Considering the inspiring youth activism that drove the March for Our Lives, I wanted to make sure you were aware of our report from last year, “Building Tomorrow: The Need for Sustained Investment in America’s Progressive Youth,” which outlines the challenges of the youth movement and examines opportunities to strengthen youth activism. It also shows that conservative youth organizations drastically outspend progressive youth organizations.
Just wanted to re-up this in case you’re continuing coverage of Parkland students and youth activism. The report was released by Young People For (YP4), a Project of People for the American Way Foundation, and Generation Progress. Read the full report here.
Quotes from YP4 Director CiCi Battle:
“Progressive millennials are on the frontlines of today’s most important movements for racial and social justice, but since 2008 there has been a growing funding gap between conservative and progressive youth organizations. Now progressive youth organizations are out-funded by conservative groups 3-to-1.”
“The progressive movement is failing to invest in youth activist, despite their participation in the movement for progressive change. Our young people need adequate, long-term support especially in an increasingly hateful and polarized political environment.”
“Young People For value our youth’s shared vision for inclusion and justice for all people. YP4 is doing just that–preparing the diverse, values-driven leaders our movement needs and leading lean, effective programs to challenge conservatives.”
Key findings:
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Conservative youth organizations received nearly half a billion dollars more in contributions than progressive youth organizations between 2008 and 2014.
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For every six dollars a conservative youth organization can spend on youth investment, progressive youth organizations have just one dollar.
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In total expenditures, the top 5 conservative youth organizations in 2014 spent approximately $40 million more than the top 5 progressive youth organizations.
Note to Press: CiCi Battle is available for interviews about the report and the YP4 program. To schedule, please contact Kawana Lloyd at kawana@megphonestrategies.com.
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