In partnership with Portland Community College, SAGE hosted an online forum on Youth and Opportunity: What Should We Do for Future Generations to Thrive?

Many young people think the United States is on the wrong track and fear that decisions by today’s leaders are robbing them, and those who come after them, of a better future. Distrust in political parties combined with concerns about racial inequality and the lack of fundamental fairness in our society are inspiring protests—many led by children and young adults—and fueling grassroots efforts to challenge the status quo.

During our forum, guests discussed and deliberated three options for creating a better future and stable economy for all young Americans. Option one is to equip people to succeed. Option two is to give everyone a fair chance. And Option three is to focus on our economic security.

All these options are important, but there are tradeoffs in how we implement them, and participants discussed the key ideas and considered how we act on specific proposals that could bring about changes that will affect Americans of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background.

Succeeding generations should inherit a society that is fairer and fiscally sound. Thank you to our guests who joined us to share views and ideas for how we create a brighter future.