Originally published March 2010
For good reasons, the policy community of Washington, DC is not in a very good mood. Health care reform still hangs. The unemployment numbers stink. Reaching a consensus on energy policy seems a long way off.
Perhaps most strikingly, our president has reached a real rough patch. A very liberal and Obama-supporting friend put it to me bluntly the other day: “I really don’t know what would be different today if we had elected McCain.” From this friend, the comment was a shocker.
But on a recent, quick trip to DC for a dinner event, I was surprised by something else: Can-do conversations in a coffee shop.
I had arrived in DC early and found a nook in Dupont Circle where I could pass the time. Settling in, ready to whip through Blackberry emails NYC-style, I began to overhear the conversation at a neighboring table (and no, this does not qualify as eavesdropping).
Two twenty-something guys were talking about their start-up. They discussed the concept, the pitch they had created for their upcoming road show across the country, and why they were enthused about future prospects. They got into the mechanics of their product and clearly knew the technology inside and out – it seemed to be a kind of data networking system (and no, I still wasn’t eavesdropping!)
What struck me was the ease and enthusiasm with which they rattled off their ideas – they made the system seem simple, functional and manageable. While they knew the going would be tough for awhile, that they would need to work hard and sell their concept with all their might, these guys were passionate. They were buzzing with possibility. They were young and idealistic (and unrealistic?)
But they also were willing to give their entrepreneurial dream a shot.
This particular table must have been oddly charmed, because as the start-up meeting ended and the entrepreneurs headed out, two other men sat down and began to converse.
They were think tank guys and started a broad discussion, commenting on their work, their theories, their future research, and how it all would interface with the news of the moment. They covered the buzzwords of the day and the reasons for despair – all pretty standard.
But they also discussed hope – and the confidence that their efforts, if positioned smartly, could help change things and move the ball forward in a positive direction. They were lit up by possibility, which was a very pleasant shift away from the scowls more pervasive of late. Their discussion actually put me in a much better mood.
My mood shifted later on in the evening, when the dinner conversation I observed suggested we really do have a long way to go to come to any sort of policy consensus on energy. The smart, talented and experienced people sharing their perspectives all sounded a similar note: They wished leaders in Washington would see the pressing need to get going on energy, but with numerous other fires to put out, they just did not know if our present leadership would be up to the task.
Yet as dinner was wrapping up, one of the dinner participants helped to bring my earlier tinge of optimism back to our table: she noted that her 15 year-old daughter had started a Facebook awareness campaign for energy conservation and was convinced that her efforts were having an impact.
She also told her mother she believed her generation really was capable of addressing some of the country’s major challenges through a revved-up dedication to making things right. Not too shabby for 15.
So with bad news front-and-center every day, here’s the good news: entrepreneurs, deep, committed thinkers, and bright, energetic young people still exist in this country. And they have hope for the future.
It’s time we started celebrating these positives, supporting them and reintegrating them into our national narrative. I think it would put us all in a much better mood.
Christina Ciocca grew up in Darien and graduated from Greenwich Academy. She works in communications and public relations at The Dilenschneider Group in New York City.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
For the Next Generation of Leaders
Originally published January 2010
Each year, the sleepy ski town of Davos, Switzerland awakens in a hurry as business, political, academic and non-profit leaders gather from across the globe to deliberate on the health and prosperity of our world. I’m lucky to be taking in my second World Economic Forum annual meeting this year.
After a week of acrobatic maneuvers -- both physically (the sidewalks are sheets of ice) and mentally (talk about constantly "on": you learn just as much here by overhearing conversations in hotel lobbies and bars as you do from each of the sessions) -- I have pinned down several "WEF" highlights of special importance for young leaders, in particular.
First, this year's meeting has been energized by the sessions and conversations led by the WEF's "Young Global Leaders" (YGL). The YGL is "a unique, multistakeholder community of exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future." Each year, the WEF identifies 200-300 YGL who are becoming increasingly influential throughout the world, especially in their contribution of fresh values and innovative thinking to their area of expertise.
The YGL, led by a Steering Group directed by YGL H.K.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, designed and staged several meeting sessions, many of them geared toward improving international cooperation and collaboration.
One of the most significant was entitled "Rethinking Business Ethics," which tackled the "shortcomings of simply teaching the analysis of ethical problems to prepare future business leaders for the paradoxes of the real world." A central component to the session was the “Global Business Oath” – a set of principles designed by a YGL task force similar to the Hippocratic Oath in medicine – encouraging business leaders to espouse a more ethical approach to profit-making. Thus far, over 200 leaders have taken the oath.
In a word, the YGL are making a difference. With access to mentors like Bill Clinton, Mohammad Yunus and Bill and Melinda Gates, combined with the will, drive and talent to reshape the world for the better, the YGL are a force to be reckoned with. Visit their new website at http://redesignourworld.com/.
Second, world leaders have put forward a number of ideas that, if acted upon, could reshape the global society young people will inherit. In his opening address, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France proposed a return to a more “moral” version of capitalism, one that strives to smooth the global economic imbalances at the root of the current crisis.
He also called for a “new Bretton Woods” and argued that “exchange rate instability and the under-valuation of certain currencies lead to unfair trade and competition,” as the official press release described. South Korean president Lee Myung-bak reinforced the importance of international coalitions and agreements, noting that the G20 must take a strong leadership stance in designing a global “exit strategy” to ease the world’s transition into a post-crisis existence.
Each of these comments laid the groundwork for further conversations on the challenging dynamics of creating international consensus while balancing the needs and desires of national constituencies. As South African finance minister, Trevor Manuel, noted, international leaders must be willing to let go of some measure of their perceived national power to create the consensus Davos proclaims as the only way the world will prosper – or even survive.
This bold statement brings me to a third point: “the spirit of Davos.” There is a lot of talk here about the sense of positive, healthy engagement with which all participants are expected to approach their time in the mountains. An open spirit of discourse and debate in fact is necessary to unite leaders with very different perspectives on the most pressing social, political and economic issues facing the world – even if only for 5 days.
But then you have to ask – if the spirit of Davos is understood, respected and cultivated during the WEF annual meeting each year, isn’t it a concept that can be expanded upon and spread as the go-to international culture by the world’s next generation of leaders?
Sure, I’m feeling a little extra optimistic after hearing Bill Clinton urge support for Haiti, spotting the CEOs of some of the world’s most dynamic corporations sharing a few words on the state of global business, and meeting several members of the very talented and charismatic YGL community.
Yet it would be a shame not to harness the sense of optimism that makes Davos the one-of-a-kind experience it has become for many across the world. We as young people should take serious note – and do something to spread the spirit of Davos well beyond the hills of Switzerland.
Christina Ciocca grew up in Darien and graduated from Greenwich Academy. She works in communications and public relations at The Dilenschneider Group in New York City.
Each year, the sleepy ski town of Davos, Switzerland awakens in a hurry as business, political, academic and non-profit leaders gather from across the globe to deliberate on the health and prosperity of our world. I’m lucky to be taking in my second World Economic Forum annual meeting this year.
After a week of acrobatic maneuvers -- both physically (the sidewalks are sheets of ice) and mentally (talk about constantly "on": you learn just as much here by overhearing conversations in hotel lobbies and bars as you do from each of the sessions) -- I have pinned down several "WEF" highlights of special importance for young leaders, in particular.
First, this year's meeting has been energized by the sessions and conversations led by the WEF's "Young Global Leaders" (YGL). The YGL is "a unique, multistakeholder community of exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future." Each year, the WEF identifies 200-300 YGL who are becoming increasingly influential throughout the world, especially in their contribution of fresh values and innovative thinking to their area of expertise.
The YGL, led by a Steering Group directed by YGL H.K.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, designed and staged several meeting sessions, many of them geared toward improving international cooperation and collaboration.
One of the most significant was entitled "Rethinking Business Ethics," which tackled the "shortcomings of simply teaching the analysis of ethical problems to prepare future business leaders for the paradoxes of the real world." A central component to the session was the “Global Business Oath” – a set of principles designed by a YGL task force similar to the Hippocratic Oath in medicine – encouraging business leaders to espouse a more ethical approach to profit-making. Thus far, over 200 leaders have taken the oath.
In a word, the YGL are making a difference. With access to mentors like Bill Clinton, Mohammad Yunus and Bill and Melinda Gates, combined with the will, drive and talent to reshape the world for the better, the YGL are a force to be reckoned with. Visit their new website at http://redesignourworld.com/.
Second, world leaders have put forward a number of ideas that, if acted upon, could reshape the global society young people will inherit. In his opening address, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France proposed a return to a more “moral” version of capitalism, one that strives to smooth the global economic imbalances at the root of the current crisis.
He also called for a “new Bretton Woods” and argued that “exchange rate instability and the under-valuation of certain currencies lead to unfair trade and competition,” as the official press release described. South Korean president Lee Myung-bak reinforced the importance of international coalitions and agreements, noting that the G20 must take a strong leadership stance in designing a global “exit strategy” to ease the world’s transition into a post-crisis existence.
Each of these comments laid the groundwork for further conversations on the challenging dynamics of creating international consensus while balancing the needs and desires of national constituencies. As South African finance minister, Trevor Manuel, noted, international leaders must be willing to let go of some measure of their perceived national power to create the consensus Davos proclaims as the only way the world will prosper – or even survive.
This bold statement brings me to a third point: “the spirit of Davos.” There is a lot of talk here about the sense of positive, healthy engagement with which all participants are expected to approach their time in the mountains. An open spirit of discourse and debate in fact is necessary to unite leaders with very different perspectives on the most pressing social, political and economic issues facing the world – even if only for 5 days.
But then you have to ask – if the spirit of Davos is understood, respected and cultivated during the WEF annual meeting each year, isn’t it a concept that can be expanded upon and spread as the go-to international culture by the world’s next generation of leaders?
Sure, I’m feeling a little extra optimistic after hearing Bill Clinton urge support for Haiti, spotting the CEOs of some of the world’s most dynamic corporations sharing a few words on the state of global business, and meeting several members of the very talented and charismatic YGL community.
Yet it would be a shame not to harness the sense of optimism that makes Davos the one-of-a-kind experience it has become for many across the world. We as young people should take serious note – and do something to spread the spirit of Davos well beyond the hills of Switzerland.
Christina Ciocca grew up in Darien and graduated from Greenwich Academy. She works in communications and public relations at The Dilenschneider Group in New York City.
A New Generation of Giving
Originally published December 2009
There's nothing quite like the holiday season in the New York Metro Area. As a colleague of mine recently said, "That Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center will never get old" -- a sentiment I share, even as the sidewalk gridlock on Fifth Avenue reaches a level only exceeded by the Fairfield County corridor of I-95. I also have little doubt that people across all faith traditions have found similar symbols of joy to mark this unique time of year, as we seek to be festive, to give back and to prepare for the year ahead.
I have been thinking specifically about giving back. I always am struck throughout the month of December by the public outpouring of goodwill that flows from our homes, our schools and our religious centers. Whether volunteering at soup kitchens, donating warm clothing through coat drives, or acting as angels and sending gifts to needy families, our communities become proactive with generosity and volunteerism.
The “holiday spirit” seems to elevate our willingness to give and think beyond the confines of our daily life, and I’d like to believe we’re all the better for it.
I recently met a social entrepreneur – and a fellow member of the Millennial generation (roughly, all those born in the U.S. between 1980 and 2000) – who knows more than a thing or two about the power of harnessing the holiday spirit. The only difference for Daniel Kaufman is that his spirit extends 365 days a year. Daniel is the founder and motivating power behind the One Percent Foundation (www.onepercentfoundation.org), an organization dedicated to “creating a new generation of philanthropists.”
As the foundation’s website explains, “The One Percent Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to engaging young adults in philanthropy. The Foundation is a giving circle – a group of young adults who pool their funds and time to strengthen their communities, while at the same time increasing their understanding of and participation in philanthropy.” To do this, the Foundation asks each member of the Millennial generation to contribute one percent of our income each year to proactive and engaged philanthropic giving.
At first glance, this request could seem somewhat unreasonable, especially for young adults trying to get their feet off the ground. With bills to pay, a social life to cultivate and unexpected expenses popping up right and left, what Millennial could afford to cut a check for $300, or $500, or even $1,000 each year?
Daniel argues that all of us can, if we restructure our preconceptions and approach to giving. First, we need to view giving as a constant, something layered into our lives and not just appropriate for special times of year like the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Giving can become part of an enhanced civic-mindedness that raises all boats.
Second, we need to understand the financial element as not just money, but as an enabling force behind a much bolder level of commitment. In other words, the dollars and cents are the tools of support, but without a deeper investment of time, participation and goodwill, we are much less likely to create the “new generation of philanthropists” that Daniel’s organization envisions.
Third, we need to be practical. While it’s a tall order to hand over a large check at the end of the year, it’s not so taxing to break those hundreds of dollars into monthly checks delivered each month in support of causes that really mean something to us.
The way the One Percent Foundation activates this principle is by acting as a central donation hub, where members of the giving circle place their monthly donations. Then, as a community, all One Percent Foundation partners decide where the funds will be donated on a quarterly basis – meaning that the monies collected are significant enough to make a substantial difference.
To me, the One Percent Foundation, as it grows, could be quite revolutionary for the Millennial generation. Daniel tells me that if all Millennials in the U.S. – we are about 75 million strong – rose to the Foundation’s challenge, we could accrue a pool of over $8 billion in yearly donations in support of organizations that truly matter to us. While we’ve gotten pretty accustomed to throwing big numbers around in this country, $8 billion is hardly insignificant!
More than the money, though, is the One Percent Foundation mentality. What if we all espoused the value of giving in a thorough, committed manner and incorporated it into our daily lives? There are, of course, many people – Millennials and others – who do this and, in my view, are true role models. But what if we could reincorporate a wholehearted spirit of volunteerism, of generosity, of concern for those beyond ourselves into the basic value system of the current and future leaders of this country?
Like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, it’s an idea that, to me, will never get old.
Christina Ciocca grew up in Darien and graduated from Greenwich Academy. She works in communications and public relations at The Dilenschneider Group in New York City.
There's nothing quite like the holiday season in the New York Metro Area. As a colleague of mine recently said, "That Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center will never get old" -- a sentiment I share, even as the sidewalk gridlock on Fifth Avenue reaches a level only exceeded by the Fairfield County corridor of I-95. I also have little doubt that people across all faith traditions have found similar symbols of joy to mark this unique time of year, as we seek to be festive, to give back and to prepare for the year ahead.
I have been thinking specifically about giving back. I always am struck throughout the month of December by the public outpouring of goodwill that flows from our homes, our schools and our religious centers. Whether volunteering at soup kitchens, donating warm clothing through coat drives, or acting as angels and sending gifts to needy families, our communities become proactive with generosity and volunteerism.
The “holiday spirit” seems to elevate our willingness to give and think beyond the confines of our daily life, and I’d like to believe we’re all the better for it.
I recently met a social entrepreneur – and a fellow member of the Millennial generation (roughly, all those born in the U.S. between 1980 and 2000) – who knows more than a thing or two about the power of harnessing the holiday spirit. The only difference for Daniel Kaufman is that his spirit extends 365 days a year. Daniel is the founder and motivating power behind the One Percent Foundation (www.onepercentfoundation.org), an organization dedicated to “creating a new generation of philanthropists.”
As the foundation’s website explains, “The One Percent Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to engaging young adults in philanthropy. The Foundation is a giving circle – a group of young adults who pool their funds and time to strengthen their communities, while at the same time increasing their understanding of and participation in philanthropy.” To do this, the Foundation asks each member of the Millennial generation to contribute one percent of our income each year to proactive and engaged philanthropic giving.
At first glance, this request could seem somewhat unreasonable, especially for young adults trying to get their feet off the ground. With bills to pay, a social life to cultivate and unexpected expenses popping up right and left, what Millennial could afford to cut a check for $300, or $500, or even $1,000 each year?
Daniel argues that all of us can, if we restructure our preconceptions and approach to giving. First, we need to view giving as a constant, something layered into our lives and not just appropriate for special times of year like the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Giving can become part of an enhanced civic-mindedness that raises all boats.
Second, we need to understand the financial element as not just money, but as an enabling force behind a much bolder level of commitment. In other words, the dollars and cents are the tools of support, but without a deeper investment of time, participation and goodwill, we are much less likely to create the “new generation of philanthropists” that Daniel’s organization envisions.
Third, we need to be practical. While it’s a tall order to hand over a large check at the end of the year, it’s not so taxing to break those hundreds of dollars into monthly checks delivered each month in support of causes that really mean something to us.
The way the One Percent Foundation activates this principle is by acting as a central donation hub, where members of the giving circle place their monthly donations. Then, as a community, all One Percent Foundation partners decide where the funds will be donated on a quarterly basis – meaning that the monies collected are significant enough to make a substantial difference.
To me, the One Percent Foundation, as it grows, could be quite revolutionary for the Millennial generation. Daniel tells me that if all Millennials in the U.S. – we are about 75 million strong – rose to the Foundation’s challenge, we could accrue a pool of over $8 billion in yearly donations in support of organizations that truly matter to us. While we’ve gotten pretty accustomed to throwing big numbers around in this country, $8 billion is hardly insignificant!
More than the money, though, is the One Percent Foundation mentality. What if we all espoused the value of giving in a thorough, committed manner and incorporated it into our daily lives? There are, of course, many people – Millennials and others – who do this and, in my view, are true role models. But what if we could reincorporate a wholehearted spirit of volunteerism, of generosity, of concern for those beyond ourselves into the basic value system of the current and future leaders of this country?
Like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, it’s an idea that, to me, will never get old.
Christina Ciocca grew up in Darien and graduated from Greenwich Academy. She works in communications and public relations at The Dilenschneider Group in New York City.
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