Young Voters Elect Obama

Wow... I'm amazed and grinning from ear to ear. Young voters put Obama over the top in Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and Colorado. Colorado - specifically, took out an incumbent Republican US Senator, and a conservative Representative as well as electing a very young Congressman in Boulder.



This will be the beginning of some amazing youth power in this country.

From the very very early traditionally unreliable exit polls we show young voters favor Obama 68 - 30% and make up 18% Share of the Electorate. By contrast - and this is in no way a competition or anything 65+ voters were 16% of the share.

Share numbers, however, are bad bad numbers to go by because they belittle the actual numbers and don't look at increases or decreases. So, while these are good numbers to look at early on, examining a share isn't where we should focus.

CIRCLE released data showing young voters are chose Obama by 38 percentage points - towards the upper end of all the polling we saw this year.

" Young voters preferred Obama

Young voters diverged sharply from the population as a whole, preferring Obama/Biden over McCain/Palin by 68% to 30% in the NEP. This is by far the highest share of the youth vote obtained by any candidate since exit polls began reporting results by age categories in 1976. In past elections from 1976 through 2004, young voters diverged by an average of only 1.8 percentage points from the popular vote as a whole. 2004 had set the previous record for an age gap."

This election was hands down won because of young voters who pushed major swing states over the top. Without them Obama would not have won Iowa and he wouldn't have won last night.

Generation We

Writer Eric Greenberg pulled together the results of over eighteen months of research, polls and focus groups to prove one thing: the Millennial Generation is a force to be reckoned with. Through his new book, and a website, Greenberg is harnessing the thoughts and energy of a younger generation.

GenWe was Greenberg's project to help the Millennial Generation empower itself against much scrutiny. Speaking with US News, he said:

"They are not a 'me' generation; they are the 'we' generation," he says. "They are about the greater good," he adds, noting that they're really jazzed up about the environment and the energy crisis. Armed with his huge study, he's urging both presidential campaigns to focus on one mega-idea the kids endorsed; an Apollo-style approach to the energy crisis."

According to the extensive data in GenWe there are between 95 and 100 million people born between 1978 and 2000, and now more than ever those over 95 million young people are united around the same political issues and visions.

The book also makes the case that Millennials are:

• Dedicated to improving the common good over individual gain, a sentiment that crosses all racial, ideological and partisan lines.
• Reject fundamental principles of modern conservatism –primary focus on individual rights and trickle down economics.
• Welcome innovation and are eager to establish a new. paradigm

Greenberg describes many of the issues our world faces today, such as the climate crisis, are of importance for younger folks. These issues span across parties, races, genders, and location. According to the book, Republicans and democrats agree on these issues 85 percent of the time.

"Youth don't realize they have more in common with each other than anything else," Greenberg said in a phone interview. "They have a balance of power in the world more than anyone else, and collectively have a lot of power globally."

He urges Millennials not to put off these problems until tomorrow.

The presidential election is only the first step. The second step is encapsulated on the website that gives young voters and organizations practical organizing tools, from fifteen minute activism to weekend projects and legislation.

I haven't made my way all the way through the book, but had to write about it because what I have read is exactly the thing we needed to prove to ourselves, major donors, and mainstream media that we are doing important political work.

Crossposted from Wiretap

Economy Hits Back to School Hard

In a recent article, Associated Press's Education Reporter, Libby Quaid stated that the higher cost of major components to our schools are causing out of step funding to miss its mark.

The article mentions that high fuel costs are causing districts to cut back on busing students from home to class, and delivery of materials such as pencils and paper.

"Field trips? Forget about it."

At a time when the economy is struggling and gas prices were over $4 a gallon this summer, many schools are finding it difficult to pay for the everyday tools their students need to learn, study, and simply be comfortable.  Heating and cooling costs have also increased.  Even keeping an entire building at a comfortable temperature might be compromised.  

"In rural Minnesota, one district is skipping classes every Monday to save fuel. On the other days, classes will be about 10 minutes longer.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said Candice Jaenisch, whose two sons and daughter will be making the switch. "You're cutting expenses that really don't affect school."

The article goes on to say that teachers asked students to bring tissue for the classrooms, but now they ask for things like copy paper instead.

The national site, Donors Choose, allows teachers to talk about a specific project they wish to do but cannot fund. They then ask donors for materials or dollars to help fund the project. But how do you fund the costs of gasoline to get kids to school, or enough to pay for high gas bills in the winter?

No longer are utensils like crayons, art supplies, drama books, or playground equipment suffering from budget cuts. Now they're dealing with school districts and whole days of class.

"In Jacksonville, school lunch prices will rise from $1.45 to $2 for secondary schools. "It's a huge jump," said LaTasha Green-Cobb, whose sons are in the seventh and eighth grade.

As fuel prices have rocketed, the cost of food has followed suit, especially for lunch-tray staples like milk. As a result, most schools will charge more for lunch, the School Nutrition Association said.

Schools will still not break even. More than half of all school children in this country get free and reduced-price lunches, and the government reimbursement is often not enough to cover the cost."

It goes on to say that costs of more nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the like are often twice as expensive.

In the end, its young people who are being asked to compromise.... again....

Networks Awaken to Young Voters

I did an interview last week with the Voice of America where I vented my frustrations about news outlets not reporting or misreporting the Youth Movement. The Sunday New York Times has a great article that talks about problems network news outlets are having in both covering the movement as well as attracting a younger viewing audience.

I try to be a polished blogger and bring you facts and info that is useful but it's moments like these when I just want to say: Duh!

"The median age for the three evening newscasts is 60.5"

Ouch! When I asked a friend who doesn't watch network news why he said that it's targeted to 75 year olds with a 7th grade education. Attracting a young audience and talking about the Youth Movement aren't the same thing nor will one lead to the other.

Interestingly enough, the same day that the NYT ran this piece they also ran a piece about Jon Stewart saying that in a 2007 poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press Stewart ranked fourth among journalists they most admired. He was tied with the likes of Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, and Brian Williams.

"At a time when Fox, MSNBC and CNN routinely mix news and entertainment, larding their 24-hour schedules with bloviation fests and marathon coverage of sexual predators and dead celebrities, it’s been "The Daily Show" that has tenaciously tracked big, "super depressing" issues like the cherry-picking of prewar intelligence, the politicization of the Department of Justice and the efforts of the Bush White House to augment its executive power."

The NYT article points out that big networks are trying to make small efforts to reach younger viewers. NBC has hired Luke Russert, son of former host of Meet the Press Tim Russert who died a few months. Fox news has the Y Factor, CNN has the League of First Time Voters.

I think talking about the Youth Movement is great. But covering young people does not automatically create a following of young viewers.

People watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report because they deal with real issues in a way that isn't as difficult to deal with. The quote on Stewart says it well:

"In a time when major news outlets are beholden to shareholders, advertisers, and some are owned by ideologue, I think the one thing young people crave is authenticity and an honest discussion of issues. Focusing on what's actually going on in our country rather than what we want to believe is going on is a one place to begin. Doing it in an engaging way with an anchor who isn't afraid to get a little silly with some of the most powerful people in the world is another big plus."

Anchors that are engaging and a little closer to the target demographic might help. I'll take Luke Russert over Lou Dobbs any day of the week, but if the anchor isn't qualified to discuss complex issues and are only eye candy, young viewers will see through it.

I asked some friends if they watch the nightly news and all said no. Those who watch the Daily Show or the Colbert Report said it was just more entertaining. Those who work in politics saw no real need to watch the nightly news after a full day of reading the news online. One person even said of the Daily Show that it offered a different perspective to the "objective" news and it allows us to see the news from a different angle.

Talking about young people won't get young viewers. Talking about things young people care about will.

"Tiffany Wilson, 23, a graduate managing editor of the college journalist Web site Palestra.net, has appeared on the Fox News Channel more than 50 times in the past year, frequently to talk about the election. “Young people want to see their peers on television,” she said.

I encourage news outlets searching for ways to expand their programming to be more inclusive of young people, to look at their successes and failures, and think outside the box. When reporting the Youth Movement the best bet is to talk to an expert on the Youth Movement who does this day in and day out. Not necessarily to assume that because someone is 18 that they know what the Youth Movement is or is any kind of expert on trends among their generation. I love the X-Files, but it doesn't mean I am an FBI agent.

Washington State Primary Energizes Young People

Beep Beep, get on board... its the Washington Bus!

As organizations go the Washington Bus is energizing young people across the state of Washington for today's big state primary. One of the last primary elections in the country, Washington wants to get out the vote for everybody but especially young voters.

They've been working hard to remind everybody that Tuesday is an election and developed the great video you see to your left. But even after Tuesday, there is still much to be done and if you're in WA you can join up with the Bus!

The Bus has been energizing and mobilizing a political movement of young people all across Washington State for the last year. Toby Crittenden, Communication Guru for The Bus says "We're a hands-on vehicle for democratic change."

It all started in the spring of 2007, and in the just-over-a-year since, The Washington Bus has registered thousands of voters, activated hundreds of new, young volunteers, and become a statewide presence, from Spokane to Skagit Valley. They build voters, through registration and education, they build leaders, by incorporating leadership opportunities into every program, and they drive change, through our canvassing Bus trips.

Bus trips are the best! Folks jump on board and ride with their friends and buddies or new buddies to impact communities across their state. They canvas registering voters or discuss issues all to create a more educated and informed electorate.

Toby tells us

"Our Bus, yes we do have a bus, holds 47 people. On any given Bus trip, it's filled approximately 50% with high school volunteers, 30% with college age volunteers, and the remaining 20% is a mix of 25-55 year old volunteers. We use art, music and culture to engage young volunteers and voters. Some of our marquee events this year have been the Sasquatch Festival, the Capitol Hill Block Party, and - coming up - Bumbershoot and Endfest.

Bottom line? We provide a direct way for young people to assert their political voice, and dangit, we make it fun!"

It's a revival of hope and energy in politics. They provide a platform for young people to make their voices heard on issues that speak directly to our shared values: health, education, fairness, peace and prosperity.

Get on board today. And if you're in Washington State Don't Forget to VOTE!

Do Something Award honors Teen

Last week during the Teen Choice Awards, DoSomething.Org honored a young community activist (under the age of 25) that aims to change the world. The winner received $100,000 to continue the community project started prior to the award. Finalists were posted on the Teen Choice website and fans voted for their favorite.

"One amazing young person is going to be recognized for their philanthropic efforts and impact on their community and get the rock star treatment they deserve at the show," said Bob Bain, Executive Producer of TEEN CHOICE 2008.

Do Something is a non-partisan non-profit that believes teens have the power to make a difference. They leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. Their site says "We inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers."

"We think young people aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders; many young people are doing amazing things right now," said Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something, Inc.

And the Winner is.....


The winner this year winner was 19 year old Chad Bullock who has become the leading youth anti-tobacco activist…and he lives right in the middle of tobacco country. He works with politicians, companies, not for profits and other teens. One of his biggest successes was making the Durham Bulls Arena a smoke-free arena.

This is a unique way for an organization as well as a nationally televised event to convey to young people the impact they can have on the world around them. Young people already volunteer in their communities in encouraging numbers according to CIRCLE.

"44% believe that "people working together" can make a great deal of difference in solving local problems" and "45% believe they can make some difference" by volunteering in their community.

Honoring them and encouraging others to also get involved can continue the civic engagement we now see from the Millennial Generation.

Young Voters Matter at Netroots Nation

The yearly convention of progressive bloggers known as Netroots Nation took Austin, Texas by storm this past weekend. Last Thursday, bloggers met in caucuses tailored to their interests where everything from rural bloggers to LGBT bloggers to young bloggers Latino bloggers ... all were represented.

The youth caucus combined bloggers, activists, and representatives from organizations together in a circle to discuss the youth movement, issues that matter most to young people, and best practices when doing outreach to there peers. A major conversation thread was the difference between college students vs. non college students and how we can do outreach to both communities.

Barack specifically addressed the ease of energizing his college campus and the difficulty in finding young voters when they aren't congregating on a 50,000 person campus.

Many candidates and politicians joined in the conference to court the endorsement and coverage of their candidacy from bloggers within their state and nationally. Candidates from California, Florida, Washington state, to Kansas held events and plugged their social networking sites in panel discussions and some broadened the discussion to better ways they can do outreach to the netroots community.

All had an enthusiasm around young voters. Particularly, Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Howard Dean who spent a few minutes with us and talked about the ways in which he sees young voters making an impact this election. According to Dean, young voters are a key component to the DNC strategy. He plans to drive the "Register for Change" bus through many college towns across the country.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also spent some time with us talking about her faith in young people and her belief that they are not only the future but the leaders on many new communications and technologies. Pelosi said she felt young people truly cared about global warming and the war on climate change.

We ran into tons of politicians from Mayor Gavin Newsome from San Francisco to Joe Garcia running for Congress in south Florida. We talked with Secretary of State Robin Carnahan about voter ID laws and their impact on young voters, and met up with candidate John Powers running for Congress in New York in the Netroots for the Troops room where volunteers were putting together care packages to send overseas.

Even Libertarian candidate for president Rep. Bob Barr stopped by Netroots Nation to talk to folks and sit in on a few panels. Rep. Barr told us he thought young voters were about to impact this election like never before.

As a blogger it was a profound experience to finally meet people I've read for years and discuss important topics that can help me be a more informed citizen. At the same time it was great to just have fun with friends. Many of whom I'd never actually met in person but have known for a year or more. It was a wild weekend! I heard some people even rhode the mechanical bull! Anything's possible in Texas!