The American Dream has been a pillar of American society and achievement for decades; however, the last five years have shattered the American Dream for the younger generation. Youth unemployment is at a 60-year high, total student debt is over $1 trillion, yet the political system has done little to respond to this problem. It has fallen upon the people themselves to bring about change. Luckily for the people, social media has given them a voice. Scott Gerber, Founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council (an organization I'm proud to be a member of), is actively using social media to spread awareness and recruit Stephen Colbert, an American hero, who can help the future of America.
Recently, Scott has started the #FixYoungAmerica campaign, which aims to "shed light on the solutions that can help solve youth unemployment, get our young people back to work, and get these solutions into the hands of every leader and decision maker in America so we can hold them accountable." We are using the power of social media to spread the message, organize a rally on 300 college campuses, and get the popular television host and writer Stephen Colbert on board. Below are 5 and half reasons #FixYoungAmerica, together with Stephen Colbert, can help ensure America's future prosperity.
1. Colbert: "This Generation's Oprah"
Stephen Colbert is a winner. From his numerous awards, including a Grammy, Emmy, and numerous Peabody Awards -- not to mention being named as one of GQ's "Men of the Year" in 2006 -- to his critically-acclaimed television show and New York Times best-selling book, Stephen Colbert is a perfect fit to champion any movement. Like Oprah in years prior, Colbert has demonstrated his influence by driving awareness with the "Colbert bump." He will add credibility and value to the movement and drive forth a resurrection of the American Dream for America's youth.
2. Give Power to the People
There is a running stereotype that today's youth isn't as politically active, or aware as past generations. However, that may speak more to the government failings to secure opportunity for them. The younger generation is more focused on the job market and economic conditions, due to the economic failings to the political gridlock in D.C. The #FixYoungAmerica movement attempts to unify people to create realistic and effective solutions facing the future of the nation. Stephen Colbert understands the issues facing the younger generation as evidenced by his extension of his SuperPAC, "For A Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow," to college campuses nationwide to give students a louder voice.
3. Unifying Cause
History has demonstrated that today's younger generation can successfully convene around a cause given a common ideal. Just a few months ago, the nation rallied to stop SOPA and PIPA to secure future online freedom. Stephen Colbert's leadership will help unify people around the preservation of America's future. He has valuable experience leveraging social media and his Colbert Nation to rally people around a significant cause. In 2010, 215,000 people joined his Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear in Washington D.C., which he did with Jon Stewart.
4. Cut Through The Clutter
Stephen Colbert brings awareness to important political issues which affect millions of Americans. In the last seven years of his television show, The Colbert Report, he has used his humor and personality to relate significant issues to his viewers and fans. Colbert has a tremendous following on social media, making him an excellent spokesperson to communicate and represent the nation's problems.
5. A True American Hero
Throughout his life, Stephen Colbert overcame many obstacles to reach the success and influence he now has. He has displayed enormous strength of character in his ability to make a positive difference in his life and in the life of others. Colbert's story and personality not only entertains, but also inspires an entrepreneurial spirit, which is exactly what the #FixYoungAmerica movement aims to do.
5.5. Do your half - Support the movement and join the #FixYoungAmerica conversation.
Tweet to Stephen Colbert by clicking here and check out the movement's website to read more on how they plan on fixing this problem.
How would you help #FixYoungAmerica? What do you think of the power of this movement?