The Progressive Generation
Statement of Purpose
Every year hundreds of Americans flock to the
First Annual Conference
May 24, 2008
Matthew Taylor Addresses the Scholars
The day began with a keynote address by Matthew Taylor, a leading light of the
The Scholars Discuss Progressive Policy and Values
Following Mr. Taylor’s address, the conference broke into small group discussions. Each two-hour discussion group focused on one of three important topics: education, climate/energy, and healthcare policy. We then came together as a large group to identify the major policy issues in all three areas. This discussion was followed by a look at what the group found to be the key values and goals that inform the Progressive policy agenda.
In the area of education policy, the group addressed ways to recruit and retain qualified teachers and looked at whether merit pay could help to create the best possible cadre of instructors. Further, the problem of inequality and disadvantage was analyzed in light of the obligation of schools to help develop good citizens.
The healthcare discussion focused on the issues of access, cost, and quality of care. The group also examined the power of both the framing of the health care debate and the influence of special interests. Universal versus state-led solutions were also considered.
The groups looking at climate change addressed the bottom-up versus top-down model of climate policy, as well as the value of tax incentives. The discussion also turned to the broader issues of the role of the citizen and collective responsibility. The role of
Following these policy discussions, the scholars identified four major values of the Progressive Generation: maintaining optimism, driving change, reframing perceptions, and interconnecting issues.
The day concluded with two final speeches from young progressive leaders working in the
What’s Next
Thanks to the overwhelming enthusiasm of this year’s attendees, we plan to work towards making the conference an annual event. Our website will be launched soon, and we look forward to keeping you informed of our plans. In the meantime, please stay in touch with us via email at theprogressivegeneration@gmail.com.
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