November 22, 2009
UTNE READER

Forward: Let’s Get On With It

(Page 2 of 2)

March-April 2009
by Eric Utne 
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Journalist Ken White has conducted “generational salons” that bring together boomers and millennials. He writes about the dynamic he has observed:

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 “The older generations expressed an intense yearning for the younger generations to build on their triumphs. But the younger generations seemed to have more interest in hearing what the members of each cohort have learned [from their failures] and from confronting their shadows. … If the boomers try to squeeze the millennials into their model of political organizing, the outcome seems doomed from the start. … In our generational salons, the millennials turned to the older cohorts and asked: ‘How can you help?’ ”

President Obama spoke directly to the millennials even as he spoke to all of us on the night of his election:

“Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. … It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy. … This is your victory. I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. … The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.”

So, if you’re a millennial, may the force be with you. If you’re not, find one and ask, “How can I help?”

 

Find out more about the International Youth Initiative Program at www.yip.se. To learn about Eric Utne’s current mission and passion, Community Earth Councils, go to www.earth councils.org. Eric is collecting examples of initiatives that groups of neighbors have created to address social and environmental challenges at the local level. Please send leads to websites, articles, and other sources to him at info@earthcouncils.org. 
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