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Russell Simmons Encourages YOU To Get Involved
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by ASHISH SHARMA, Causecast Editor

Causecast leader Russell Simmons again shows why he’s an exceptional spokesperson for campaigns and movements. The man genuinely cares. Whether it’s helping victims of Hurricane Katrina or speaking out against fur use, Simmons continues to be a positive influence for youth. Russell Simmons and Maya Enista decided to tackle the economy in a recent blog post.

From The Huffington Post:

The Millennial Generation, those born between 1976 and 1996, the heirs to our economic legacy and ultimately the bearers of our economic destiny, are being disproportionately affected by the crisis, but continue to go unnoticed. This is even though they face unemployment at a rate more than 8% higher than the national average, suffer under a crushing average of $27,000 in student loan, $2000 in credit card debt, and a healthcare crisis that leaves 30% of them without any insurance. In addition, as young people enter the workforce, they are being pitted against individuals with much more experience than they have for the same entry level jobs due to recent layoffs, making finding a job exponentially more difficult.

This perfect economic storm will have untold negative impacts if nothing is done by Congress to address these issues now by truly investing in the Millennial Generation.

The good news is that even as young people are being overlooked by the majority of policymakers, they are stepping up to the plate to take control of their own economic destinies. Millennials are on track to be the most civically and politically engaged generation ever.

Just recently Mobilize.org, the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE), the Roosevelt Institution, and a number of other youth organizations formed the “80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs” coalition, representing the collective voices of millions of Millennials. Its purpose: to give young people the tools they need to engage substantively with policymakers and propose solutions to these problems.

At times, I feel that we underestimate our ability to change our country. The fact is that people are more empowered now than ever before. You can literally click your way to stardom with a couple of Youtube videos, having eight kids or even by throwing shoes at a president.

To read the full blog post, visit The Huffington Post

Photo by adria.richards, flickr

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Related causes: Leaders, Youth

Tags: russell simmons, maya enista, economy, millennial generation, homepage

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