On Wednesday December 16th, the Millennial Action Project (MAP) virtually held its third annual Rising Star Awards. The award recognizes bipartisan legislators from our State Future Caucus Network (SFCN) who have embodied MAP's mission to transcend political tribalism through their public service.
The event welcomed former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo to make the keynote address. While in office, Rep. Curbelo was a strong voice for cross-party leadership, and continues to embody MAP's mission today. In his opening remarks, he said:
“Every year things get a little better . . and that’s thanks to [the Millennial Action Project, who is] dedicating a lot of time and resources to giving elected officials — especially younger elected officials — the opportunity to convene, to gather, and to share in a constructive way that builds trust, relationships, and yields better outcomes. So thank you.”
After the keynote address, MAP celebrated its 2020 Rising Stars Rep. Jeramey Anderson (D-MS) and Rep. David Brock Smith (R-OR). The awardees went above and beyond this year to build relationships with their colleagues across the aisle, which is especially notable as they had to do it virtually and in an election year's polarized environment.
This year MAP also presented a meaningful new award: The Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award, in honor of the late Cherisse Eatmon, forever in our hearts at MAP. The award recognizes an outstanding caucus for their exemplary leadership and political bridge-building. MAP proudly presented the inaugural award to the Iowa Future Caucus, which is led by Senator Zach Nunn (R), Rep. Lindsay James (D), Rep. Joe Mitchell (R), and Sen. Zach Wahls (D).
“It’s not easy work to shape culture or conversation. But it is necessary work if we’re going to enact meaningful change. [The Iowa Future Caucus] will continue shaping that culture, enact meaningful change, and lead by example — as all of us are doing in our Future Caucuses across the country.”
To end the night, MAP Executive Director and COO Layla Zaidane moderated a discussion between all of the SFCN members. The awardees were asked to identify one thing they wish their co-chairs’ constituents knew about them; it was invigorating to hear of the warm, positive perspectives the leaders had towards one another, especially as members of different political parties. Representatives James and Mitchell consistently wanted each other’s constituents to know that they have a genuine, post-partisan friendship, and are always eager to collaborate to help everyone, not just their political bases.
The Rising Star Events concluded with remarks from MAP Founder and CEO Steven Olikara, who reminded viewers of the important work being done by legislators across the country; he reiterated the importance of the MAP mission, and noted the potential of MAP’s vision amongst a network of devoted policymakers in 2021 and years to come.
Watch the recording: