The Next Generation's Voice : Community, Conflict, and Democracy

The Next Generation, Millennials and beyond (or NextGen), is now larger than the remaining Baby Boomers. Our democracy's future is in their hands. Are they receiving a democracy at risk? What do they face and what do they want? How can they shape public policy? The field of dispute resolution is about helping people exercise voice to resolve conflict; it is broad enough to encompass voice in all the important decisions we face. The NextGen has an array of choices for how it will exercise voice to influence key public policies; it can participate across the policy continuum through collaborative governance. This essay will explore the NextGen in collaborative governance through elections, public and civic engagement, and civil disobedience. It urges the NextGen to re-imagine the future, use the power its voice provides, and reclaim our democracy