By Dianna Dauber, AmericaSpeaks

Next Generation Democracy is a great new book with an inspiring call to action.

We invite you to join us for the official book launch of Next Generation Democracy on November 8 in Washington D.C.

Duval will draw upon his book to explore a new approach to solving complex problems that highlights the contributions of vast and diverse communities of engaged citizens. He will be joined by our own Carolyn Lukensmeyer, she will talk about the book and how AmericaSpeaks is using participatory democracy to bring us to a brighter future.

The challenges of the 21st century are of an unprecedented scope. Climate change, financial instability, the housing crisis, and the need for health care are political issues that can no longer be handled on a small scale. Drawing on the lessons of open source technology, social change leader Jared Duval offers an inspiring call to action. Next Generation Democracy chronicles some of the watershed events, such as Hurricane Katrina, during which centralized leadership was not enough, and then tells the success stories of the leaders, both inside the government and out, who are finding effective, directly democratic ways to address our public challenges.

According to Jared Duvall, we can use our vast size and complexity to our advantage. Next Generation Democracy chronicles some of the watershed events, such as Hurricane Katrina, during which centralized leadership was not enough, and tells the success stories of the leaders, both inside the government and out, who are finding streamlined, directly democratic ways to address our public challenges. The books tells the story of Carolyn Lukensmeyer, including how she was asked by Vice President-Elect Al Gore to help plan and facilitate the first cabinet retreat of the Clinton Administration at Camp David, why she decided to leave the White House to start AmericaSpeaks and how the 21st Century Town Meeting® is next generation democracy.

Duvall style is an artful blend of personal writings, journalism, and political argument. Next Generation Democracy not only gives us a vision of a brighter future, it inspires us to be a part of it.

What others are saying about Next Generation Democracy:

“God knows previous generations have left those that are coming of age a world of trouble. Happily, they’re figuring out a world of ways to set them right. Jared Duval’s book offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the next wave of activism, organizing, inspiration, and change. It will give you cause to hope–and cause to go to work.”—Bill McKibben, author of Earth and Deep Economy

“Jared Duval has written an inspiring and necessary book, a message that real democracy, and real change, is more possible now than ever. An energetic leader and a fearless thinker, Duval shows us that we have the tools for change at our fingertips. Now it’s time to stand up, stop complaining, and make the world we want.”—Van Jones, author of The Green Collar Economy

“We’re seeing a wave of greatly increased civic engagement as people find ways to improve governance via the Internet. Next Generation Democracy tells you what the deal is about the rising Millennial generation and our new tools for real democracy.”—Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist

“Some writers are known for telling uplifting stories, others for making compelling arguments. Jared Duval is the rare author who does both. What’s more, Duval, grounded by his own experience creating social change, is uniquely able to help us understand how to responsibly and effectively engage in the world.” —Judith Freeman, Co-Founder and Executive Director, New Organizing Institute