MACManifesto

State of Millennials
The AGF's Millennial Advisory Committee discusses the "Social Change Manifesto"
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q7 Ferguson became a flashpoint for millennials in 2014. How does Manifesto address Ferguson? #BlackLivesMatter Movement? http://www.via-cc.at...

Milicent Johnson
embodies the notion that the systems that fail us embolden us to use our power to advance #socialjustice
Jessica Reeves
@brianfranklin1 also brought up a good point about special interests, but whether it be Ferguson or other complex issues, the millennial generation has to deepen it’s civic engagement across all government levels to solve problems
brianfranklin1
As the father of an African son, I believe that the millennial generation is going to be crucial in setting the stage for tolerance, equality and justice for all.
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q8: Our last question for the eve - who is the audience for the Manifesto? will the document appeal to Democrats? Republicans?
Milicent Johnson
I think if you have hope that a better future is possible, the manifesto, and the work of @AndrewGoodmanF is for you.
Jessica Reeves
Agreed @milicentjohnson ! It's not for republicans or democrats, its for the Millennial generation and anyone who wants to work together to move our country forward
Jessica Reeves
The Manifesto is non-partisan. The goal is not to focus on dividing our generation, but brining everyone together to solve problems.
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q5: Other than harnessing social media + tech - what are some other key points of the Manifesto? http://www.via-cc.at...

Milicent Johnson
We believe The spirit of #civicparticipation is alive and well among #millennials
Milicent Johnson
We have an incredible opportunity to rebuild the systems that have failed us to embody the #socialjustice ideals we are working towards
Fabrice J Armand
We believe there is much more to be learned from the past to help build more effective solutions for the future
Fabrice J Armand
To add on to what Millicent has mentioned besides #socialjustice #economicinequality is creating a tale of two cities in America.
Milicent Johnson
Despite the unprecedented challenges, #millenials are emboldened to take on big issues #climatechange, #incomeinequality #netneutrality@AndrewGoodmanF
Fabrice J Armand
We are seeing disparate outcomes in education, health, employment, mobility and housing on an unprecedented scale. Communities of color are particularly affected
Milicent Johnson
We seek meaningful dialogue across generations because we know that lasting change takes all of us
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q4: What makes the millennial gen unique? @milicentjohnson you pointed to a few online movements, let's start there! http://www.via-cc.at...

Austin Boral
I think technological progress has empowered our generation with a unique opportunity to make an impact. The power to ignite change has shifted away from the grip of governments and corporations—and into the hands of the individual.
Jessica Reeves
I agree with @milicentjohnson. Compared to #freedomsummer marches and engagement looks different now. You can be a part of a movement like #peoplesclimatemarch or #blacklivesmatter from anywhere in the country now
Jessica Reeves
The challenge sometimes is harnessing online action into tangible changes. You can't stop at social media
Milicent Johnson
As the internet generation, we grew up connected to what's happening on the other side of the globe.
Austin Boral
Like @reevesjlr said, these movements could not have happened without the power of social media. It's up to our generation to prove that social change doesn't end with "hashtag activism," but that it can be a powerful place to start.
Milicent Johnson
And that perspective makes us global citizens, understanding that all our work is interconnected
Fabrice J Armand
@austinboral is correct movements now can begin with a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens believing that they can change the world because of technology.
Andrew Goodman FDN
http://www.via-cc.at...

Fabrice J Armand
A1 It is also our perspective that every person must and CAN take action to create a more peaceful and sustainable world
Fabrice J Armand
The Social Change Manifesto was created on the belief that while their experiences and background are varied, Millennials are united in their belief that every person can and must take meaningful action
Fabrice J Armand
A2 We to make better use of the tools and platforms available to achieve social change. It is our way of using our resources and knowledge of social media to get the message further
Andrew Goodman FDN
So let's get right to it! Q1: What is the Social Change Manifesto? http://www.via-cc.at...
Austin Boral
The Social Change Manifesto is a call to action and was created to inspire and engage millennial leaders and organizations around issues such as poverty, health, education and the environment.
Jessica Reeves
Thank you @AndrewGoodmanF for hosting this chat. It was great to join you @iamfabricej @ScottHMStein @austinboral @milicentjohnson and @brianfranklin1
brianfranklin1
Thank you and keep up the amazing work you all do!
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q6: What did you think of the #SOTU? How can we view it in relation to the Manifesto? http://www.via-cc.at...

Jessica Reeves
The President laid out some compelling initiatives, and covered a number of issues important to Millennials including higher education
Jessica Reeves
I think the idea of universal college educations is incredibly exciting, especially because this generation and the next will be the ones most affected by that kind of policy
Fabrice J Armand
Having community college access to all will help address some of the issues pertaining to economic equality.
Jessica Reeves
But, it'll take more than the President including it in #SOTU to get something like that in the works, thats where #milllennials need to step up to the plate and voice their opinions
brianfranklin1
Like Obama said, "I still believe that together, we can do great things, even when the odds are long."
Andrew Goodman FDN
@austinboral as an undergrad, what do you think of the free community college plan?
Fabrice J Armand
@reevesjlr Jessica is right, we as millennials in a unified voice need to let our representatives in Congress, Senate know that these are issues that are important to us.
Austin Boral
I think it could be one of the most important steps towards bridging the U.S. income inequality gap that has been proposed in recent years. The exorbitant cost of higher education isn't just a private problem—it affects our entire economy.
brianfranklin1
@IAMFABRICEJ I agree with making our voice known in Congress, but how do we do that when PAC and special interests are so powerful?
Jessica Reeves
@brianfranklin1 a lot of PACs and special interests are just out there trying to persuade voters and talk to representatives. Votes are free and we can all do our part to talk to our representatives and educate our friends and families
Milicent Johnson
I think it was a real nod to our generation and the issues we will have to take on. Some of the policies laid out will help open the door for us to make institutional change
Fabrice J Armand
@brianfranklin1 you are right there are powerful because of their donations but ultimately votes win elections. Millennials are going to be one of the biggest groups after babyboomers. There is much power in sheer numbers if we unify.
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q3: Who is The Millennial Advisory Committee? What is the relationship to The AGF? http://www.via-cc.at...

Jessica Reeves
The MAC was brought together by @AndrewGoodmanF last year in anticipation of #FreedomSummer. Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and James Chaney, were young adults committed to equality, voting rights and social justice
Jessica Reeves
They were murdered in ‘64 by KKK 4 those very commitments. Today, young ppl continue to lead social justice movements but need support just as Andy and others during #FreedomSummer.
Jessica Reeves
Last year the 50th Anniversary of #FreedomSummer, The AGF instituted the Millennial Advisory Committee or MAC to deepen its relationship with and service on behalf of millennials
Jessica Reeves
The MAC is charged with advising The AGF on its current and future programs as well the unique challenges of millennial leaders, and is made up of diverse voices from across the country with varying backgrounds: nonprofits, students, academics, etc
Jessica Reeves
But, basically we’re a few people who are working for social good in different ways, who get to collaborate, share ideas and work together thanks to @andrewgoodmanf
Fabrice J Armand
I think @reevesjlr said it best, we want to work, collaborate and share ideas to address some of the issues plaguing our society.
Fabrice J Armand
There is always this perception that younger professionals do not care. We are living proof not only do we care, we are actively trying to work with each other to tackle some of these issues.
Andrew Goodman FDN
Q2: Why was the Manifesto Created?
brianfranklin1
To me, it was created to inspire and motivate millennial generation to address critical issues impacting our society.
Fabrice J Armand
The Manifesto encourages Millennials to join together to correct and reimagine failed systems through new civic structures that enable them to learn from the past and from each other, to work together differently
Milicent Johnson
Q2 To celebrate the boldness and hope of our generation and the need to continue to advance #socialjustice