It has been said that “Generation Self” is less connected to society than maybe our parents were, that we are not as environmentally conscious as our elders, and we are lazy and unmotivated. Quite a bad rap, wouldn’t you say?
While some of these stereotypes are relatively accurate, they certainly do not speak to everyone born between 1980-2000. There are innovators and pioneers paving the way for our generation to take over the workforce; and it’s always refreshing to see these local leaders tackling ongoing issues head-on.
I Love Washington D.C. is a website and organization with a mission to connect the Washington Metropolitan Community. They host write-ups on local entrepreneurs and sell fresh, DC-oriented apparel; but best of all, they highlight some of the area’s Local Leaders who are actively working towards improving our communities. President Dan Stouffer hopes that sharing their dedicated stories will inspire change, growth, and forward-thinking among other communities as well.
Stouffer covers the bases well in his selection of forward thinkers. From Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, to the Humane Society, to advocates against human trafficking and eating disorders, ilovewdc.com is a fantastic site for gaining some insight about the GOOD things our generation is capable of.
Their t-shirts are kick-ass too–pridefully made in the USA–with unique graphics that every DC area native is sure to love. Check out their shop here!
I believe in I Love WDC and what it stands for. There certainly is a disconnect between the communities in the DC area. Be it the differences in personality from Dupont Circle to Adams Morgan or the cultural comparisons of Northwest and Southwest DC, something’s gotta give. While it is certainly a good thing for the Nation’s Capital to be diverse and well-cultured, we (and when I say “we,” I mean Generation Y…the future!) need to find some common ground.
Maybe the mission to inspire others can be achieved; we all just need to help spread the word.
Surely, there are plenty of people in the area making a difference. Do you know one of them? Do you think our generation could benefit from his or her story being shared with the rest of us? Send your proposed “Local Leader” and their bio to I Love WDC via this form and explain why they deserve to be featured.
People of our generation need to be especially appreciative of people like these Local Leaders. Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are working towards retirement, leaving us in the driver’s seat for the future. Having a handful of do-gooders isn’t going to cut it, people! We need to be more proactive and productive as a whole. We ALL need to become more conscientious, more focused, and more involved to keep things moving; and if we don’t, well I think we will all be in for a rude awakening.
And while money makes the world go ’round, sometimes doing things out of the goodness of your heart can invigorate your soul; and in turn, help the greater good. Contrary to how much of our generation has been raised, the greater good is NOT yourself.
So stop worrying about what you’re going to wear to the club Saturday night, stop stressing about who you are going to draft for Fantasy Baseball, and stop taking thousands of the same damn “selfie” photos and posting them on Facebook! Dedicate your time and effort to something useful. Become your own Local Leader and make a difference.