26-year-old launches AARP-style lobbying group for millennials

More than three years ago, Ben Brown read an op-ed about why young people should have an organization lobbying for their interests, much in the same way the AARP works for retirees. The 26-year-old quickly realized that no one else was going to take charge of such a project, and on March 22 he launched the Association of Young Americans.

In an interview with Red Alert Politics, Brown said the organization hopes to lobby for millions of millennials’ interests — and not just during election season when politicians pander to Gen Y.

“Young people are, as a group, much more complex and interesting than most might think,” Brown told Red Alert Politics via email; he added that the media narrative about millennials is often incorrect. “They are the largest, most diverse, and most educated American generation ever — and they care deeply about the future. After all, it’s their future. They want a voice and want to be involved in the solution.”

Anyone can join AYA, including non-millennials, and the organization does not affiliate with any specific political party, only the issues. The dues are $20 annually, members receive some discount services to a few companies, and questionnaires are sent to all members under the age of 35 so Generation Y can describe their areas of interest and concern.

So far the group is focused on three key areas of reform — the cost of higher education, campaign finance, and the criminal justice system.