The American Prospect spoke with 9 youth organizers, writers and thinkers on how the energy and enthusiasm that propelled Barack Obama to the White House needs to be channeled effectively. It's a great (and quick!) read and really outlines the potential of young people to contribute to society.

Although this article is a few weeks old now, when it got passed to me, a couple of things came to mind...

• I'm glad that many of the commentators are stressing the importance of having young people at the table when it comes to creating policies. This is something that I've constantly talked about at various conferences and events over the past 1.5 years. Without our voice, our issues and needs and concerns won't be heard.


• The work has only just begun! If the President says that developing a green economy is an important part of his administration, how are young people going to contribute to that vision? We represent an extremely large special interest group and we have the power to make real change possible - check out this video that makes a similar argument.


• Social networking is the name of the new game of engagement: again, something that we've been advocating for some time. It has been marvelous to see the Obama campaign use it to its maximum effect, but again, what happens now? Where do we go from here? How do we use this technology to ensure that the change promised is the change we experience?

Just a few of my thoughts, I hope that you contribute yours!