Dorm rooms everywhere are filled with students who view politics as a ticking time bomb of anxiety-filled emotions. Whether it’s an uncomfortable conversation at Thanksgiving, a heated debate with a classmate, or a boring speech about a policy you care nothing about, politics has become taboo with many college-age individuals.
Many young adults fail to realize the extraordinary impact they can make on their communities by understanding what is happening in their national, state, and local political realms. The world is going to keep spinning. Change will not happen with a spirit of ignorance and avoidance. The next generation of voters must embrace their role as an integral piece in America’s political machine.
To begin that process here are five things every college student should know before embarking on their political journey.
1. The Foundation
It’s hard to know where to go before recognizing where you have been. Understanding how and why the U.S. government is the way that it is follows this pattern.
“Our history is not a story of perfection. It’s a story of imperfect people working toward great ideals.” President George W. Bush said in a speech on the importance of teaching American history in school. “When children are given the real history of America, they will also learn to love America.”
Young adults can draw wisdom and inspiration from America’s Founding Fathers. Freedom can be uncovered by diving into the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. Injustice can be identified by studying America’s Civil War, the Women’s Suffrage movement, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Students who learn America’s history have a firm grasp on the ideals that the country was built on. They are granted an edge over their peers and provide their communities with irreplaceable utility because of their knowledge.
2. The Staff
Once the foundation is built, you should identify who is building the house.
Many young adults learn in a civics class that the U.S. government is split into the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, but many of them don’t know who their elected officials are. A student’s knowledge of their elected officials is pivotal in their understanding of what America’s political landscape looks like.
Identifying every elected official in the U.S. government can be intimidating. Young adults can start smaller by learning who their representatives and senators are, what party they are from, what issues they care about the most, and what their campaign promises are. Understanding your elective officials will help you get a better grasp of the issues and affairs that are being discussed in Washington.
3. The Structure
The next step in beginning your political journey is keeping up with what decisions are being made on Capitol Hill.
There are so many executive orders, committee meetings, and hearings happening within the U.S. Congress that it’s easy to drown out all the technical speech and only focus on headlines. Most college-aged adults fall into this category. Understanding what issues are being debated in Congress gifts a young adult a better understanding of the social, economic, and political climate of America.
Congress.gov is a great resource for finding out the latest Legislative activities.
4. The Cause
Once you have a better understanding of what legislation is being passed down from Washington, you can have a clearer view of how it is affecting you and your community.
Politics aren’t going to be everybody’s thing, but they do affect everyone. Recognizing what area of the political spectrum you care deeply about and following the news surrounding that topic. Stay consistent, read multiple sources, and keep your eyes out on the effects you can see in your own life and surroundings.
5. The Effect
You’ve identified what part of the political spectrum you are passionate about. Now, it’s time for some action.
Your impact can be immense if you just take the first step. Anthropologist Jane Goodall said it best when discussing the waves that young adults can make in society.
“Young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize what they do truly makes a difference, can indeed change the world.”
Search for opportunities to volunteer, call your local, state, and national officials about legislation, work hard, and make your voice heard, but most importantly stay educated, empowered, and unwavering.
You are the next generation that will drive America’s system. Why not get started now?
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