MILLENNIALS: THE NEW SUPERPOWER
From helping to elect the first African American President, to taking political engagement and social entrepreneurship to the next level. Millennials are not the “wait in line”, “wait your turn generation”. They (we), sit at the forefront of change, whether that’s starting our own non-profit/for-profit from our dorm rooms or debating topics on both domestic and foreign policy at the United Nations.
As a member of this “born into” club, I’ve had the pleasure and honor of meeting some of the most dynamic change-agents, many of whom are under the age of 30. They are CEOs, elected officials, artists, activists and all around “get shit done”, type of people but more often than not, our predecessors overlook that -- to conclude we’re just lazy and “entitled”. Now when you hear the word entitled, it’s normally in a negative context but really my generation, has expectations of both our government and society and currently it’s potential. So, is it wrong to want better, to want more? NO! Now, I might be a little bias but the millennial generation should not be overlooked or written off as just an overindulged child… and the numbers back that up.
Here are 8 reasons why millennials are the new superpower and things everyone should keep in mind when trying to engage us:
- Millennials will be 40% of the electorate by 2020. [The Center for American Progress]… so for those who want to make sure Trump doesn’t have a second term, better start with the us.
- 61% of millennials are worried about the state of the world and feel personally responsible to make a difference. [Huffington Post]
- 81% have donated money, goods or services. [Walden University and Harris Interactive]
- Younger Americans are most progressive (56.6) on cultural and social values and the least progressive on economic and domestic policy (53.1). [American Progress]
- Currently annual spending is $2.45 trillion and by 2018, they will eclipse boomers in spending power at $3.39 trillion. [Oracle]
- 46% count on social media when buying online, but 55% of Gen Y share bad experiences. [YouGov]
- 43% of millennial respondents described themselves as “conservative” investor. [Accenture]
- 77% participate in loyalty reward programs. [Aimia]