May 18, 2013

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Are you ready? It’s time to change the world.

August 4, 2011 by 2 Comments

Last month, USAID launched a new “Youth Impact” initiative to acknowledge the powerful role that today’s young people can--and do--play in global development. According to the program's new site, "America's youth understand and care more about development than ever before, inspired by the chance to drive meaningful change and eager to use their skills to help those in greatest need," and I couldn't agree more! My only question is, why did it take them so long? Throughout history, young adults around the world have proven themselves to be agents … [Read more...]

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Elections 2010 – what happened to the youth vote?

November 3, 2010 by

What a night! It doesn't get any more exciting. Republicans made huge gains in the House - picking up at least 60 seats - although the Democrats retained control of the Senate. The election suggested overwhelming dissatisfaction, primarily over the state of the economy and healthcare reform. It is clear that there will be some tough battles ahead - over the Bush-era tax cuts, and how to create jobs and cut spending. We will be lucky if there's anything more than gridlock in Washington for the remainder of Obama's term. What did the youth vote look … [Read more...]

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Youth Dominated 2008 Election–Repeat in 2010?

August 12, 2010 by

We are living history. The youth generation of today has witnessed some of the nation’s most momentous events, all of which will undoubtedly be discussed in history classes for years to come. However, not only have we witnessed many, we have participated in and caused for one in particular. In 2008, young voters turned out in record-breaking numbers to the polls to elect President Barack Obama, giving him the win with the largest youth vote for a single candidate ever in history. This election was also the third highest in voter turnout among young … [Read more...]

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Momentum Builds on the Hill for Foreign Aid Policy Reform

July 24, 2009 by

Yesterday, I barely managed to squeeze into the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on "The Case for Foreign Aid Reform: Foreign Aid and Development in a New Era." The room was packed with young people, and spectators overflowed into the hallway. Senator Robert Menendez jokingly asked Dr. Jeffrey Sachs if he had invited his university classes to attend. As pleased as I was that the Senator noticed our presence, I couldn't shake the feeling that he misunderstood our reason for being there—we may be interning on the Hill or for advocacy … [Read more...]

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The Youth Vote – An Issue of Morality

October 18, 2008 by

This past winter, I took my 18-year-old brother, Sean, to vote for the first time. It was the 2008 presidential primary: he voted for Barack Obama, got his first "I voted!" sticker and I took him out for tacos for lunch. It wasn't the most eventful day of either of our lives, but it's one I like to look back on. I'm glad that he wanted to vote. I'm glad that he took an interest right away. Not to sound hokey, but I'm proud of him. We're hearing again and again about the power of the youth vote in the upcoming election. And for good reason - 1 in 10 … [Read more...]

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Loud Enough?

November 7, 2007 by

This response is a bit late coming, but there was an editorial that I have simply been unable to shake ever since it was published in early October. New York Times writer, Thomas L. Friedman called me out, and I just haven’t been able to get his words out of my head. And because I am allowed to, I have to get this off my chest. In one of his weekly opinion articles Friedman commented on my generation: the do-gooder-twenty-somethings. He is so impressed with us, and what an honor it is. We have the optimism; we have the opportunity; we go where others … [Read more...]

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