The first wave of future preparedness questionnaire responses from America's youth are in, and they are fascinating! We asked you to go beyond the seven given components of future preparedness, to tell us what was missing.

Naturally, a number of you told us you want to see future preparedness extended to foreign policy and national security. Many of you also expressed a deep concern for America's social infrastructure (the strength of our communities and the state of our civic dialogue). Others asked for a way to measure how legislation can make our American capitalism not only more productive but more inclusive.

But we need to hear from more of you before we publish these results. Can you take the survey, and get 5 or more friends to do so as well?

For people who refer 10 of their friends to take the survey -- you'll get a $10 iTunes gift card so forward this email to the survey to your friends and family and start spreading the word today.

We're also gearing up for our first major event, the Southern Student Empowerment Forum, in Atlanta from November 6-7. We are partnering with the Roosevelt Campus Network, Black Youth Vote, and the Bonner Office of Community Service to put on a series trainings at Morehouse College. If you know anyone who would like to volunteer or attend, please let us know and we will follow up. Sign up here!

Finally, thanks to everyone who donated to the first YPF birthday fundraiser on Facebook! We raised $480, which is just awesome.

If you missed the birthday fundraiser, that's OK! Join our Facebook Cause, and you can donate there. We make even a $10 gift go a long way.

Get ready for more news in the next couple of weeks!

Zachary Kolodin

Executive Director, Young People First