action manual - introduction

While New Global Citizens is not an expert on the world’s biggest issues, it is comprised of a group of people—of all ages—who firmly believe that young people have the power to create a better world. As you read through this guide, remember that it was written from the viewpoint that young people in the United States are an enormous, untapped resource in the fight against global poverty and the struggle for human rights.

Young people in the United States control enormous amounts of wealth and cultural influence. Collectively, Generation Y in the United States controls over $211 billion in spending each year. This generation consumes media (television, movies, and the internet) at rates never before seen in the history of the world. People in all corners of the globe look to young Americans to set fashion trends, determine popular music, and identify the movies and websites that will be woven into the fabric of everyday living.

New Global Citizens knows that this generation wants to take an active role in creating a better world. New Global Citizens also knows that, as of now, there are too few opportunities for young people in the U.S. to do this on a global scale. We are therefore proud to present this guide as a unique resource in helping this generation take steps toward a new global reality.