any young americans becoming politically active and working hard to make sure their view points are heard in the political arena. Exchange ideas on political candidates and ways to be politically active in out Voting '08 Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Election Day TOMORROW November 5, 2007 5:52 PM
Tomorrow is Election Day. Even though there are no federal elections tomorrow there are many important state elections across the country. Exercise your franchise and vote!
-- Association of Young Americans
Case Foundation's Top 100! October 19, 2007 1:51 PM
The Association of Young Americans is excited to have been named one of the Top 100 Semifinalists in the Case Foundation's "Make it Your Own" Awards. Over 4,500 individuals and organizations applied for this grant program.
The Case Foundation was founded in 1997 by Jean and Steve Case to reflect their family's heartfelt commitment to finding lasting solutions to complex social challenges.
-- Association of Young Americans
Join Us in Chicago! October 14, 2007 11:05 AM
The Association of Young Americans (AYA) is proud to announce its arrival in the Chicago land area. We would like to extend this invitation to join us for our launch event on October 18, 2007 at BB's at 22 E. Hubbard, Chicago, IL from 6:30 to 8pm.
We are going to be looking for people interested in helping to grow a strong base of participants in Chicago. We will be looking for people who either want to be part of the Organizing team or who are just interested in attending events.
Please RSVP to AYAChicago@gmail.com.
-- Association of Young Americans
Poll Shows Liberal Ideas Gaining With Young People June 26, 2007 11:17 PM
The NY Times found in a recent poll that more than half of Americans between 17 and 29 years old 54 percent say they intend to vote for a Democrat for president in 2008. With Young Americans expressing a strong feeling about WHO (a Democrat) they will vote for in 2008, the quest remains WILL they actually come out and vote? This site takes no position on which candidate is best for Young Americans or the country as a whole; instead we believe it is important that all young Americans become educated about those running for office, the positions they take on the issues most important to our generation, and then act on that information. Read the papers, visit the candidates websites, listen to debates, but most importantly, make sure to vote. Whether its a primary or the national election, your vote matters and if you don't use your vote to express your opinion, our generation will face the consequences. Voice your opinion on Election 2008 in our Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
White House race uses E-politics to chase youth vote June 23, 2007 10:27 AM
6/23/07 - White House race uses E-politics to chase youth vote
As we move further and further into the 21st Century, it seems politics is finally catching up to the technological advances that most of Young Americans have been using for the past decade. As Heather Smith, director of Young Voter Strategies said in The Age, "Today's young adults have proved that they're a critical voting bloc for both political parties to court. At 42 million strong, this generation will only grow in influence." Hillary Clinton's paradoy of the last scenes from The Sopranos has already recorded more than a million hits to the site, with another 100,000 on YouTube and an estimated 200,000 more to other sites. Every Presidential candidate has a Myface and Facebook page and many are regularly posting videos on Youtube. Will this advance into cyberspace help increase voter turnout of the under-30 crowd or just provide proof to the cynical youth that politicans are all about the latest trends? Provide your comments in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Volunteer Week April 15, 2007 10:22 AM
This week is National Volunteers' Week, established initially in 1974 by President Nixon. Presient Bush issued a proclaimation stating, "Throughout the history of America, volunteers and civic organizations have helped extend the blessings of liberty and opportunity to our citizens. People across our Nation answer the universal call to love their neighbor by giving their time, talents, and energy to comfort those in despair, support others in need, and change lives for the better. The optimism and determination of our country's volunteers reflect the true spirit and strength of our Nation." Volunteer opportunities are available at http://www.volunteer.gov/
Do you volunteer? In what kinds of activities do you donate your time? Share your experiences in the Open Forum. And if you would like to volunteer with the Association of Young Americans, please e-mail us at young_americans@hotmail.com
-- Association of Young Americans
Shareholder Activism February 26, 2007 12:51 PM
With annual meetings of corporations set for this spring, many see an opportunity to influence corporate behavior. "[A]ctivists of varied stripes are gearing up for a new spring season of shareholder meetings by linking up with allies and upgrading their approaches. They're tapping into new networks, formed in the past three years, to rally grass-roots investors behind various causes. They're also reaping the benefits of new disclosure requirements intended to demystify mountains of paperwork and legalese that have traditionally enshrouded the inner workings of corporate boards," reports the Christian Science Monitor. At Columbia University, students are "calling on Columbia to use its clout as a big Chevron stockholder to solicit a report that would address, among other things, pollution caused by nearly three decades of oil drilling in Ecuador." Are you involved with any activities directed at corporate activity? Share your stories in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Young Americans get out the Vote! November 9, 2006 12:27 PM
"About 24 percent of Americans under the age of 30, or at least 10 million young voters, cast ballots in Tuesday's elections that saw Democrats make big gains in Congress. That was up 4 percentage points from the last mid-term elections in 2002," reported Yahoo News in a Reuters article. The data was compiled, based on exit polls, by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. What motivated you to get out a vote this election? Was there one issue or group of issues which mattered most in your mind? What do you expect and hope for the new congress over the next two years? Share your views in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
ELECTION DAY November 7, 2006 7:33 AM
Be sure to get out and VOTE today! If you are not sure where your polling place is, visit VOTE411.org.
Check out our letter to the Editor in today's Christian Science Monitor. Share your voting/election day stories in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Tomorrow is Election Day! November 6, 2006 1:16 PM
Don't forget tomorrow is election day. Make sure you know where you have to go to vote and that you bring the necessary ID to your polling place - requirements vary from state to state. If you are unsure of the requirements of your state check out Electionline.org , which has the requirements for all states.
-- Association of Young Americans
Dash For Democracy November 4, 2006 12:55 PM
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table at the Democracy Expo at the Committee of 70's Dash for Democracy! Please keep in touch, join or start discussions in our forums and don't forget to vote this Tuesday! Great work to the AYA runners in the Dash - pictures coming soon.
-- Association of Young Americans