Executive
Summary

by Paul Mattessich

Executive Director

Millennials, Leadership, and the Future of Our Communities

Every generation worries that ensuing younger generations might not subscribe to current, predominant cultural norms and institutions; the younger folks might disrupt or overhaul the status quo. Even baby boomers who once sloganized, "Don't trust anyone over 30," now find themselves part of "the establishment," wondering about the values, motivations, and lifestyles of people in their 20s and 30s, not to mention intrigued by younger people's facile use of technology and social media which creates new forms of social interaction.

Change comprises the only constant in life. And, as Trista Harris, president of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, told us recently at the Minnesota Compass Annual Meeting, the lack of conformity to existing norms does not portend disaster. It simply reflects new ways of adapting to the challenges of the world.

Our meeting focused on millennials (people between 14 and 33) because they constitute the most recently emerging adult generation. All generations have impacts on the present and the future. All deserve our attention. The millennials have just begun (or will soon begin) to spread their adult wings; they will comprise a major portion of the parents, workers, consumers, business and community leaders throughout the world during the next half century. So, we need to learn about this new generation.

One fact with which you can impress friends and colleagues: Which generation in Minnesota is currently the largest? The digitals? The millennials? Generation X? The baby boomers? Or the greatest generation? Actually, the millennials, born 1981 to 2000, now outnumber the boomers, born 1946 to 1964.

February 2014

New From the Wilder Blog

What is the Big Deal About Organic Waste?

Nicole MartinRogers, senior research manager, led a study for the City of Saint Paul on its recycling and waste management program to better understand resident perceptions, needs, and preferences related to recycling, trash hauling, organics, and bulky waste. In this blog, Nicole explains the significant benefits of composting, and walks you through how to get started.

Learn more about the study

Preventing Substance Abuse: Essential as Water

Research has linked substance abuse with many issues that affect well-being including: poor academic achievement, school suspensions, unemployment, homelessness, violence, mental illness, and poverty. In this blog, Laura Schauben, research scientist, explains the importance of substance abuse prevention. More

See our substance abuse prevention studies

Minnesota Compass

Event Spotlight

On February 11, Minnesota Compass welcomed a full house at their 6th annual meeting: Minnesota next: Millennials, leadership, and the information economy. Guest presenters included Marilee Grant, MN Director of Community Relations, Boston Scientific; Trista Harris, President, Minnesota Council on Foundations; and Jennifer Ford Reedy, President, Bush Foundation. Visit the event spotlight page to hear reflections from millennials who attended as well as highlights, videos, photos, presentations, and handouts from this exciting gathering!
Learn more

STEM in Minnesota

Check out the new research papers that augment STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) information on the Minnesota Compass website. They present data and strategies for addressing racial and income gaps in STEM achievement, college readiness, interest, degree completion, and workforce participation. View the research papers

Upcoming Events

March 11: Health Care Enrollment - Addressing Old Challenges in New Systems

Join us on March 11 to engage with fellow practitioners working to increase healthcare coverage, especially among underserved populations. Learn more

April 10: Keeping Our Communities Safe - An Evidence-Based Approach to Prevention Strategies

This workshop will provide tips for evaluating the impact of prevention work, and introduce participants to the Strategic Prevention Framework, a nationally recognized model to build assets and resilience in at-risk populations. The morning will also include case studies and and hands-on activities. Learn more

Health Inequities

A new, interactive map, using neighborhood-level data from a recent health inequities study, shows that your race and zip code have a large impact on your life expectancy. Check out the map

See the full study

Homeless Day on the Hill

Homeless Day on the Hill is coming up on March 6 at the state capitol. Do you have all the information you need to get ready? The Wilder Research website has a wealth of data and information including a short two minute video, narrated by researcher Brian Pittman, that shows you how to quickly access the information you are seeking.