Ready by 21 isn’t a program or a campaign or even an initiative. It is a challenge to all who care about children and youth to think differently – to learn a different way to approach all of the tasks associated with trying to manage, make or measure change at any level from the classroom to the capitol – so that they can act differently. Specifically, so that they can make decisions that lead to bigger goals, bolder strategies, better partnerships.

Becoming fluent in Big Picture thinking is similar to becoming fluent in another language. It’s a skill that broadens one’s capacity to respond. Those who master Big Picture thinking can use it in their personal, professional and public lives, creating sharper agendas for action.

This is a guide to the key ideas and resources behind the Ready by 21® Challenge: 

The Dilemma. Too few young people are entering adulthood ready and our collective efforts to make a difference are far too fragmented to have a big impact.

The Solution. Changing the way we do business means that we need to throw out old assumptions about how change happens and engage youth and adult change makers with the ideas, resources and tools that help them:

• Think Differently -- learn to focus and prioritize differently using a Big Picture Approach, so that together they can
• Act Differently -- set bigger goals, use bolder strategies and be better partners, within an overall Blueprint for Action.

The Delivery System. Partners, places and products are key to the five year plan of creating a critical mass of youth and adult leaders in every state across the country. Leaders have many opportunities for getting started in taking up the Ready by 21 Challenge.