The Millennial's Guide to Changing the World

A guide and blueprint to a purposeful millennial existence—and how we can make a difference.

What does it mean to be a millennial in this chaotic world? Beyond Snapchat and Tinder, the consumerist culture we’ve inherited, and quarter-life crises, can a millennial aspire to more?

Alison Lea Sher argues, yes, we can! Packing herself up in an RV, Sher embarks on a road trip in hopes of starting a conversation about what it means to grow up in America, post-Great Recession. Interviewing 150 of her millennial peers as they begin their adult lives—from kids heading straight to Wall Street after college to those sleeping on it—Sher asks: “Who are you; what should you do; and how can you step into your destiny as a stakeholder in society?”

The Millennial’s Guide to Changing the World is a one-of-a-kind ethnographic study on the spotlighted millennial generation, as told by millennials—the largest generation in US history that is now transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. As millennials embark on a young adult quest during a frightening time, how can they enlist the idealism, values, and resistance politics they are so well-known for to discover a sense of self and purpose? Learn how to:

“Adult”—and not in the way society defines it

Ride the technology revolution, instead of letting it ride you

Be ethical, inclusive, and sex-positive in your relationships

Resist the corporate oligarchy we live in

Recognize privilege, embrace diversity, and fight for equality

Save the earth, literally

With intimate stories, ethnographic research, and practical tips, The Millennial’s Guide to Changing the World will inspire every young person, showing them how to optimize their coming-of-age potential in a world that desperately needs it.

Alison Lea Sher is a journalist, biographer, creative writer, and millennial expert. She collaborates with companies across the US, pioneering socially-minded startups and nonprofits by aligning their initiatives with millennial perspectives. She is the editor-in-chief of Best Chefs America, and her articles can be found in places like The Huffington Post and the City Paper. In her spare time, Alison records avant-garde poetry albums about life, death, and preservation and the pursuit for political, interpersonal, and psychological liberation. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina. www.millennials-incorporated.com

"The Millennial's Guide to Changing the World is heartfelt, discerning, candid, comprehensive, and stubbornly hopeful. It's exactly what we need in a roadmap to the future."
—Sam Sacks, Fiction Chronicle editor, The Wall Street Journal

"I have never encountered another writer like Alison Sher. Her voice is immediate, sharp and clear, and full of life; her vision is like no other I have encountered, either, landing on the smallest yet most telling detail with a kind of delicacy and strength that makes details sing. She is a mature writer, able to shake up a sentence and hold it in clear focus. I love her writing. Period.”
—Bret Lott, New York Times bestselling author of Jewel

"The moon asked
about her luminosity
said . . .

I found
my purpose
and myself

Think that went for Buddha too. And any heart that loves & gives, and any eyes that dance. This wonderful book will help. I hope it reaches many."
—Daniel Ladinsky, internationally bestselling author and poet-translator

"A very important contribution at exactly the right time. Whether you’re a millennial trying to figure it out, a baby boomer trying to figure them out, or anyone else wanting to be inspired, educated, and entertained, this book is for you. Alison Sher not only does a brilliant job outlining the challenges before us, she also provides keen insight on how we can change our trajectory. From personal empowerment to new generation political action and spiritual expansion, Sher lays out powerful insights and strategies that cross generational boundaries."
—Cylvia Hayes, CEO of 3EStrategies and former First Lady of Oregon

"Every millennial should read this book. Alison does a great job challenging our generation to become the best versions of themselves. You'll find yourself simultaneously challenged and inspired."
—Gabrielle Bosché, millennial expert and founder of The Millennial Solution, TEDx speaker, and author

"The Millennial's Guide to Changing the World is a manifesto that maps out in thrilling, clear terms how we can—and must—create a culture that includes everyone. This is radical because mass culture has always served the few, leaving the rest of us swimming in cynicism even as we continue to respond to the relentless drumbeat of consumerism. Please, millennials, read this book and take the lead. Please, boomers and Xers, take a millennial by the hand because they are the ones leading us home."
—Janet Conner, author of Writing Down Your Soul, Find Your Soul’s Purpose, and more

"A wise, inclusive, timely invitation for a generation to rise together into their fullest potential for the betterment of themselves and our world. Whether you are a millennial yourself, are the parent of a millennial, or work with millennials, this book is a must-read for you to have a better understanding of what inspires and motivates this influential generation."
—Emily Cassel, host of Sexy Soulful Success podcast and founder of the Soulful Success Collective

"This book is an invitation to the best party ever! There’s food everywhere for the brain and soul, and a cast of characters who surprise and delight. Alison Sher invites you into the living room of a millennial brain, and what unfolds from there is pure enchantment. Incredible research, revelatory interviews, and an open door to the zany zeitgeist of millennial culture. Don’t miss it!"
—Jan Phillips, author, Creativity Unzipped

"The message behind this is so amazing and it’s time to join the movement! Be you, be sure!”
—Khloe Kardashian, Reality TV Star

"Alison Sher's words are a blueprint for millennials who are ready to release their inventive, creative, spiritual, and economic gifts to create a more loving yet driven society. If you are looking for a catalyst for radical responsibility and change, this is the book."
—Madelyn Moon, transformation coach, author, and speaker

"Funny, engaging, and timely! Written by a millennial for millennials . . . Alison Sher’s insights concerning critical issues for twenty-somethings covers the gamut from money to identity, from tech to politics, and pretty much everything else you need to consider as you successfully navigate the first quarter of your Life. . . . Where was this book when I was coming up?!"
—Jed Emerson, founder of Blended Value Group

"Alison's unique blend of insightful, extraordinary intelligence, compassion, and hilariousness combine to create a force capable of moving mountains. I'd encourage everyone to read this book and believe that, with Alison's roadmap, we can indeed change the world for the better."
—Danny Dahan, bassist for internationally renowned rock band Added Color

"Alison describes how the millennial generation can become both dreamers and action-takers. It's funny. It's poignant. It speaks to the core issues and roadblocks that keep our youth from living up to their full potential. It describes exactly how they can overcome these blocks to make the kind of moves that will transform their lives, while making a positive impact on the world."
—Rob Actis, author of The Law of Action

"Alison Sher is a force of nature, which is reflected in every page of this book. It will challenge every preconception we old(er) folks have about millennials and give interested millennials tons of things they could do to take charge of their lives and change a world that my generation has done a good job of screwing up."
—Chip Haus, fellow of innovation, Alliance for Peace Building

"Alison is awesome—not only inspiring as a person—but a fabulous, insightful writer and disrupter who will make change happen constructively by helping the rest of us understand and appreciate the unique contributions her generation has to offer for the future of our fragile planet."
—Linda Staheli, founder of the Global Co Lab Network and Teens Dream

"I love what Alison has written. . . . Alison has a voice and an opportunity to say something in this coming world, to bridge worlds and expand minds in a way people will listen."
—Jim Raschick, author Beyond the Box of Space and Time

“Alison Sher is a force. Her communication is so effortlessly poignant and sharp. She has readers simultaneously laughing to tears and gobsmacked at her impeccable wisdom. Her insights into our social ills and problems, and how the rising generation can uniquely solve them, must be shouted from the rooftops!"
—Holly Werstein, founder of Journal to Save Your Life