At the age of 21, David Smith began to follow his dream as the idea of Mobilize.org -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing young people to increase their civic engagement and political participation -- became a reality. And it has grown tremendously over the past five years under the guidance and direction of this young leader.

In his final year of college, David led a group of ten students to plan a national conference in Washington, DC, bringing together more than 200 young Americans to form a national youth agenda. He also organized the March Across America, deemed the "Political Road Trip of 2004." With 15 events in 15 cities, the March spanned the United States and inspired thousands in its wake.

David currently serves as the vice chair of the Youth Policy Action Center (YPAC), an award-winning website that functions as a central hub for legislative action alerts pertaining to youth issues.

After spending three years establishing Mobilize.org's national office in Washington, DC, David moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area to establish a permanent California office and strengthen Mobilize.org's bicoastal support of its nationwide network.

Q&A with The Case Foundation

CASE FOUNDATION:  How did you develop the concept for Mobilize.org?

DAVID SMITH:  Mobilize.org (founded as Mobilizing America's Youth) was created after a successful statewide lobbying day in California. With a handful of students working together for about six months, we were able to achieve a $130 million victory... Read more.