Last October, PGPF partnered with Mobilize.org to bring 150 young adults to Chicago for three days of discussions about the fiscal challenges facing their generation. The Summit, officially entitled "Democracy 2.0: Exploring the Millennial Generation's ROI," also gave participants (ages 18-34) the chance to present innovative solutions—and potentially win funding to implement their ideas.
Participants led discussions about barriers they and the country face to achieving financial health, and brainstormed steps they could take to promote Millennial-led economic reform. Sessions focused on solutions that government and the public sector could implement in four key issues—entitlements, personal financial responsibility and literacy, healthcare, and taxes. The recommendations were presented to all Summit participants and put to a vote, based on their merit and feasibility.
The Summit culminated in a grant proposal competition. Prior to the event, Millennials were invited to submit grant proposals for solutions that would improve the economic health of America's younger generations. Mobilize.org reviewed submissions and selected seventeen finalists, who presented their ideas to a panel of non-voting expert judges and advisors. The final decision on grants came from a vote of the Summit participants, using keypad technology. Five teams came out winners, with their ideas both funded and supported by Mobilize.org for a full year.