Political Activism

by Apathy is Boring Volunteer Fausto — April 23, 2007

Earlier this year I had the privilege to sit in on a lunch discussion with James Carroll, a Boston Globe columnist who was visiting my university to give a speech on his latest book.  The dialogue eventually came around to discussing the differences between youth protests today and those during the 1960s, a period of protest that Carroll experienced personally.  He suggested that youth in the latter period had more of an influence than today simply because they were able to involve politicians in their rallies, petitions and causes.  Conversely, when today’s youth hold a demonstration in front of a parliament building or contest a particular aspect of an institution, their forms of protest lack influence to cause change because they do not have any political figures or individuals involved in their particular protest.  Carroll suggested that in order to have a greater influence on political change, today’s campaigns must include political figures.

At this point, the issue of how we as youth can attract politicians to become part of our campaigns and protests in order to successfully effect political change should be explored.  Three methods will be examined in the following that can help Canadian youth gain a stronger voice in politics. 

First, we as Canadian youth must become involved in organizations and groups that address current social and political issues that affect us. Whether it be with youth driven organizations such as Apathy is Boring or simply ones that address issues that appeal to you as an individual, involvement increases youth awareness and influence.  Groups or organizations that deal with issues such as the environment, poverty, gender equality and others that may be of interest to you are worth joining.  Organizational involvement gives youth a platform from which to express their opinions about issues of importance.  The greater the youth presence in these groups, the more influence youth will be able to exert regarding their opinions and views.

Involvement does not have to be centred on issues on a grand scale; more local events may persuade you to get involved.  Joining an organization that is dedicated to, for example, preventing the closing of a local public school or big box stores from entering the neighbourhood, are also avenues where engaged youth can make a difference.  By simply involving ourselves with these issues and organizations, we allow ourselves the opportunity to meet people of influence, whether they be politicians or others who have a direct influence on social and political events in our communities, cities, provinces or country.

An alternative method of involvement for youth is to participate in electoral campaigns.  Being an aide or volunteer to a political nominee can present numerous opportunities for youth to get involved.  Whether involving yourself with a candidate because of his or her personal beliefs or political party, a campaign can initiate contact with many members of the community that influence policy.  In addition, participation in a campaign can expose youth to the issues that are important in their own communities, as well as to those which are significant on a larger scale.  If we as youth involve ourselves in political campaigns, it will result in an enhanced influence on the direction of the campaign and the selection of issues that are debated.  Volunteering has its benefits. If you can effectively donate your time to a particular candidate, in the future that politician can offer assistance and support to your own causes.

Involvement in community issues and political campaigns are great opportunities to gain access to individuals such as politicians and community leaders.  These connections can then be used in our favour when attempting to advance our own causes or demonstrations.  Any argument will have a greater influence when it is supported by members of the political community. 

A third approach is available for youth to exercise our influence in the political and social sphere of Canada.  This approach is less time consuming and much easier to accomplish.  It is simply to get out to the polls during elections and VOTE.

Voting among youth is not occurring as often as in previous generations, and this has resulted in a decrease of serious discussion around issues that face youth by politicians and political parties.  Less than half of the eligible voters between the ages of 18 to 24 actually turned out to vote in the last two federal elections.  Numbers in provincial and local elections reflect the same poor results.  When placed into the larger voter population, the importance of the youth vote diminishes even more.  For the youth to gain acknowledgment from political parties and have their issues considered, we must prove that we can have an effect on the political process.  Getting yourself out to vote and encouraging your friends to do so is one of the first steps Canadian youth should take to gain recognition among politicians.  Furthermore, it is a simple process and takes minutes from your day.

If you are dedicated to making a difference in your community, or are dedicated to a cause and are frustrated that your voice is not being heard, the preceding offers three techniques to acquire political leaders’ attention and aid in pursuing causes that affect and concern youth.  Our young political ancestors of the 1960s did this effectively; it is time that the youth of the current generation learn from their example and attempt to gain established political support for our causes.


Have a comment? Write and submit your own article!