In recent years, many students have begun to take an interest in national politics. Political involvement has increased since the 2016 election between Donald J. Trump and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. With an increase of involvement in the state of the world, it is reasonable to formulate one’s own opinion. Still, at times it is difficult to find ways to speak your mind or support causes today. Despite the perceived difficulty, there are many ways to get involved locally.
With the prevalence of technology and social media in modern times, many of those who take in strong political views do so with the influence of social media. While political views are often passed down within familial culture, these beliefs are encouraged through targeted social media. It is common today for many people from all demographics, from adults to adolescents, to have a solidified political belief.
For the last five years, I have involved myself in national politics. After the murder of George Floyd in my home state, I watched a civil rights justice uprise across the United States. At the ripe age of eleven to twelve years old, I utilized social media to spread awareness of other social injustices, both present and past, in America. This was the first way that I found myself involved politically.
Social media such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are commonly used ways to spread political beliefs, and discover information. However, it is always important to fact check the information you find through social media.
Facebook pages such as New Jersey Peace Action, New Jersey Democrats, and even Hopewell Pennington Issues spread awareness of local issues within politics. These groups also bring examples of ways to get involved with local politics and environmental engagement.
Many organizations dedicate their work to spreading awareness and political truth. There are dedicated communities that spend time ensuring that the information they spread is truthful and accurate. Websites such as factcheck.org and politifact.com (a Pulitzer Prize winning website) are tools that have been created to provide the truth regarding political topics.
Earlier this year, I began my involvement with the Climate Revolution Activist Network (CRAN). CRAN is a Gen-Z led activist organization that fights to educate, promote action, support the right people, and encourage intelligence. CRAN focuses on the climate and the effects that climate impacts are having on humans, but also holds heavy political content. CRAN has educated many on what is happening environmentally around the world, and has brought immense influence through social media and in-person engagement.
Executive Director and Founder of CRAN
Websites such as mobilize.us spread the word about local and national rallies for politics, educational events, community gatherings, and people’s action activities. NJ Food and Water Watch often holds informational events that are open to any person completely for free. People Power United is another organization that hosts action activities.
There are many clubs within our high school community here in Hopewell Valley that get involved with politics and environmental action. The Youth Environmental Society (YES club) has meetings and even occasional speakers that educate and discuss environmental issues affecting us locally and people around the world.
Whether you care that the ever-evolving state of the world will affect you or not, it will. Getting involved now can lead to great things and an even better future.
