Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/179241
of making not just our cities—but our country—a better place. With the publication of her second book, "ReGENERATION: A Manifesto for America's Future Leaders," she's hoping to spark discussion and action with a broader audience. Ryan wrote "ReGENERATION" as a love letter to the next generation, to express hope and inspire the involvement required to ignite prosperity. Ryan uses a quote from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech at the 1936 Democratic National Convention to show some things never change: "To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected." "That rings true today, too," Ryan says. "We need to step up, not step back. That's what I want people to do. Practice active hope, step up, pick an issue and just get involved. It's a change-of-heart mentality. I wanted people to feel they have a stake in the world. "There's a real selflessness that happens to come with this because we're not doing this for us." Accessible, thoughtful and smart, Ryan's "ReGENERATION" is a dialogue about a variety of perspectives, most notably balancing the needs of the elderly and children and becoming less selfish and more collaborative. Moving from the 'me-mind' to the 'we-mind,' she stresses, is about keeping the next generation in mind. To get us into that new mindset, Ryan, in her futurist's role, shares historical context and uses seasonality to outline where America has been, where it's going and the impact different generations can make in leaving the country in better shape going forward. "I feel that those of us that breathe oxygen on this planet owe our future generations something, and it better be better than reality TV," Ryan says. How to do that? "ReGENERATION" drives home that actions big and small—or even just attitude adjustments—can make an impact, from getting to know your neighbors to having a better understanding of other cultures and generations. "I want [the next generation] first and foremost, to realize that we're not screwed, glued and tattooed. I want them to feel like there's hope. I talk about active hope...and just want them to get involved." It's imperative, says Ryan, that people— of every generation—feel they have a stake in the world. Hear more about Rebecca Ryan's love letter to future generations Oct. 19 at 12 p.m. as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival. Auditorium, Central Library. wisconsinbookfestival.org. october 2013 | bravamagazine.com 19