For the last 40 years, education and awareness on a wide range of societal challenges has sprouted, and continues to grow, thanks to one single institution. They have been responsible for launching campaigns that have addressed some of the most relevant social issues over that period of time, including ethnic diversity and race relations, single parenting, energy conservation and recycling, and challenging gender stereotypes. The teachers, to this day, continue to identify areas in dire need of public awareness and increased education – then find compelling ways to teach the material in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. These brilliant facilitators have even become known by their first names.
Kermit, Big Bird and Elmo.
Yes, Sesame Street turns 40 this year, and has taught a lot more than counting and the alphabet to children in their most formative years. The list of lessons that the program has taught to children and reinforced for parents is a long one, and its ongoing impact on cultural literacy is one we should all be thankful for.
Imagine what the next 40 years will look like if we put a similar effort into financial literacy, starting today. We can start by identifying the areas of greatest need with regard to financial education and awareness. Then hit each of them head-on, so that we can, as a society, become wise users of consumer credit, be prepared for financial independence after our working years instead of woefully under prepared for retirement, and can be prepared for financial contingencies through adequate insurance and maintaining emergency savings. How soon can we be at a place where prospective homeowners will not enter into a loan that they will be hard pressed to afford and waves of foreclosures will become a thing of the past? A widespread movement for financial literacy will help us start the countdown to that great day.
Getfinancialfinesse.org can be your starting point. The site is dedicated to helping individuals become more financially literate, and provides channels so that those same individuals can make an impact on others. Whether you want to share ideas, be an advocate, or be a messenger, you will be helping the movement grow. You have the ability to make your voice heard and the potential to exercise your influence on today’s society and on future generations. Even if you don’t happen to have the qualifications of a Muppet, you and others like you can make a difference.