#millennialmonday

@YouthVoicesUSA @GilmanSam @Hagermeisterrr @CSAction @davidburstein You know what's even more local than a school board? The classroom!

— Gen Citizen at Pace (@GCatPace)

July 23, 2014

This was one of our favorite Tweets from CSA's #MillennialPolitics chat. on national service last Wednesday. 

In the midst of discussing the definition, standards, and current attitude towards national service, we couldn't help but think an effective way to get people involved in national service would be to integrate it as part of the classroom curriculum - namely, a civics action program that would serve as a cycle of service/volunteering which would last from elementary to university. This civics action program would start in the most local of all places, the classroom, and continue to be nurtured in the school environment so that it would eventually turn into a culture of service. 

@CSAction Millenials want to see their time/actions make a difference in their local communities and in someone's life

— Austin Blumenfeld (@apblumenfeld)

July 23, 2014

We're not dismissing the fact that more millennials should run for public office to increase political engagement - we wholeheartedly support that statement. There is a pressing need to bring more youth voices to the table, as shown through Generation Citizen's successful Teens On Board NYC campaign. However, maybe starting at the root of when and where national service should be instilled is where this problem should be looked at. Starting in the classroom would generate a shared commitment and responsibility towards national service. 

@SwedishSidd @CSAction We agree! The earlier #civicengagement begins, the more positive and effective service will be. #millennialpolitics

— Gen Citizen at Pace (@GCatPace)

July 23, 2014

Generation Citizen's mission is rooted deeply in people power advocacy and youth empowerment. Harnessing youth power makes youth more aware and interested in local politics, as it encourages them to take action on issues they are passionate about. Having older students as Democracy Coaches provides younger students with role models who inspire them to incorporate service into their life. One of the many stories we've heard is how Tufts Chapter Director and former Democracy Coach, Billy reunited with Michelle, a student in his GC class who is now a Democracy Coach herself at UMASS Boston. 

@CSAction need to overcome binary of "us vs them" because we are all interconnected in society. What I do affects you.

— Olivia Slack (@slacko218)

July 23, 2014

Last week’s Twitter chat with the folks from Common Sense Action had us question our understanding of “generational fairness”, a term that was new to us. Below are some definitions of #genfairness: 

  .@CSAction #Genfairness is the American promise that each gen deserves to have a brighter future than the previous #millennialpolitics

— Sam Gilman (@GilmanSam)

July 9, 2014

@CSAction Generational fairness means having access to the same opportunities our parents and grandparents had. #genfairness

— John Garrett Clawson (@jgclawson)

July 9, 2014

@CSAction #genfairness is encapsulated by the idea that my generation is not inferior than the previous one. Technology has power.

— Patrick Creedon (@Patricrat)

July 9, 2014

@CSAction #genfairness implies that our generation is considered in decisions that impact the future.

— Nikki Hager (@Hagermeisterrr)

July 9, 2014

The above definitions highlight key terms such as “equal representation” and “bridging the gap” in politics, economics, and other national issues. As easy as it is to identify our understanding of generational fairness, the challenges millennials face in overcoming it are plenty. Lack of representation in government positions, competition in the job market, lack of access to education, and education affordability are a few things that hinder the development of generational fairness.

@CSAction The degree to which to political system is entrenched is one of the biggest barriers. #millennialpolitics

— J.ChristopherProctor (@Jcproctor29)

July 9, 2014

.@CSAction Societal barriers are complex; we need poverty reduction, equity across races, gender, and sexuality, and ed reform #genfairness

— Youth Voices USA (@YouthVoicesUSA)

July 9, 2014

Is it possible for millennials to achieve generational fairness? We'll be thinking about this for the next #MillennialPolitics Twitter chat.