National Group, ‘Gen Next,’ Looks to Expand Membership Locally
March 17th, 2011 - 10:37am
Filed under Think About It....
March 3, 2011 - Section A13 - Published Weekly By Marlena Chavira-Medford What is the common thread connecting a celebrity chef, a luminary for Google Ideas, and a former US ambassador dealing with war crime and genocide? They are all members of Gen Next, an exclusive organization that educates and engages its members on some of the biggest challenges facing future generations in the areas of economic growth, education, and international security. Though it's varied a bunch, there is an overarching theme among members. "These are people bound by a big, big vision for the future," said Gen Next CEO Michael Davidson. "These are all people who are highly successful, intellectually curious, forward thinking and have an animating factor that sets them above most. They are extraordinary people." The group, which is five years old, has members across the country and is aiming to add about 20 in the San Diego area this year. By joining the group, which is done by invitation only and requires a $10,000 annual contribution, members gain access to a wealth of information. There's year-round programming that allows them to pick the brains of some major movers and shakers at the local, national and international level, including business innovators and government officials. For example, a quick search on the group's website, gen-next.org, revealed an upcoming talk by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Members also get access to internal memos, member-only exchanges, and opportunities for national and international trips. Because Gen Next's mission includes economic growth, education, and international security, members tackle some pretty big issues, like how to achieve oil independence, and what to do about the public education crisis. Gen Next serves as a vehicle for change in these areas by helping to bring about legislative changes, elevate other organizations working toward the same goals, and by helping to launch new organizations. Case in point: Movements.org, a nonprofit that helps grassroots activists by pairing them with resources and mentors in the technology, media, private and public sectors, is the collaboration of Gen Next members and Gen Next sponsored their first conference in New York City. "This is a perfect illustration of what happens when Gen Next puts together the right people and right ideas with the platform and resources to make extraordinary things happen," he said. The ultimate hope is that by educating its members, Gen Next can help them to see issues in a bigger picture, and inspire long-term solutions. Taking that step outside one's comfort zone isn't always easy, Davidson said, but the payout is becoming part of something bigger, something relevant, something that brings about change. "I always like to use a line from Mad Men's Don Draper: 'If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation." For more information about Gen Next, visit gen-next.org or call 877-770-GNXT. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member, send an email to become_a_member@gen-next.org.
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