Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times
Recently I’ve noticed a trend that has left me hopeful that Americans, especially the younger generations, are becoming more involved in their communities and in the political process.
I’ve been to numerous events in the past few weeks where I’ve witnessed ordinary people of all ages devoting themselves to causes much larger than themselves. At the church I attend a fellow parishioner and many of his friends walked for 24 hours to raise money for an orphanage of disabled children in Guatemala. Thousands of ordinary citizens have worked tirelessly to pass city ordinances in cities across this region to promote clean indoor air and to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants. A few weeks ago I attended a large event to raise awareness about the injustice of capital punishment. Last week advocates and concerned citizens rallied to raise awareness about the need for more services to support poor and low income children. It is heartwarming to learn that voter registration for the upcoming election is at an all time high.
As I attend these events, I notice that young people under the age of 35 make up a very large segment of the crowd. This fills me with joy and I encourage young people to get more involved in the political and public policy process so the rest of us can benefit from your wisdom and energy. Our country and our world need your leadership now more than ever!
I’ve been to numerous events in the past few weeks where I’ve witnessed ordinary people of all ages devoting themselves to causes much larger than themselves. At the church I attend a fellow parishioner and many of his friends walked for 24 hours to raise money for an orphanage of disabled children in Guatemala. Thousands of ordinary citizens have worked tirelessly to pass city ordinances in cities across this region to promote clean indoor air and to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants. A few weeks ago I attended a large event to raise awareness about the injustice of capital punishment. Last week advocates and concerned citizens rallied to raise awareness about the need for more services to support poor and low income children. It is heartwarming to learn that voter registration for the upcoming election is at an all time high.
As I attend these events, I notice that young people under the age of 35 make up a very large segment of the crowd. This fills me with joy and I encourage young people to get more involved in the political and public policy process so the rest of us can benefit from your wisdom and energy. Our country and our world need your leadership now more than ever!
About Me
Steve Roling
President/CEO
Steve Roling is the President/CEO of the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Each week he blogs about issues that inspire him as we work toward eliminating barriers to quality health.
Comments
When I was relatively young I had the opportunity to work for a great guy at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. He taught me to keep my focus on the constituents and not the politics of the process - a lesson I've come to admire in my adulthood.Hope all is well - I thought only 14 year olds blogged.Patricia
Great Blog Steve! Once again I completely agree with you:) Young people are taking their time, their energy, and their responsibly for so many important social and political issues. Last night around midnight I was driving home from a fundraising event and I passed by the Obama headquarters on 31st and Gillham. I saw at least 20 people under the age of 35 still campaigning. I was inspired to say the least! Gandhi states, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I see on a daily basis that 100’s of community activist are trying to do just that. Keep up the great work Kansas City… and keep blogging Steve. Your blog is loved by a lot young activist and you are loved by every person you meet!
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