Hope in action is connecting with the future of US politics

Hope can be a tricky thing. It can inspire us to act, but it can also feel elusive when we need it most — like days when the news is filled with cruelty and corruption.  

I just got a major infusion of hope and inspiration after spending a weekend with young public servants from across the country at a national gathering of the Young Elected Officials Network, a nonpartisan project of People For the American Way Foundation. The goal is to support elected leaders ages 40 and under who share a passion for building communities that reflect values of freedom, fairness and opportunity for all. It’s a tremendously diverse and groundbreaking group. 

The theme of this year’s gathering was “Power in Practice: Governing for a Just Democracy.” When I was first elected as a city councilman while still a student, and then as the youngest mayor ever in Ithaca, New York, I didn’t have much experience at having power to put into practice.  

The Young Elected Officials Network was a lifeline for me back then. It gave me a group of peers I could learn from and commiserate with — and opportunities to build my skills and confidence at using the power that had been entrusted to me by my constituents.  

Now, two decades after my first election, I’m honored to lead People For the American Way Foundation, which sponsors the Young Elected Officials Network. At the recent convening I loved seeing more experienced........

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