You've probably seen it splattered on the front page of the newspapers and mentioned countless times by news stations. It is the youth trend of declining participation in government and the increase in protests (have you seen the Occupy Wall Street protests?). While many are heralding this as a disaster for politics and saying that this is the wrong way to go about change, personally, I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing.
Teens and young adults should criticize what they see as government corruption and should resort to other means to accomplish what they want. While teens and young adults are relying less on the government, they're becoming more reliant on themselves and on civil liberties and their communities. Government can't fix everything -- it takes hard work and a lot of effort to change the status quo (and seeing the recently-averted government shutdown, not relying on government may actually be a good idea). While this can't fix all our problems (or even hope to), maybe now we'll stand a chance. Approximately 25 percent of Americans are under 18 years old -- around our age. Think of all the potential that our demographic holds! Only through youth empowerment and encouragement can real change take place. High schoolers and teenagers should take charge!
I don't see why our society or government doesn't encourage more youth participation in their communities -- we can help fix some major problems ourselves. For example, SHARE in Africa, a nonprofit that builds schools and encourages girls education in Tanzania, was founded by a 14-year-old high school student from New Jersey. Schools and our communities should encourage us to be more philanthropic and to become a bigger part of our communities. That way our interests, like financial aid for college and better school systems, can be promoted.
Think about some problems in your community or life that are bothering you. If you're getting tired of the hideous community trash heap or the dilapidated library, work with others to fix it. Spread awareness and do it with others. If you're noticing the decline in the quality of your public high school system and want to do something to change it besides urging local governments to increase property taxes or fund the school more, form a study group! Go to tutoring. Take an active role in your own education. Use the countless resources available online (particularly Khan Academy) to supplement your education. Work with your school student government or student association (or write a petition) to find ways to trim school expenditures to have money to pay for new textbooks, computers and facilities.
Honestly, there is really a lot we can do to better ourselves and our societies, and everyone should encourage that. We should have our own voice instead of counting on the government to promote our interests. If you don't believe me (or the countless articles that describe youth potential), read the following list.
You can:
1) Find other teens that believe in the same cause, form a club or community organization, and work together to achieve your goal. You can get grants and ideas from DoSomething or www.spirit.prudential.com.
2) Organize a protest -- put your constitutionally protected civil liberties and individual rights to good use. Check out the Occupy Wall Street movement.
3) Stay up to date with current events through the Huffington Post, CNN, or if you're more a TV/video kind of person -- The Daily Show, The Colbert Report or The Philip De Franco Show.
4) Use websites like www.idealist.org to seek out volunteering and internship opportunities in your community. You can connect with nonprofits and organizations whose cause you identify with and you can make a difference.
5) Organize fundraising events like movie nights, galas, bake sales and information sessions
to raise money for your cause or to donate to an organization you like.
6) Encourage your parents or community leaders to help you with your cause. You'd be surprised at how efficient and successful you can become by networking!
7) You can organize a charity drive in your school or community. For example, SHARE urges
people to collect school supplies.
8) Don't be afraid to use the Internet and social networking sites. You can find plenty of events that you can attend and ways to volunteer and help out. You can also learn more about organizations that you like and even become a member!
9) Use meetup.com to meet up with likeminded people who share your interests. You can also use this website to attend events and learn how to get started in your community.
10) Get up and start taking an active role in bettering yourself and your community, instead of waiting for the government to update their policy agenda.
Hopefully, this short list will motivate any teen or high school student out there to get started and become more active in their communities and in making a difference. I want to spread my own passion and energy onto other high school students who are tired of government bureaucracy and inefficiency. Be the change you want to see in this world. Government isn't the answer -- you are.