Shauna L. Shames is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University-Camden. Prior to entering academia, she worked with several nonprofit and feminist organizations, including the National Organization for Women (NOW) and The White House Project. She received her PhD from Harvard University in 2014.

"Shauna Shames is a young woman with a fire in her belly about young people leading in politics and the brains and tenacity to make it happen. This book is about what Shauna has been dedicated to for years, and I agree with her that it is the most important thing we can do to maintain and strengthen our democracy: Get diverse young people to run for office in great numbers. Buy it, read it, and buy at least ten more and send them to the young women and men you know." - Marie C. Wilson,Honorary Founder and President Emerita, Ms. Foundation for Women; Founder, The White House Project "This is a remarkable, disciplined study of our country's future. Shauna Shames has spent years meticulously interviewing passionate, bright, eager Millennials to learn if they see politics and public service as a rewarding field. I'm stunned to learn they are fleeing the political arena, turned off by the high financial costs of running and even higher emotional costs of what has become a disrespected occupation. Some even doubt that government is the best medium for change. The best and the brightest of an entire generation are in danger of being lost to the democratic process. Further, those least likely to run are those we need most: women, especially women of color. Nevertheless, Shauna is optimistic and provides solutions. This book isn't just for academics--it's for everyone who loves our country." - Donna Brazile,author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics

Shauna L. Shames is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University-Camden. Prior to entering academia, she worked with several nonprofit and feminist organizations, including the National Organization for Women (NOW) and The White House Project. She received her PhD from Harvard University in 2014.

"Shauna Shames is a young woman with a fire in her belly about young people leading in politics and the brains and tenacity to make it happen. This book is about what Shauna has been dedicated to for years, and I agree with her that it is the most important thing we can do to maintain and strengthen our democracy: Get diverse young people to run for office in great numbers. Buy it, read it, and buy at least ten more and send them to the young women and men you know." - Marie C. Wilson,Honorary Founder and President Emerita, Ms. Foundation for Women; Founder, The White House Project "This is a remarkable, disciplined study of our country's future. Shauna Shames has spent years meticulously interviewing passionate, bright, eager Millennials to learn if they see politics and public service as a rewarding field. I'm stunned to learn they are fleeing the political arena, turned off by the high financial costs of running and even higher emotional costs of what has become a disrespected occupation. Some even doubt that government is the best medium for change. The best and the brightest of an entire generation are in danger of being lost to the democratic process. Further, those least likely to run are those we need most: women, especially women of color. Nevertheless, Shauna is optimistic and provides solutions. This book isn't just for academics--it's for everyone who loves our country." - Donna Brazile,author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics

Shauna L. Shames is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University-Camden. Prior to entering academia, she worked with several nonprofit and feminist organizations, including the National Organization for Women (NOW) and The White House Project. She received her PhD from Harvard University in 2014.

"Shauna Shames is a young woman with a fire in her belly about young people leading in politics and the brains and tenacity to make it happen. This book is about what Shauna has been dedicated to for years, and I agree with her that it is the most important thing we can do to maintain and strengthen our democracy: Get diverse young people to run for office in great numbers. Buy it, read it, and buy at least ten more and send them to the young women and men you know." - Marie C. Wilson,Honorary Founder and President Emerita, Ms. Foundation for Women; Founder, The White House Project "This is a remarkable, disciplined study of our country's future. Shauna Shames has spent years meticulously interviewing passionate, bright, eager Millennials to learn if they see politics and public service as a rewarding field. I'm stunned to learn they are fleeing the political arena, turned off by the high financial costs of running and even higher emotional costs of what has become a disrespected occupation. Some even doubt that government is the best medium for change. The best and the brightest of an entire generation are in danger of being lost to the democratic process. Further, those least likely to run are those we need most: women, especially women of color. Nevertheless, Shauna is optimistic and provides solutions. This book isn't just for academics--it's for everyone who loves our country." - Donna Brazile,author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics