The “Millennial Generation,” which includes current college undergraduates, shows more inclination to participate in social and political activities.

A recent study which advanced this idea also posited that members of the Millennial Generation-people born between 1985 and 2005-are also neither highly individualistic nor highly cynical.

The study was recently published by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and followed 47 small focus groups of students from 12 universities around the nation, not including Washington University.

These groups were observed to ascertain how the student opinion toward politics. The results mirrored those of a 1993 study that found most members of Generation X-individuals born between 1964 and 1980-to be politically apathetic.

“[The focus groups] revealed a generation of college students who have a great deal of experience with volunteering and who believe in their obligation to work together with others on social issues,” read the CIRCLE study.

The study also found that students have complex attitudes towards politics. They crave authentic discussions about issues, but often feel they are overloaded with too much information and opinions to filter out reliable information by themselves.

According to CIRCLE’s findings, students dislike media bias, heavily confrontational debate styles and partisanship, due fear of being manipulated.

Do these qualities describe Washington University students?

Most of the assertions are too abstract to be tested, but one is quantifiableª-the degree of the Millennial Generation’s involvement in political and social causes.

According to other CIRCLE research, 24.4% of youth with college experience aged 19-25 were actively volunteering in 2006. The information that they studied was from the Census Bureau, which covers the entire nation. At Washington University, volunteer rates are considerably higher. 57% of students participate in community service during college, and 24% of students participate during all four years.

Stephanie Kurtzman, director of the Community Service Office, agreed that surprisingly large numbers of students at the University wish to volunteer their time.

“[Student involvement] is through the roof,” said Kurtzman. “[They're] doing it because they’re passionate about it, not because it’s a resume builder.”

She also noted that students care about making personal contact with those they help.

“There is that sense of hope and effectiveness that keeps people involved and keeps them going.”

Some socially oriented organizations are taking noticeable action. This year’s Dance Marathon broke attendance records and raised $40,000 more than last year. Green Action has also been active this semester, collecting more than 1,000 signatures for a petition calling for University-wide carbon neutrality and greater sustainability efforts on campus.

Student Union President Neil Patel foresaw a surge in student involvement in political groups as a result of hosting the Vice Presidential debates, along with 2008 being an election year.

“Next year will be a pinnacle,” predicted Patel. “It’s a trend that’s very dependent on the election cycle.”

Students are able and eager to volunteer their time. Freshman Jordan Aibel is no exception; Aibel is collaborating with a faculty member to form an environmental newsletter on campus.

“Coming here is a brand new opportunity to get involved. It’s a fresh start for everybody, so I figured I would take advantage of it,” said Aibel.

Along with his newsletter, Aibel is also helping one of his friends raise awareness about the Rowan University muggings.

A 19-year old sophomore was fatally attacked at Rowan University in New Jersey in late October; the apparently random attacks have stirred discussion about campus safety and brought the small university to the national stage.

“I feel like I’ve been very privileged in the way I’ve been brought up, and that I’m in a position to help a lot of people,” he said. “The onus is on me to do that.”

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