7 Things You Might Have Missed While Having an Existential Crisis about January 6

On this day last year, we witnessed the inevitable result of deep, toxic polarization. As the mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, you might have wondered how our nation could have possibly gotten to this point. And chances are, you’ve spent the last year in an existential panic about the future of our democracy.

The thing is this: for the past year, young legislators at the state and Congressional levels have done the opposite of panic. Instead, they’ve taken matters into their own hands and are proving that, by ignoring the hyper-partisan noise, they can actually solve real problems. Many of them are leading this change through one of Millennial Action Project (MAP)’s, Future Caucuses — bipartisan groups of young legislators who want to tackle generational issues together.

So, as we reflect on the anniversary of one of the darkest days in our history, fear not, because we’ve put together a list of things that have happened since January 6, 2021 that give us hope for our democracy.

1. A cohort of Millennial members of Congress — yes, from both parties — introduced 105 pieces of bipartisan legislation and passed nine. Have you heard of the Congressional Future Caucus?
2. Millennial Republicans and Democrats in Connecticut committed to overcoming polarization just weeks after the insurrection. This marks the launch of the 31st State Future Caucus in the country.
3. A study found that states with a Future Caucus are linked with higher civic engagement and quality of life for young people. Check out the WalletHub study, and find out if your state has a Future Caucus.
4. Legislators at every level of government found creative ways to listen to and engage with their constituents, regardless of party. Young legislators in Illinois hosted a bipartisan, virtual town hall for constituents.
5. Empathy and compassion took the spotlight this year among young legislators. Meet the legislators in Kansas who are listening and learning from each other.
6. Millennial issues superseded partisanship across the country. Learn more about new laws regarding affordable housing and prison reform — passed with bipartisan support in states with a supermajority in the legislature.
7. Young people are doubling down. Read a 2021 Deloitte study that found just how driven young people are to act.

January 6, 2021 marks a dark day in history, but there is much reason for hope. Hold the existential meltdown, and instead, put that energy towards becoming a catalyst for Millennial-led change.