'Twentysomething' leaders discuss activism, politics

They are tired of being labeled "Generation X." And a panel of four of America's youngest leaders in politics and community service argued that, despite public criticism, today's young people are more involved in their communities than ever. At an open panel discussion in the Law School auditorium Monday night, they debated the paradox of the "Twentysomethings" increasing participation in community service and simultaneous apathy toward politics. Many agreed that although Americans between the ages of 18 and 30 lack a single, visible cause for which to fight, they have turned to community service as a means to perpetuate change. College senior Jamie Daves, who hosted the panel discussion, has already become politically active and chose this forum to encourage discussion about the role of the young generation. The panel's moderator, Leslie Crutchfield, is the co-founder of Who Cares : A Journal of Service and Action, a magazine which covers young people who are involved in politics and service programs. She began the evening by putting forth a challenge to the audience --which was made up of over 200 public officials, non-profit leaders, students and community members -- to continue to get involved. Crutchfield said that young people began to define themselves as knowledgeable and concerned voters when 40 percent of this generation voted in the 1992 elections. She added that 20-year-olds are the fastest growing group of volunteers in the United States today, giving them the reputation of "the fix-it generation." Patricia Perkins-Auguste, who, at 29, was elected in 1992 as the first female African-American city councilwoman in Elizabeth, N.J, also spoke at the panel. She stressed her understanding that politics is, in her opinion, the most influential form of service. She added that America's true problems lie in racism and the deteriorating public educational systems. John Cowan, co-founder of Lead or Leave, the nation's largest political organizing group of twentysomethings, insisted that "our generation is getting screwed over by almost any measure." Lissa Hilsee, another panelist, is founder and executive director of Philadelphia Cares, a non-profit organization that coordinates volunteer projects for over 7,000 full-time professionals in the Pennsylvania area. Her resounding message was that "every person can make a difference and has a responsibility to give back in line with their talents and values." Kathleen Sullivan, the final panelist, is the coordinator for the grassroots organization Empty the Shelters. The group was founded by University alumni, homeless activists and community members and pledged to ending homelessness and poverty. She urged the young generation to "make sure to listen to the voices that aren't being heard or represented [by activists]." College sophomore Steve Wilson reinforced her assertions. He said University students need to accept West Philadelphia as "our" community, rather than "theirs." Until students accept the problems surrounding them as their own, positive change can not be attained.