RECAP: Millennial Action Project Hosts 3rd Annual National Week of Action

WASHINGTON — Last week, March 14-18, the Millennial Action Project (MAP) convened policymakers across the country for its 3rd annual National Week of Action. Throughout the week, legislators met virtually and in-person for discussions, roundtables, and training focused on civic bridge-building and policy innovation to create solutions to our country’s most pressing challenges. 

MAP’s National Week of Action is the leading gathering for young lawmakers across the political spectrum. Millennials, the oldest of whom are in their early 40s, represent the largest voting block and generation in the workforce. During this time of intense political polarization and as the country continues to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, it’s essential that decisions are made with Millennial needs and voices at the table. 

We are excited to share takeaways from the week below — keep reading for a recap of the highlights!

Monday 3/14

MAP invited Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Representative Blake Moore (R-UT), co-chairs of the Congressional Future Caucus, to share their thoughts on taking action and the power of young people in elected office. Click here for key takeaways from their remarks! 

Tuesday 3/15

MAP’s President and CEO Layla Zaidane welcomed legislators to an off-the-record training session on communications and messaging, featuring seasoned communications professionals. Legislators learned about best practices for understanding their audience, developing a compelling personal narrative, and persuasive issue messaging, and had opportunities to ask questions and try out the strategies.

Wednesday 3/16

MAP’s Director of Operations Claire Meneer facilitated an Instagram Live conversation with Yorba Linda, CA Councilwoman Tara Campbell, Rhode Island Senator Tiara Mack, and Women in Government Executive Director Meredith Martino. Panelists shared reflections on the importance of women in public office, their support systems, and how to get more women involved in leadership. 

Thursday 3/17

Legislators from across the country joined MAP for a live Twitter Chat discussion on a range of topics: the power of young people in state legislatures, their most pressing policy priorities, and ways to engage constituents. Additionally, MAP introduced five new policy spotlights on issues related to strengthening democracy.

Highlighted issues included ranked choice voting, election audits, primary reform, redistricting, and combating misinformation.

MAP was also on the ground in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday to announce the new co-chairs of the Georgia Future Caucus, Rep. Jasmine Clark (D) and Rep. Steven Sainz (R), along with a group of caucus members.

Friday 3/18

Four legislators who are former athletes joined an on-the-record discussion with MAP’s Chief Program Officer Reggie Paros, Health is Wealth: Lessons Learned from Athletes Turned Legislators. The speakers shared takeaways from sports and how they translate to state legislative work, the importance of maintaining health, and resilience. Watch the conversation here!

If you are interested in learning more about the Millennial Action Project’s work, please reach out to us at [email protected].