Meet the Firestarters: The Strategist

Lauren Harper Sparks Change

It’s here! My first book, “Find Your Fire: Stories and Strategies to Inspire the Changemaker Inside You,” is available on Amazon. Inside this book, you’ll meet fearless #Firestarters who are building movements that matter. Today’s special preview of “Find Your Fire” features Lauren Harper, who exemplifies a rising generation of #Firestarters.

This year we have seen the incredible potential that young people have to be powerful changemakers. One of my favorite rising #Firestarters is Lauren Harper.

At just 25, Lauren was the South Carolina state director for Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke. After O’Rourke’s campaign ended, Lauren co-founded the organization Secure the Ballot to spur more participation in democracy. She’s also the CEO of her own consulting firm, offering services like campaign consulting and management.

“I really care about the future of this country,” she says. “And I know that there are a lot of people who don’t have the opportunity to be in a place of influence. So whenever I am in a place of influence, I try to do good work so that other people can be helped by that influence.”

In her interview for “Find Your Fire,” Lauren talked about the energy that young generations have to spark change. We’ve definitely seen that play out this year! But, as she points out, there’s a proud history of young adults becoming deeply motivated activists. Just look back at some of the icons of the Civil Rights Movement. As Lauren says in my book:

What I’m noticing as I spend more time with younger people is they’re just so passionate. We have to be intentional about how we help them funnel that passion.

More With Lauren

So are political campaigns actually anything like what we see on TV shows like “The Politician”? Lauren gives us the inside story in her chapter of “Find Your Fire.” Pick up a copy for yourself and one for a younger #Firestarter you want to encourage.

Listen

Even as someone who’s on the younger end of the Millennial spectrum, Lauren makes a point to listen to members of Generation Z. “If you expect this country to get any better, then you’re going to have to include younger people in the conversation,” Lauren says. “You have to include them and their perspectives because they come from a totally different perspective than you.” When’s the last time you sat down with a member of another generation to get their perspective?

Learn

OK, you know there’s a presidential election this fall. But what else will be on your ballot in November? “Your local elections are very impactful,” Lauren says. “So pay attention to who’s on your city council, who your mayor is — and county council, legislators, governors — because those folks can really make or break a good life for you.”

Take Action

Follow Lauren’s lean and join the campaign of a candidate you’re passionate about. No matter what your talents or interests are, there’s a role where you can put them to use.

You can follow more inspirational leaders and firestarters at @MovementMakerCollective on Instagram. If you’re looking to live well to lead well, follow me on LinkedIn.

With Faith & Fortitude,