Scott Warren

2010

Scott Warren

Generation Citizen

http://www.GenerationCitizen.org

Civil and Human Rights, Education & Youth Leadership

The Bold Idea:

Bold Idea: Expand democracy by empowering historically under-represented youth to participate in the political process through an action-based student-led curriculum in our nation’s high schools.
The American democratic system is not open to everyone. Despite the promises of a government in which all citizens can play a role in determining the country’s future, a large part of our nation, namely minority and lower-income citizens, does not actively participate in our democracy.

Generation Citizen (GC) engages historically underrepresented and actively excluded youth in the democratic process. They envision a country where all people, regardless of race, class, or ethnicity, are informed actors in the democratic process. GC brings trained college volunteers into high school classrooms for a semester-long, state education standards-aligned, action-oriented course on effective citizenship.

GC believes it can create lasting social change by teaching urban high-schoolers the knowledge, skills, and motivation they need to effectively participate in American democracy. Generation Citizen students learn about the political process not from textbooks, but by engaging in it—, lobbying local legislators, organizing letter-writing campaigns, writing opinion pieces for newspapers, and making documentaries about community issues.

Biography:

Prior to co-founding GC, Scott Warren was a student activist working towards the end of genocide in Darfur. While receiving his degree in International Relations at Brown University, Scott successfully lobbied for the divestment of the University, city of Providence, and the state of Rhode Island from companies doing business with the Sudanese government.  
Scott served as the Executive Director of STAND, a national student anti-genocide coalition. During Scott’s tenure, STAND grew to include over 800 high school and college chapters, raised more than $200,000, helped pass a national divestment bill and recruited thousands of new activists.


Moment of Obligation: What experiences led to the desire to start your own organization?
In 2002, I had the opportunity to serve as an observer in Kenya's first truly democratic elections.  Witnessing the country come together, elated in a process that demonstrated the power of an individual vote, showed me the tremendous power of the concept of democracy.  A Kenyan friend told me that the democratic election was "the best Christmas present" he had ever received.    Unfortunately, despite our democratic principles, my experiences have shown me that the United States does not have an equal political playing field.  A large percentage of the American population does not have an active stake in the political process.  This is especially true in youth populations.    I am determined to do my small part to close this gap, and to ensure that every American can feel that same sense of democratic power and unity that I saw observing the Kenyan elections.

Gall to Think Big: What has given you the ability to dream big and take on deeply entrenched social and difficult problems? (Such as experiences, skills, events, etc.)
My parents always have taught me to do work that I passionately believe in.  They've told me to not take action for credit or claim, but rather, because it is the right thing to do.  My father is a living embodiment of this advice.  After working as a defense attorney for 25 years, he took an entry level position with the Foreign Service, because he felt it was the right thing to do. Tackling social issues like this civic engagement gap is challenging, but heeding my parent's sage advice, I am trying to do my small part.    I have also been inspired by the many people I have encountered throughout the world that continually risk everything they have to try to advance this idealistic notion of democracy.  From civil society leaders in Zimbabwe to protesters in Ecuador to our students taking on gang violence, I am continually humbled by the passion and perseverance of others. It makes my "dreaming big" seem not so big in the scheme of things.

New and Untested: What's innovative about your new idea for social change?
Generation Citizen is trying to revolutionize the way civics is taught in America's schools.    Our approach is action-centered.  Students learn math by completing math problems, they learn science by conducting experiments.  They need to learn about the political process by actually getting involved in the political process, taking action on issues they care about.      Secondly, we use college mentors to help propel the program. Our high school students are motivated by these near-peer role models, who in turn, learn about the challenges of our educational system.    Finally, our curriculum is standards-based, and Generation Citizen occurs during the school day.  Every single student should have access to a quality civics education, and we're committed to making this happen.

Seeing Possibilities: What are the most important qualities to be a successful social entrepreneur?
Passion: Caring about your work is the most important aspect, and helps you get through those hard days.    Perseverance: Recognizing that problems are an everyday occurrence, and that pro-activeness, rather than complaining, is the way to go.    Staying humble- Recognizing all we have to learn from others along the way..

Which musical artists/albums get you going and keep you inspired?
My music tastes are beyond eclectic.  Everything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Van Morrison to Tom Petty.    Michelle Branch is also a personal favorite to get through the harder days.

What books do you recommend (pleasure, work and anything in between)?
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee  America (The Book), by Jon Stewart  When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, by Peter Godwin  Chasing the Flame, by Samantha Power

Which websites do you visit often (work and/or personal)?
www.nytimes.com, for news  www.politico.com, for all things politics  www.CivicYouth.org, for all things youth civics related  www.Padres.com, for all things related to my misplaced passion for the San Diego Padres baseball team

What advice or quote do you keep close to your heart as a social change leader?
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it" - Yogi Berra    "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  -Franklin D. Roosevelt