Ideas that inspire. Millennials Remake America

Judy Woodruff of PBS News Hour recently interviewed the authors of the new book, “Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation Is Remaking America”. They report Millennials—95 million born between 1982 and 2003—are the largest generation in American history. They’re the most diverse generation as well.

The study suggests that Millennials are much more likely to promote actions for the good of the larger group than the individual.

This will change the way America thinks.

Millennials are pragmatic about the way they plan to achieve their goals. They’ll work with one another to solve problems and generate change locally from the bottom up. They’ve rejected the idea that the most effective solutions have to come from top-down leadership. And the authors note that top-down solutions have rarely created real, innovative change.

Contradictors’ comments offer anecdotes complaining about the uninvolved, slacking, and unprepared in this age group. And no comments seem to be from Millennials themselves—after all, they’re really not watching television news like the News Hour any more.

In my experience, I’ve found the Millennials thoughtful and bright. I get smarter when I listen to them. And in fact, I’d sign on to be in “Club Millennial” if I could.

Many generations have promised to change the world. Maybe this time the Millennials’ pragmatic grassroots organization and experiences may actually create something new and more effective for all of us.