futurecaucus.org [futurecaucus.org]
Dear John,
Three weeks after Future Summit 2026 [[link removed]] , we’re still running on the extraordinary energy from that room. Several members of our relentless team have spent those weeks on the road, from NCSL in Chicago to ALEC in Orlando, meeting young lawmakers of all political persuasions wherever they gather.
What we keep hearing is the same thing we heard at the summit: this generation isn’t waiting for permission to build a better democracy, but they need the tools, partners, and room to build it.
Whatever you’re working (or ruminating) on, there’s something in here for you!
Tune into Terms of Service
People run for state legislature to serve their communities, then discover the fine print. In Terms of Service , a new limited series from the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other [[link removed]] podcast, Layla Zaidane is sitting down with bipartisan pairs of state lawmakers to unpack what’s making public service unsustainable for too many young Americans—and what could fix it.
In the latest episode, Layla talks with Minnesota state Reps. Isaac Schultz, R-10B, and Andy Smith, D-25B. After the assassination of their colleague, former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, the increasing dangers of public life were felt across both parties. Schultz and Smith get candid about the tragedy, why a generation is reconsidering public office, and what might keep them in long enough to make a difference.
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Listen now [[link removed]]
Just finding the series? Start with our intro episode [[link removed]] . And follow Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other on Spotify [[link removed]] , Apple Podcasts [[link removed]] , or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Elevate Your Policymaking
Apply now for our 2027-28 Innovation Fellowship, [[link removed]] an immersive two-year experience designed for young lawmakers passionate about shaping a better future through innovative policymaking. The fellowship will invite 10 young lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to dive deep into each of five policy tracks:
* Civic Innovation
* Criminal Justice
* Energy & Environment
* Housing (new this cycle)
* Prenatal-to-Three
Apply by August 24 [[link removed]]
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Elevate Your Policymaking
Unveiled at Future Summit 2026, The Well is an exclusive online leadership commons and learning tool for a new generation of legislators. The platform provides lawmakers with on-demand upskilling, AI-powered policy research, and an interactive digital network of lawmakers across the nation.
Questions? [email protected] [[email protected]]
Learn more and sign up for The Well [[link removed]]
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Eight New Lawmakers Join The 19th Collective
Beyoncé said it best… “Who run the world? Girls!”
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Our community for women leaders is growing! Inspired by the legacy of the 19th Amendment and great women leaders throughout our history, The 19th Collective [[link removed]] brings together women lawmakers from across the country and the political spectrum to build meaningful relationships, strengthen their leadership skills, and support one another through the realities of serving in office.
Notes from the Field
Anyone who works in state politics knows that summer isn’t just pool season—it’s conference season. Over the past three weeks, our team has been criss-crossing the nation to represent Future Caucus and connect with young lawmakers in:
🐻 Chicago, IL for the National Conference of State Legislators [[link removed]]
🌴 Boca Raton, FL for the Republican State Leadership Committee [[link removed]]
🏇 Lexington, KY for the Council of State Governments South [[link removed]]
✨ Orlando, FL for the American Legislative Exchange Council [[link removed]]
We believe it’s essential to have an active presence at events across the political spectrum—connecting with leaders who share our commitment to practical solutions, even when they come from different ideological perspectives. These conversations help us bring the best ideas back to our work with young lawmakers and ensure we’re building bridges where they’re needed most.
At the end of a long day of policy seminars and business card-swapping, there’s no better way to build connection than by breaking bread together!
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Last Call for 2026 Rising Star Award Nominations
In a tough political year full of media frenzy, is there a lawmaker—in Congress or in a state legislature—whose work has positively broken through the noise for you?
If the answer is yes, nominate them for one of our annual awards!
Submit your nominations by July 31 [[link removed]]
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Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
In honor of our great nation's 250th birthday at the beginning of this month, we brought together the current generation of rising leaders and the next generation for a conversation about America's next 250 years.
Meet Cecily, our Gen Alpha Correspondent. [[link removed]]
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In Case You Missed It
— C-SPAN: Layla Zaidane, Rep. Beau Baird, R-Ind., and Del. Kayla Young, D-W. Va., took the stage at Aspen Ideas Festival to discuss the influence of young lawmakers in rebuilding trust in politics. Watch the conversation on C-SPAN. [[link removed]]
— NBC News: Young policymakers come together to bridge the bipartisan divide in Washington [[link removed]]
— NPR: America’s Next 50 Years: A 1A call-in special [[link removed]]
— Vox: Young people don’t want to run for office because they fear being killed [[link removed]]
— States Newsroom: Young lawmakers talk online child safety and AI policy at annual bipartisan summit [[link removed]]
— Young Lawmakers’ Storybank | Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma: Prescriptive Policy: How Lawmakers' Healthcare Backgrounds Are Shaping Harm Reduction [[link removed]]
— Young Lawmakers’ Storybank | Hawai’i: Paradise, If You Can Afford It: Hawaii Dusts Off 1980s Housing Program To Help Young Locals Buy In [[link removed]]
We can't do this work without you. Support young lawmakers in their efforts to bridge the partisan divide and donate today! [[link removed]]
Donate [[link removed]]
Contact Us
[email protected]
Future Caucus
1701 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States
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