Tonight in front of a crowd of 200 inter generational, and racially diverse supporters, the Young Workers in the Green Economy Project released the findings of their 10-month-long community research project with Seattle young adults (18-35). With youth unemployment rates the worst since the Great Depression, tuition rates soaring, and constant cuts to public transit, young adults are facing many barriers to reaching their goals. Lack of access to paid work experience; inadequate financial aid for higher education; and a public transportation system that is failing to meet their needs were the hurdles most often cited by young people taking the survey.
In spite of their economic woes, when asked, “How important for you is it to work in a job that is good for the environment?”, two out of three young people chose 4 or 5 on a scale of 1–5. “Even while struggling to make it, young people have environmental values and want to make a difference.” said Got Green organizer Mo Avery. “Our city has an obligation to make sure this potential does not go to waste.”