Western cultures have changed significantly in the last few decades, with drastic consequences. We have gone from a family-centric, village orientation to a more dispersed, self-reliant lifestyle with more families living in apart and finding less time to devote to family life. People are losing touch with their community, friends, and family. Generations are increasingly separated; grandparents are less involved with their grandchildren, and parents with their children.

Environmental concerns, ranging from water and air quality to global warming, are frequent topics in the news, yet options to address these issue on a personal level are still limited or unaffordable.
Disillusionment among our Youth is the norm, not the exception, as energy prices and cost of living increase while incomes for the majority do not. Our Youth feel there is little they can do on a political or practical level.

As our young people look to the future, they are increasingly discouraged when they consider their future prospects. Can they afford to go to college and start a family? Is the example "American Dream" that has become the world's ideal, a reality for their lives. Do our cultural and political systems care about creating a better world for them and future generations?