Teen activism encourages students to bring change to society

Tierra Combs | Staff Writer

Baylee Comer | Co-Editor-in-Chief

Isabela Diaz | Staff Writer

Rita Nicholson | Copy Editor

Students strive to better their community and bring positive change to their neighbors through their actions, words and time. Community activism groups, such as EMPOWER, FFA and Bree’s Blessings, all pictured to the left, work toward their goal of bringing positivity to their community through kindness and positive thinking, performing service projects, bringing awareness, lobbying for legislation changes at the Statehouse and marching for social change at the National Mall.

Through student activism, FFA students traveled to the Statehouse to lobby for legislation the American Farm Bureau Federation wished to pass. EMPOWER students journeyed to Washington, D.C., to attend a Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference to learn about the power of positive action. Those involved in Bree’s Blessings traveled to the National Mall to participate in CureFest, an event to help fight for expanding funds for childhood cancer research.

Though students might not see immediate effects, students continue to work to bring change to their communities.

Benefits of being politically aware in society

Who is the President? The Vice President? What about the First Lady? Those should be the easy ones. Then can you name both of the Indiana State Senators? I figured not. (Actually, it’s Mike Braun and Todd Young.)

Political ignorance is an illness many Americans suffer from. It is a disease formed from laziness and lack of information. Americans go to the voting polls with only two teams in mind: red or blue, Republican or Democrat. According to Political Science teacher Michael Sims, there are three factors to being an active citizen: voting, staying in contact with your representative and being upto-date on public issues.

“I believe the best way to become informed and avoid a media bubble is to care enough to want to know what is going on, coupled with being energetic enough to search out multiple sources for your information,” Sims said. Taking steps to ensure you are politically aware will be beneficial for America’s future. Staying out of a media bubble and understanding what sources produce good information will help.

“The problem that faces this generation is that they might find themselves in a media bubble, where all of their information comes from either one or very few sources,” Sims said. Activism in our community

Those attending Curefest marched toward the Capitol with candles that represented not only light, but children lost to cancer. Parents spoke the names of these children, and those attending CureFest echoed. “[The candlelight service] was my favorite part because I believe that everyone should be remembered and not forgotten. I think it impacted others by showing them how many children have actually lost their lives to childhood cancer and that it’s time for a cure,” said Jack Land (11), who attended CureFest this summer.

CureFest is held to bring awareness to the miniscule amount of funding childhood cancer research receives. People from more than 44 states attended the annual event held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., including a group of students who went to the event in honor of their friend, Bree Brown.

“I want to help people just like Bree. These children deserve so much more. I am very thankful I was able to meet and learn everyone’s story,” Sophia Paz (11) said.

The students agreed that their biggest accomplishment was knowing they were helping bring about changes when it comes to cancer research for children. Land explained his motives for attending CureFest.

“It’s time for a cure,” he said. “I feel like just anything would make a difference. If we want change, then we can’t just around and wait for it. You have to get out and show them that you care about this and want a change."

Activism can also be seen in the community, even at SHS itself.

“The Youth Grantmaking Council (YGC) and all its members are making a change by giving back to our community, which has given so much to us,” Jenna Buckner (10) said.

Clubs like EMPOWER, YGC, SADD, Student Council and Key Club are keen on making a change. “YGC is a philanthropic group that gives out grants and does community service projects," Gavin Borden (11) said.

Clubs at SHS have stressed the importance of creating a change in both the school and the community by inspiring students to better their involvement in organizations that promote such changes.

Students who participate in clubs and events said it is not only beneficial to the community, but it helps give them a voice.

“Our voices were heard [at CureFest], and we got the chance to stand up for something we believe in,” Sydney Paz (11) said.

There are many opportunities within the community for students to get involved in activism.

“All you have to have is some interest and time to show that you want to be involved, get your name out there and make an impact,” Buckner said.

Getting your voice heard

Students have been at the center of problems for decades. Whether it be the Civil Rights movement or environmentalism, students have become influential leaders. They have inspired countless students to follow in their footsteps. However, students might not know how their voices can be heard in such a busy world.

Despite petitions and protests, there are other ways to voice your opinion. One of the simplest ways to do this is social media. Media activism has become one of the most prominent ways to voice ideas, and student activists continue to use it.

One of the biggest platforms for online activism is Hashtag Activism. Hashtag Activism is a hashtag commonly used on platforms such as Twitter. With 330 million monthly Twitter users, Hashtag Activism has transformed into a daily trend for many users.

If students are inspired to create a bigger impact, they can join community groups. Local community groups include EMPOWER, Youth-Grantmaking Council, Scott County Young Republicans and Scott County Young Democrats. These groups give students the chance to take action through different activities.

Arguably, one of the most important actions a student can take is voting. Whether it be in local, state or national elections, voting is an important action. Eligible students are able to learn about the candidate’s ideas and make their voices heard when they vote.

“The best way to do it is to get all of the senior students who are 18 or more and actually make a movement where they actually go out and vote. That would make a difference,” said Michael Sims, Scottsburg High School political science teacher.