Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 April 2006
Many assume that young Americans are apathetic, self-absorbed, andindifferent to civic matters. It is a turned-off generation, we aretold. But nothing could be further from the truth. A host of datasuggests young Americans give their energy, time, and money to theirschools, community, and nation. A recent report by the Center forInformation and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE),for example, suggests young Americans volunteer at higher rates thando older Americans (Lopez 2003). The frequency of pitching-in hasalso increased: In 1990 some 65% of college freshman reportedvolunteering in high school, and by 2003 that figure had risen to83%. Rates of volunteer work for those under 25 are now twice ashigh as for those over 55. Perhaps this is theactivist generation.