Cribsheets
One-Year Later: Young Americans Rate Progress on National Priorities
SOURCE:
Barack Obama's election night rally in Grant Park, Chicago.
Checking in on:
Health Care Reform
Climate Change and Energy
Jobs and the Economy
Higher Education
Gay Rights
Veterans
Immigration
With “Tweets” and bold statements and more from:
Rock the Vote
Campus Progress
80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs
Energy Action Coalition
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
National Youth Advocacy Coalition
United States Student Association
Y.I. Want Change: Young America’s Campaign for Real Health Care Reform
Introduction
On November 4, 2008, young Americans turned out to the polls in record numbers for candidates that promised to deliver on an overwhelmingly progressive mandate. With their votes, over 22 million 18-29 year olds propelled Barack Obama to the presidency and made headlines with an unprecedented demand for change on issues like health care, education, climate change, and gay rights. Young Americans made the commitment to be an active participant in reforming the nation by staying involved and holding their elected officials accountable.
An assessment of the legislative landscape is indeed murky: progress on some issues has been slow but steady; on others, non-existent.However, any assessment of young people is quite clear: a constant nationwide stream of post-election, youth-led activities ranging from rallies and canvassing, to grassroots lobbying, phone calls, letter writing, and Facebook forums, is proof of young people’s unrelenting civic and political engagement.
Now, a year later, America continues to face ongoing challenges including a failing economy, an ever-growing energy crisis, and critical legislation stalled by partisan bickering. Below, national youth organizations give their takes on the issues that young people care about, progress in Washington, and whatthe change they voted for and continue to demand.
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