Reviews:

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

Explore the world of books, guidelines, online resources to enhance and improve your management of volunteers .

~February 2009~

The Way We'll Be

The Way We’ll Be
John Zogby
Random House
www.atrandom.com

          John Zogby is a pollster who mined the results of his organization's long term polling to ascertain what trends are guiding the US into the future.  This book is a result of that work and it is a positive outlook. 
         While there is widespread dissatisfaction with politicians, the 18-29 year old Millenial generation has a heightened sense of social awareness, a real appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism, a personal spiritual sense of the work and a broader world view than their elders.  As an example, 25% of this age group believes it will live for significant period of time in a country other than the US.  They are also more aware of international politics than their parents and grandparents.
         Zogby renames the GenY or Millenials as the "First Globals," “the most outward-looking and accepting generation in American history.”  They are more concerned about human rights and the environment than previous generations.  These are conscientious consumers, demanding honesty and accountability across all sectors—media, business, government. 
         These young people, the future of America, are not as materialistic or branded as they were conditioned to be.  He says the younger generation is moving from materialism to “secular spiritualism.”  Here are just some of his findings:

• 18-29 year olds care about things other than themselves.
• These young people celebrate a world of diversity, expecting people who sell them things to do the same
• They buy globally and are sensitive to international issues likes global warming and AIDS
• The group of young people are committed to finding common ground for the world’s tough issues
• Everything belongs in the public domain, even their private lives.