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As we approach the 21st century, we need to reexamine and redefine values such as courage, coop. oration, honesty, integrity, responsibility, wisdom, dignity, and caring —and reincorporate them into our lives. Them is a clear need to identify and communicate about famous and not -so -famous "herucs" in our modem world who embody these values. The pioneerspirit of cdventure and hope can he rekindled, so that vve take :hc r'sla ncccssary ro meet tomofrow's challenges. Those who feet exr.luded from our society must be encouraged to share these values. They must be given the oppor- tunity to participate in the shaping of tomorrow —this is a time when everyone's voice needs to be heard and everyone's dreams can become reality. We need to be more active in our approach to shaping the future, rather than being merely respon- sive to the myriad of probiems that always seem about to engulf us. "Coping" or "managing" is no longer enough. Ore of the greatest tasks of our day is to develop an increased sense of personal efficacy. In a rapidly changing, highly complex society, it is natural —and easy —for people to feel that they dou't make a difference: that they cannot affect anything, that they can only react to changes, that they fee! out of control. Dr. Hilde Bruch, an expert on psychotherapy, states that basically all patients come m psychiatrists with one common problem: "due sense of helplessness, the fear and inner conviction of being unable to 'cope' and to change things." In the survey of young Americans' views of the future, less than half of those interviewed, believed they could be a major influence in shaping the future of the nation or the world. Fortunately, this negative cycle can be broken. People can increase their sense of control over their own lives and our collective future. Research indicates that believing you can make a difference leads to efforts to make a difference —which leads tr r " r making a difference. We need to reexamine our basic promises and approaches to educating people today. Given the many changes in the world, it is impossible to predict what the world will be like in fifty years: we only know it will be very different from yesterday or today. Therefore, it makes little sense to base education exclusively on the past or on one particular view of the future• We must help students develop a futures perspective, an understanding of the most important issues and opportunities they may face, the ability to manage the dislocations and stresses of rapid change, and the skins they will need to participate in the 21st century in productive and meaningful ways. If we want young people to develop a global, long-term time perspective, to be anticipatory decisior- makers, to become creative problem -solvers and responsible citizens, we mast inc!ude young people in dialogues about the future. We must in"olve young people in helping us meet the challenges of our time. Let's encourage them to participate with us in visioning, problem -solving, community service, and a wide variety of future -oriented activities --for our sake as well as theirs. COUNTDOWN 2001. through its various projects and programs, addresses these needs and encour- ages individuals and organizations everywhere to address them in a manner that is consistent with COUNTDOWN 2001's Mission. These needs are real and immediate. The continuation of our planet is at srake. We stand at the crossroads, preparing to enter the 21st cenwry: we each have a responsibility to ouhselves and to future generations to do our utmost in addressing these needs. D COUNTDOWN 2001. 5635 Utah Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20015 (202) 537.1179