Youth shaping the future of government
Category: Keeping Up With Gen Y
May 5, 2010 | BY Tamara Bell
Texas State Rep. Mark Strama
In today’s episode of Keeping Up with Gen Y, Texas State Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin) talks about the role of young people in the 2010 midterm elections, and how this generation has the talent and potential to change the world.
In 2008, almost 24 million young Americans ages 18–29 voted in the presidential election, resulting in a youth voter turnout second only to 1972. Young voters came to the polls two years ago, but will they return in 2010? And what does that decision say about the younger generation and the future of our democracy?
Strama has seen firsthand the difference young people can make when they participate in the political process. He has spent his career in public service encouraging young people to be involved in their government and politics. In 1996, he was director of programs at Rock the Vote, and today, he is founder of Campaign Academy, which gives high school and college students an opportunity to work inside a high-profile campaign.
You can listen to the show below. And check out our Page on WomensRadio Network for more information about the show and our guests.
Tags: 2010 Elections, Campaign, Campaign Academy, featured, Keeping Up with Gen Y, Mark Strama, Nonprofits, Politics, Texas State Representative
About the Author
Tamara Bell: Tamara Bell is the editor of Y Gen Out Loud. She began her journalism career as a reporter in Dallas, Texas. A few years later, she moved into politics and government, working for both Democratic and Republican members of the Texas Legislature. When not working on Y Gen, Tamara is a lecturer in the Advertising Department at The University of Texas at Austin. Tamara has a B.A. in Journalism from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.
