Organizers

Joel Clark                            Austin Wright
jclark@ourfuturevoice.org   awright@ourfuturevoice.org

Our Mission and Principals
Our Future Voice recognizes that civic involvement is a proven way for young people to pursue their goals, and we are committed to providing structured ways to participate in public affairs. We recognize the transformative power of experienced-based programs to positively change young people’s lives–including volunteerism, internships, student-run advocacy and public forums for debate–and that investments in these activities can nurture the public values of a new generation.

As public and private sector support for education is cut, the opportunities for future leaders are diminished. We seek new ways to leverage our shared interests to continue investments in these opportunities, and in America’s future.

Our Future Voice is dedicated to empowering young people to participate in ways that enhance their voice, as well as their future prospects for active citizenship and productive careers. Our key principles include:

• WE are committed to nurturing young people’s desire to participate in public affairs, and to shape future policies at the local, state and national levels.
• WE understand many young people are struggling with increasing costs of education, and need additional assistance to utilize experience-based programs that provide bridges to productive and fulfilling lives.
• WE believe in the power of direct, hands-on learning to help young people develop real-world skills, experiences, and contacts necessary for personal and professional success.
• WE are nonpartisan, but recognize that many young people find meaningful participation through the two major political parties.
• WE base our support on several criteria, including need, merit, and potential to translate program learning into strategies for engaged citizenship.
• WE are led by young people who set our goals, agendas, and policies, and who coordinate our programs for the benefit of everyone.
• WE are collaborative, and welcome affiliations with associations, interest groups, civic leaders, foundations, colleges and universities, and anyone who shares our commitment to providing meaningful avenues for personal, professional and civic growth for your future leaders.

As a 501c4, Our Future Voice depends on donations, grants, and other forms of support from those who share our values and purposes. We are currently seeking support for several upcoming initiatives:

• A weeklong, hands-on program in Washington, DC, (May 20-25, 2012) which presents an ‘insider’s look’ at the 2012 U.S. elections, and provides participants the skills and strategies for campaign work, policy advocacy, and future career success. Our Future Voice is raising support for scholarships that can help offset the costs of participation for students based on need and merit. Program will include DC hotel housing on Capitol Hill, all instruction and materials, tours, site-visits, and professional development training including assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviews, and DC internship or 2012 campaign volunteer work.
• Our Future Voice Internship Scholarships to assist student interns who want to participate in the elections process in Washington, DC this summer, at sites including national nonprofit and advocacy organizations not affiliated with either political party.
• An online Our Future Voice Empowerment Resource Center that provides ongoing, up-to-date information on new volunteer, training and career opportunities for students and recent graduates.