Generation Progress
2014-2015 Annual Report
Generation Progress Center for American Progress 1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20005 202-682-1611 | 202-682-1867 (fax) hello@genprogress.org This report is available at: genprogress.org/2014report Generation Progress is a national organization that works with and for young people to promote progressive solutions to key political and social challenges. Formerly known as Campus Progress, we are expanding our programs in activism, journalism, policy research, and advocacy to engage all Millennials, not just those on college campuses. Generation Progress engages a diverse group of young people nationwide, inspires them to embrace progressive values, provides them with essential trainings, and helps them to make their voices heard—and to push policy outcomes in a strongly progressive direction. Generation Progress’s work is based on the idea that young people don’t have to wait to change the world; they have the power right now to tip the balance on critical issues from economic opportunity to access to education to environmental sustainability to human rights and civic engagement. At the same time, we work to see that new generations of progressives are better trained, better informed, more inclusive, and more united than ever before—so our country will have leaders with the skills, experience, and vision to address the most important challenges of the future. On the national level, Generation Progress’s staff and network members mobilize young progressives and advocate for their views in Washington and in states and communities around the country. We provide a national platform for young journalists, and we bring young people together through events that move them to action. On the local level, Generation Progress supports activism, journalism, and events projects run by young people. We give young people training, advice, and resources to help their projects succeed. Generation Progress combines proven approaches to advocacy and organizing with social media and other online tools to broaden and deepen our impact. We work with young people from a wide range of backgrounds and we seek to create innovative programs and materials that engage, challenge, and support a diverse group of participants. Backed by the policy expertise of the Center for American Progress, and working in collaboration with a wide range of allies, Generation Progress strives to be an effective, influential, and inclusive organization that helps make new generations a strong force for progressive change.
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Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Pages 2-3 Voices
14
Actions
12
Ideas
10
Our Impact
8
Director’s Letter
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A TEAM We are … REACHING MILLENNIALS We are … IDEAS We are … ACTIONS We are … VOICES We are … HIGHER ED NOT DEBT We are … IT’S ON US We are … FIGHTING GUN VIOLENCE We are … PROGRESSIVE ECONOMICS We are … MAKING PROGRESS We are … WHAT’S NEXT We are …
Our Team
2
SARAH AUDELO Policy Director
KRISTIN AVERY
Campaign Manager, It’s On Us
GRACE AYLMER Special Assistant
KEAGAN BUCHANAN
For-Profit Colleges Campaign Manager, Higher Ed, Not Debt
ANNE JOHNSON
Executive Director
MATT CAMPBELL
Digital Manager, Higher Ed, Not Debt
SHEILA E. ISONG Policy Manager
ALEX LANGLEY
Online Organizing & Communications Associate
LAUREN SILLS
Advocacy Manager
CHELSEA COATNEY
Communications Associate
KURSTON COOK
Special Projects Manager
NIA JACKSON
NICHOLAS KITCHEL
JAMAL LITTLE
JESSI MORALES
Special Assistant, Higher Ed, Not Debt
Senior Press Associate
MAYU TAKEDA
Advocacy Associate
Advocacy Associate
Policy Advocate
MAGGIE THOMPSON
Campaign Manager, Higher Ed, Not Debt
CHARLOTTE HANCOCK
Digital Director, Higher Ed, Not Debt
REBECCA KAPLAN
Partnership Manager, It’s On Us
ZENEN JAIMES PÉREZ Senior Policy Analyst
LAYLA ZAIDANE
Communications Director
Advocating for LGBT rights and immigration will continue to be a focus of our human and civil rights work. Expanding and strengthening our gun violence prevention network will also remain a core component of Generation Progress’ work and we will continue to work to ensure our generation experiences the full benefit of the Affordable Care Act. We will also collaborate with our peers around the world to develop a global network of youth organizers, activists and policy makers to increase youth engagement in the political process worldwide. Next year, we’re going to double down on our efforts to ensure that young people’s voices are heard at the ballot box. The Millennial generation, nearly 95 million strong, is the most diverse, most educated, and largest generation in our country’s history. Their level of participation in our democracy—by voting, running for office, engaging with elected officials, advocacy and volunteerism—will shape the nation we become. We are committed to helping generate the ideas that will effect real policy and cultural change, putting those ideas into action, and uplifting the voices of those advocating for change. It’s critical that our generation’s voices be heard, and we will continue to work together to informing, engaging, and mobilizing young people to create progressive change in our communities and beyond. Sincerely, Anne Johnson Executive Director, Generation Progress
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 4-5 Voices Actions Ideas
As we enter 2015, Generation Progress will continue to mobilize and engage more Millennials in conversations about creating progressive change in their communities. We will continue our work to ensure that everyone gets a fair shot in this economy. Millennials deserve an affordable and accessible higher education, an economy that promotes good jobs and improves economic stability.
Our Impact
Last year, we launched two national campaigns: Higher Ed, Not Debt and It’s On Us. Higher Ed, Not Debt is a multi-year campaign dedicated to tackling the issues of student loan debt and college affordability. We also launched our It’s On Us campaign, which aims to fundamentally change the way we think about sexual assault on college campuses. During the first three months of the campaign, It’s On Us made over one billion Twitter impressions and hosted 226 local events on college campuses. Both of these campaigns are successful in part thanks to the support of over 100 non-profit and private sector partners.
Our Structure
We engaged millions of young people across the country on issues ranging from student debt to immigration to gun violence prevention. Our Make Progress 2014 National Summit was attended by 1,000 young leaders, and featured a keynote address from Vice President Joe Biden. Hundreds of young people joined us at one of the 28 roundtables and events we hosted on the economy in California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, and Texas.
Director’s Letter
2014 was an amazing year for Generation Progress! We engaged an unprecedented number of young people both online and offline, launched two national campaigns, expanded our global reach, and grew our talented team to create progressive change.
Our Team
Dear Friend,
CORE TEAMS policy + government affairs
advocacy + organizing
communications + editorial
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS reframing the conversation around sexual assault in a way that inspires everyone do something to prevent it
ISSUE WORK
tackling the crippling and ever-growing issue of student loan debt in America
making our campuses and communities safer through common-sense solutions to gun violence.
2013: 30
In 2014 we expanded the reach of our Ideas, Action, and Voices work. We even launched two brand-new campaigns—Higher Ed Not Debt and It’s On Us.
2013: 2,691
PRESS HITS
4k
EVENT ATTENDEES
2013: 20,951
2013: 35,238
2013: 75,881
54k SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
70k POLICY REPORT READERS
252k
2013: 684,053
1.73m WEBSITE READERS
2013: 1,275,717
2.12m
2.9m FACEBOOK REACH
YOUTUBE MINUTES VIEWED
2013: 949,379 2013: 5,251,081
EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
2013: 1,421,323
1.39m EMAILS SENT
527m TWITTER REACH
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 6-7
2013: 14
Voices
REPORTERS
Actions
INTERNS
Ideas
570
24 23
STAFF
2013: 0
2013: 79
21
Our Impact
COUNTRIES WORKED WITH
Our Structure
PROGRAMS LAUNCHED
Director’s Letter
17
2013: 30
Our Team
2
2013: 0
55
POLICY PRODUCTS PUBLISHED
70k
MILLENNIAL READERS
MOST DOWNLOADED
produced policy products on Millennial civic engagement and monthly analyses of youth unemployment figures
Our Ideas team researches and develops youthled policy solutions that offer our generation’s vision for a more just society. We also engage issue experts to develop progressive policy.
Executive Director Anne Johnson has lunch with President Obama to share information about enrolling young Americans in the Affordable Care Act.
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STATE FACTSHEETS ON STUDENT LOAN REFINANCING
Hill Office Meetings
Our Ideas team met with various offices and committess to discuss a range of policy issues, including: Senate Appropriations Committee Sen. Ayotte (R-NH) Sen. Baldwin (D-WI) Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) Sen. Franken (D-MN)
Policy Director Sarah Audelo hosts a YouTube chat with Sens. Baldwin, Blumenthal, and Warren about student loan refinancing legislation.
Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) Sen. Grassley (R-IA) Sen. Heller (R-NV) Sen. McCaskill (D-MO) Sen. Murphy (D-CT)
Sen. Reed (D-RI) Sen. Rubio (R-FL) Sen. Schatz (D-HI) Sen. Schumer (D-NY) Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) Sen. Warren (D-MA) Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) Leader Pelosi (D-CA) Rep. Ellison (D-MN) Rep. Rush (D-IL) Rep. Takano (D-CA)
1
‘SPARE PARTS’ FILM SCREEMING
1
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 8-9
25
PARTNER ORGS ON EDUCATION FOR ALL
Education for All is a campaign to ensure access to higher education for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
engaged Howard University students on civic engagement
Director’s Letter
CLIMATE CHANGE MARCH
Voices
RALLIES AT THE SUPREME COURT
Actions
3
Ideas
From college affordability, to LGBTQ equality, to rights for immigrant youth, our Action team works to ensure young people can grow as leaders and organizers, while engaging directly on issues to ensure their voices are heard.
Our Impact
PHONE BANKS HOSTED WITH ROCK THE VOTE & BRADY CAMPAIGN
Our Structure
3
EMERGING LEADERS ENGAGED
produced a gun violence prevention music video with Jon Batiste
Our Team
40
1,200
earned national coverage for Voices Network publication censored over LGBT content.
ORIGINAL PIECES OF EDITORIAL CONTENT
This year we expanded our Journalism Network to include individuals interested in progressive media and communications. Our Voices Network has 44 publications in 15 states and DC; and 27 spokespeople in 15 states & DC.
TOP ARTICLE
2
CAPITOL HILL PRESS CONFERENCES ORGANIZED
WITH SENS. DURBIN, FRANKEN, GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER, WARREN, UDALL
Through journalism and reporting, our Voices team spreads the word about our policy proposals, events, advocacy work, and the fight against those who oppose progressive values and ideals.
153
DAILY NEWS CLIPS ON YOUTH ISSUES SENT TO PARTNERS
TOP EMAIL
produced #RockEnroll flashmob and infographics to enroll young Americans in the Affordable Care Act
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 10-11 Voices Actions Ideas Our Impact Our Structure
all • wages • apprenticeships • civic engagement • women • 2020 • climate • campus sexual assault • gp global • criminal justice reform • retirement • immigration • jobs • higher ed not debt
Director’s Letter
IN 2014 WE
Our Team
economic justice • housing • gun violence prevention • healthcare • retirement • money in politics • education for
We’re developing policy solutions to keep
HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABLE and bring relief to millions of existing borrowers.
Higher Ed, Not Debt is a multi-year campaign of dozens of organizations dedicated to tackling the crippling and ever-growing issue of student loan debt in America. With over $1.2 trillion in outstanding educational debt, affecting more than 40 million Americans, we have partnered around a simple message and a clear objective: Higher Ed, Not Debt!
Launched the Higher Ed, Not Debt campaign with Senator Elizabeth Warren and more than 30 kickoff events across the country.
30,000 RESPONSES TO NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN BORROWER SURVEY
advocated for Sen. Warren’s “Bank on Students” legislation to allow borrowers to refinance their education loans.
published an exclusive interivew with Sen. Elizabeth Warren on her student loan refinancing legislation.
created and hosted a Twitter rally for borrowers to directly tweet at their Senators to support student loan refinancing legislation.
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PARTNER ORGNAIZATIONS
Launched organizing efforts with partner groups in 10 states, establishing networks of organizations working on solutions to the student debt crisis at the state level.
Generation Progress staff and advocates watch as President Obama signs an executive order expanding incomebased repayment programs at the White House.
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 12-13
Generation Progress and I collaborated to recruit woman from the local Atlanta community to participate in a discussion to identify barriers and opportunities for women in America. In my focus group, we openly talked about our lives, including personal finances. One challenge that every woman in my group had, regardless of age, was overcoming student debt. There was a shared sense of frustration about paying for education, but not being able to maximize on the investment because of the lack of employment opportunities. As a Millennial who owes, more than $70K in student debt, it was refreshing to hear and learn from others. Another key takeaway, was that we need to restructure our apprenticeship and internship process. Currently it feels that employers are gaining free labor. Apprenticeships should prepare young people to enter the workforce and equip them with skills and experience that result in fulltime employment.”
Progressive Economics
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Gun Violence Prevention
LASHUNDA CAMPBELL / National Communications Director, The League of Young Voters Education Fund
It’s On Us
Generation Progress staff participated in key events around improving options for student loan borrowers, including a roundtable with Dr. Jill Biden and Education Secretary Arne Duncan and a luncheon for the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
CORINTHIAN STUDENT STORIES COLLECTED
Higher Ed, Not Debt
4,400
Launched a successful campaign to highlight the role that for-profit colleges play in the student debt crisis. Our successful initial campaign resulted in $480 million in loan forgiveness for students that were victims of the predatory Corinthian Colleges.
We’re advocating to make our country’s
CAMPUSES SAFER—FOR ALL OF US. It’s On Us is is a rallying cry, inviting everyone to step up and realize that the solution begins with us. It seeks to reframe the conversation surrounding sexual assault in a way that inspires everyone to see it as their responsibility to do something, big or small, to prevent it. It’s On Us is housed at Generation Progress and run in partnership with the White House, Mekanism, and the PVBLIC Foundation.
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+ 70 colleges and universities have created PSAs
1 billion+
OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS
IMPRESSIONS ON DIGITAL SCREENS IN BARS, MOVIE THEATERS, TAXIS, BOOKSTORES, AND OTHER ON + OFF-CAMPUS SITES
30-second PSA: ‘Bystander’ ‘This is not a story about a sexual assault, it’s about the guy that stops it.’
30-second PSA: ‘Anthem’ President Obama speaks during the launch of the It’s On Us campaign
Jon Hamm, Kerry Washington, Common, Mayim Bialik, Connie Britton, Rose Byrne, Questlove, and more.
on recommendations to improve campus sexual assault policies, reporting, and response at colleges and universities
261 WEEK OF ACTION EVENTS
IN 42 STATES
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Pages 14-15 Progressive Economics
POLICY REPORTS
I began working with Generation Progress in order to organize an event at the University of Michigan during the It’s On Us campaign’s first National Week of Action. I worked with seven other student leaders in order to engage students across campus in an effort to curb sexual assault and empower them to be apart of the solution rather than passive bystanders to the problem. Generation Progress provided amazing guidance through toolkits, promotion of the event, and constant communication to ensure I, as an organizer, felt supported. We planned a series of Policy Advising Roundtables over the course of the week. During the roundtables, we broke off into small groups with student facilitators leading the discussion, and brainstormed ways in which the University can ensure students know what resources are available for them on campus. We also talked about what we as students can do to create an environment where sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported and empowered.”
Gun Violence Prevention
“
It’s On Us
LAUREL RUZA / Student, University of Michigan / It’s On Us Campaign Organizer
Higher Ed, Not Debt
launched a Snapchat campaign viewed by 260,000+ users.
We’re working to make our campuses and communities safer through
COMMON-SENSE SOLUTIONS to our GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC.
120
YOUNG GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVISTS
FROM 32 STATES attended the #Fight4AFuture Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Washington, DC
12.7m TWITTER IMPRESSIONS
policy and data focused graphics on young Americans and gun violence
monthly web series with GenYNot and other partners
produced gun violence prevention fact-based Instagram videos
in one hour during #StandWithVivek to confirm Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
10m TWITTER IMPRESSIONS
generated thousands of tweets targeted to Senators to #StandWithVivek and confirm Dr. Murthy
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MEMBER ELECTED TO OFFICE
Erica Thomas, GA House District 39 Sarah Clements & Jamira Burley
2
WHITE HOUSE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
8
REGIONAL ORGANIZERS
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 16-17
I got involved with gun violence prevention because I am both saddened and angered by the disproportionate effect of gun violence on my generation. Gun violence is a millennial issue, and we need millennial voices heard in conversations around this issue.Through Generation Progress, I had the opportunity to attend the first annual #Fight4AFuture Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Washington, D.C. and meet other young people organizing to prevent gun violence in their communities. These fellow organizers gave me incredible support from all over the United States as I continued working on the Yes On 594 campaign back in Washington State. Members of the Generation Progress Gun Violence Prevention Network promoted the Initiative 594 campaign paid off on November 4, 2014, when Washington State voters approved Initiative 594 with nearly 60% of the vote. This is an historic victory that showcases the power of youth involvement alongside the will of American voters.”
Progressive Economics
monthly days of action, including on #ProtectAllWomen and #Fight4the33
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Gun Violence Prevention
MEMBERS
It’s On Us
260
KATIE CHAN / West Coast Regional Organizer at Generation Progress Gun Violence Prevention Network / Student, University of Wisconsin
Higher Ed, Not Debt
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION NETWORK
We’re developing policy solutions to create
AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR EVERY AMERICAN.
2
12
THE ECONOMY +
NATIONAL POLLS
MONTHLY YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ANALYSES
on Millennials, the economy, and the role of government
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi discusses young women and the economy with Generation Progress staff and other young people.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ROUNDTABLES
In the spring of 2014, Generation Progress co-hosted 3 events Echoing Green and Small Business Majority. The events were held in California, New York, and Ohio. At each discussion, we brought together individuals from a variety of education backgrounds and business types. Attendees were asked to address their current challenges as young entrepreneurs as well as identify potential solutions that they believe would help future young entrepreneurs succeed.
STATE SUMMITS Generation Progress hosted three state summits (North Carolina, Texas and California) on Everyone Economics in the fall of 2014. These events followed the model of our December 2013 Youth and the Economy Summit and included attendees from non-profit organizations, labor unions, think tanks, and representatives from local government. During the summits we shared our polling data on how young people view the economy and discuss strategies for creating an economy that provides young people with more economic stability, including jobs. The summits are also a crucial opportunity to connect individuals from multiple sectors and help them find ways to make tangible changes on the state and local level by collaborating across sectors.
LGBT YOUTH
RETIREMENT
FAMILIES
POVERTY
MINIMUM WAGE
YOUNG WOMEN + THE ECONOMY ROUNDTABLES
350 ATTENDEES 4 STATES
STATE-BASED POLICY REPORTS
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 18-19 Progressive Economics
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In June 2014, Generation Progress hosted four Young Women and the Economy Roundtable discussions leading up to the White House Working Families Summit to address the critical issues facing young women. The events were each attended by approximately 50-70 young women and took place in Atlanta, Iowa City, Columbus, and Las Vegas. During the events, the groups discussed student debt, paid leave, minimum wage, and workplace quality and federal policy solutions to their economic challenges. Generation Progress invited two representatives from each local roundtable to the White House Working Families Summit in Washington, DC to share their experiences and the discussion outcomes in a breakout session about Young Women Leaders with Valerie Jarrett. The breakout session was moderated by Generation Progress’ advocacy manager Lauren Sills who attended all four events.
In June 2014, I had the wonderful opportunity cohost a young women and the economy roundtable with the Center for American Progress and Generation Progress. However, work on this event has started months before the June event. My co-organizer Caroline and I were contacted to help host an event in Iowa City, Iowa, about young women and their effect on and interaction with the economy. Caroline and I were responsible for organizing event space, the keynote speaker, and building the attendee list. Generation Progress provided wonderful and helpful discussion points to move the conversation along. The participants not only felt like they got a lot out of the conversations themselves, but they felt a sense of contribution knowing that GP would use their observations and analysis for research and future events.”
Gun Violence Prevention
“
It’s On Us
CARTER BELL / Student, University of Iowa
Higher Ed, Not Debt
YOUNG WOMEN + ECONOMY SUMMITS
For the ninth year, we convened hundreds of young progressives for the
MAKE PROGRESS NATIONAL SUMMIT on public policy, organizing, and communications.
REGISTERED ATTENDEES
3.46m NATIONAL TELEVISION AUDIENCE
32m TWITTER IMPRESSIONS
500+ MEDIA HITS
#MAKEPROGRESS TRENDING NATIONWIDE by 10AM TWEETS FROM @WHITEHOUSE @VP @NANCYPELOSI
Sen. Warren: Political System Is ‘Rigged’ By Wealthy, Powerful Lobbyists Biden celebrated as progressive hero for speaking ‘first’ on gay marriage.
50 Years Later: The Fight For Civil Rights Civic Engagement: Voting In 2014 And Beyond More Than Marriage: What LGBTQ Equality Means At School, In The Workplace, And Beyond Keeping Them Honest: The Role Of Media In Politics
Skills-Based Trainings Grassroots Lobbying & Organizing with Campus Camp Wellstone Media and Messaging that Moves People To Action with the Truman National Security Project Volunteer Recruitment and Membership Development with Campus Camp Wellstone Leadership Development with Campus Camp Wellstone
– Vice President Joe Biden, Make Progress National Summit 2014
Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 20-21
It’s Our Interest: Taking Action On College Affordability
Vice President Joe Biden Leader Nancy Pelosi Secretary of Labor Tom Perez
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TOTAL SPEAKERS & TRAINERS
Sen. Elizabeth Warren Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Sen. Chris Murphy Rep. Donna Edwards
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand talks with Generation Progress’ Sarah Audelo at the Make Progress National Summit stage.
Fighting For Our Future: Ending Gun Violence In Our Communities
If you are ever going to be involved in public life or the affairs of your country, now is that time to do that... I’m here to say that I need you; the country needs you. We need to continue to put pressure on us, organize, volunteer, run for public office, and above all, we need you to challenge the orthodoxy.”
What’s Next in 2015
1 in 5: What’s Being Done To Prevent Sexual Assault And Support Surviviors
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Featured Speakers
Make Progress National Summit
Policy Breakouts
At home and abroad, we’re expanding
YOUTH ORGANIZING INFASTRUCTURE.
In 2014 Generation Progress worked with young organizers, policy makers and international think tanks from 17 countries to build power for Millennials around the world. We know that many of the challenges we face as a generation—economic instability, youth unemployment, affordable quality higher education, outdated immigration policies, human and civil rights, fair elections and civic participation—are not uniquely American challenges. By bringing young leaders from around the world together to learn from one another, share policy ideas and successful strategies for youth empowerment, we can push for progressive change both in our local communities and around the world.
17 COUNTRIES WORKED WITH
Algeria
Lebanon
Philippines
Bahrain
Malaysia
Republic of Congo
Canada
Morocco
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Myanmar
South Korea
Germany
Palestinian Territories
Turkey
Jordan
Yemen
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Generation Progress 2014 Annual Report Page 22-23
GET INVOLVED! Flip the page to learn how you can become a part of the movement.
What’s Next in 2015
By 2020, the Millennial generation, 95 million strong, will make up one-third of our electorate. Engaging in our democracy through active civic engagement and by voting ensures that we are able to advocate for human rights, civil rights, and justice for every American. We’re working to build a strong infrastructure to support a growing, progressive movement that involves young Americans together with other organizations. As Generation Progress celebrates its tenth year in 2015, we continue to lead efforts to engage young Americans and mobilize them around shaping our democracy for the better.
Make Progress National Summit
1
Generation Progress Executive Director Anne Johnson speaks with young people in Canada.
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