Copyright Elizabeth C. Matto 2017
The right of Elizabeth C. Matto to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Published by Manchester University Press
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ISBN978 1 5261 0567 7 hardback
ISBN978 1 5261 0568 4 paperback
First published 2017
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It seems only fitting that I begin my acknowledgments by thanking some young adults. I first want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the three groups that agreed to serve as case studies for this text and the people who bring these groups to life. Thank you to Ryan Schoenike of The Can Kicks Back; Jorge Heredia, David Ngo, Miriam Nieto, Marven Norman, Michael Segura, Richard Tejada, and Fabian Torres of San Bernardino Generation Now; and Jen Mishory and Rory OSullivan and the rest of the team at Young Invincibles. Your participation in this research not only enhances our understanding of youth political participation but also offers a meaningful model for young adults who are finding their way into the political process. Your willingness to participate in this project says a great deal about your dedication to advancing the interests and well-being of your generation.
Next, I want to offer my thanks to my students those who worked closely with me on this text and the many who offered inspiration over the years. In the early stages of this process, I was fortunate to have the assistance of Steven Mercadante, Kunal Papaiya, and Yagmur Soybakisli as a database of newspaper articles was being built and content was beginning to be analyzed. I also want to acknowledge Zachary Eisenberg and Amanda Hannah for creating a few of the prototypes of the tables and graphs that ultimately were designed. Thank you to Hillary Cohen, who spent some of her summer break from the University of California, Berkeley proofreading this manuscript and offering valuable suggestions. A special acknowledgment to Analee Patwell for her time working on .
Two students in particular deserve specific recognition and have earned my utmost gratitude. Aaron Jaslove began working with me as a Research Assistant from Rutgers Universitys Aresty Research Center and then stuck with the project for a few more months. In addition to offering a Millennial take on the research questions and text, Aaron dedicated much time to compiling and presenting the data offered in the . He also offered valuable support in the content analysis of the case studies web and social media content. Aaron, your intelligence is matched by your dedication and passion for making a difference. Thank you for your work on this project I look forward to following your success.
Like Aaron, Ashley Choy began her work with me as an intern but remained with the project until its completion. A graphic design student from Rutgers Universitys Mason Gross School of the Arts, Ashley has worked on a number of projects for the program I direct and is responsible for the design of this texts tables, graphs, and figures. Ashley, you showed great commitment, creativity, and patience as this project moved forward. Youre a talented young woman and are destined for great things.
In no small way, this text was inspired by my work with students both inside and outside the classroom. It was our discussions, voter registration drives, debate watches, conferences, and civic engagement workshops that underscored the need for such a text but also formed its contours. Thank you for your insights, hard work, and probing questions (both those I could answer and those I couldnt). Like much of the work I do, this text is fueled by young adults as they begin to engage the political process. I am grateful for their work on Citizen now and value their participation. Although I cant take credit for all of it, I do take complete and total responsibility for the text and data presented in this book.
I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University my professional home for over ten years. Thank you to Eagletons Director Ruth B. Mandel who planted the seed for writing this text and has offered boundless support throughout this effort and throughout my time at Eagleton. I also thank Eagletons Associate Director John Weingart, who shows, in word and deed, that politics is all about relationships, mutual interest, and respect. Together, Ruth and John have established a professional culture that is supportive and collegial but that sets a high standard for excellence and brings the Institutes mission to life to link the theory of politics with its practice. I also thank my colleagues at Eagleton. Im frequently reminded how lucky I am to genuinely like the people with whom I work. I offer my thanks and admiration.
This text began in Bloomsbury Academic. I want to thank Matthew Kopel for reaching out to me a few years ago about writing it, shepherding the proposal through the review process, and starting me off on the right foot. Thank you to his successor Ally Jane Grossan and also to Michelle Chen of Bloomsbury Academic for her assistance. Im pleased to be working now with Manchester University Press many thanks to Tony Mason and Rob Byron for their good-natured support and guidance.
Throughout the process of writing this book, and all the time thats preceded it, Ive been grateful to my family for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. Thank you to the Matto and Gass families for their encouragement an extra special thank you to my in-laws Mike and Rachel. Im grateful to my father and stepmother Ann for their excitement about this and other recent adventures a special thank you to Ann for her California hospitality. My grandmother Jeannie, my aunt Amy and my uncle Luke always have been my champions. Whether were living in the same city or only connected virtually, your support has been constant and appreciated. Much love to the Thomas family and a special thank you to Frederic, Olivia, Rose, the dearly departed Sugar and Joy for our Spanish study breaks.
My sister Sarah has been my companion, sounding board, and inspiration. Throughout this process, her notes and talismans of encouragement have come just at the right time and have been displayed around my computer to keep me on task. Many thanks and much love to you. My mother has served as a model of dedication, intellect, and hard work its no wonder that both of her children have made careers centered on education and service. Thank you for the lifes worth of love youve provided and the constant support you offer.
Finally, I want to thank the four mammals closest to me who keep me going and without whom life wouldnt be the same. A special thank you to my darling Brandy our daily walks pried me away from my computer and allowed me to clear my mind and return to work rejuvenated and refreshed. My husband Rich has been my steadfast companion and unwavering supporter from graduate school to today. Im immensely fortunate and terribly grateful for all that you do for me and our family. Finally, I want to acknowledge Jane and Eddie. As Ive told you before, youre the best people I know interesting, thoughtful, and destined for greatness in unique and meaningful ways. From Janes boundless enthusiasm to Eddies well-timed hows your book going Mom?, your support has meant the world to me. I hope, by completing this book, youll see what people can accomplish with enough passion, determination, and love from the people closest to them. This book is for you and thanks to you.