The New Generation of Change: How 20-Somethings Are Changing America

I am a 20-something and the daughter of baby-boomer parents. The reformation of society must run in my blood, and also in those friends around me, because the 20-somethings of this generation are pushing for tough social reform, just as our parents did in the 1960s.

I see it around me every day: political turmoil in Cambodia, devastation in China and Thailand. You name it, it has happened in our generation. The friends around me are getting out into the societies of the world to help and assist in whatever capacity they are available. The 1960s that showed our parents freedom, liberation and equality have flowed into our spirits and are encouraging the communities of 20-somethings to make a positive change among the world.

I asked a few 20-somethings about their views of us changing the world as our parents did in the 1960s. Darci Lynch, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, stated she has good friends that "participate in peace rallies, and speak at events. Basically, 20-somethings are starting to really make an effort to do things to make a difference, rather than sit by and let the chances pass them by."

This seems to be the attitude all around. Evidence is a local peace rally several months ago held in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As my husband and I were driving by, we noticed the majority of people were our age. It seems to be that 20-somethings are the new "hippies" and are not going to sit idly by as indecent politicians ruin the country in which we reside.

Several towns across the country have taken the initiative and elected young officials to offices of mayor and other city council offices. This has much to do with the fact that not just the 20-something generation, but the generations of our parents and grandparents, are seeing that we are the future of reformation. A new majority is rising up to embrace new blood to lead the renovation of America. The wall color is stale and people want a new coat of paint to brighten up the future.

Talk of the recession is probably one of the most painful subjects among Americans, besides the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like the Vietnam War, 20-somethings are seeing that the money that has been spent, and the lives lost, have not been justified to the results of war. We are embracing the veterans of the Iraqi and Afghani wars while pushing for them to come home safely and for congress to allot the funds of the war to the financial crisis at home.

We are seeing money being wasted on projects that are merely bring the country up to the times, instead of pushing this country to the value of the future. Laws are being passed to bring fuel mileage averages to just 30 miles per gallon. Technology is there for automakers to offer vehicles that get over 50 miles per gallon on average, but instead, money is being wasted on just maintaining the current technology. This is just one example of government waste that 20-somethings are pushing to change.

I am proud to say that I am a member of the 20-something generation that is changing America. 20-somethings are continuing to take action to bring new blood to government positions that promote influential positive social and economic reform. Keep watch for the 20-somethings in your communities and support them in their ventures to lead the wave of American change.