Young Americans are Tired of Waiting for Change and Want Real Solutions

Today, updated national unemployment numbers were released, and, yet again, the report was disappointing.

According to the US Department of Labor, the national unemployment rate for December 2011 was 8.5%. This now means America’s national unemployment rate has been above 8% for 35 consecutive months – that is just shy of three whole years.

It has become clear that young Americans can no longer wait and trust that change will come from our nation’s elected leaders in Washington.

These numbers represent real lives and delayed dreams.  With so many Americans, especially young Americans, needing to settle for less than satisfying employment opportunities and delaying major life decisions because of economic reasons, December’s unemployment rate offers little hope for improvement in the future.

Young Americans are being told by elected leaders that there is a new picture of success that should be sufficient to them – one marked by short-term fixes, internships, mentorships and multiple part-time jobs. Young adults know the difference between substance and spin, and they do not want to be told to settle.  Young people need real full-time job opportunities – challenging and satisfying jobs that launch them into their careers.

We at Generation Opportunity believe that if our elected leaders want to show they truly care for young Americans who are unemployed or underemployed, they should stop pretending they have any expertise with job creation, admit their job-killing policies of over-regulation and increased taxes are the true barriers to youth employment, and step back and let private employers do what they do best – expand and create jobs.

Please let us know your thoughts on December’s unemployment rate or tell us how our poor economy is affecting your everyday life by visiting this page.

You can also see our response to these unemployment numbers by reading our most recent press release found here.

Together we can make sure young Americans get the opportunity to succeed!   This is our time – let’s go!