Just a few months prior, FIU welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos for a roundtable discussion on the current and future state of education, while just a few weeks ago, government officials from the U.S., Mexico and Central America met at the Modesto Maidique campus to discuss drug trafficking, gang violence, infrastructure and immigration.
At both events, protesters voiced their opposition outside. It’s important that we, as students and members of society, use our right to freedom of speech to voice our discontent with the current state of affairs because, ultimately, it will affect us throughout our lives. But we should participate more in civic engagement past protests.
We’ve heard it all too often: the youth is not as interested, engaged or involved in politics as they should be. With President Donald Trump’s constant tweeting and various governmental controversies or scandals arising every week, it can be overwhelming to the point of disconnect. Everyone should speak up for what they believe in — and university is a great place to start as that is the time when we start to solidify our views.
At the University level, knowing your representatives in the Student Government Association, voting in their elections and actively participating in making changes around campus is a small but powerful reflection of your civic duties past college.
Locally, we can get involved in legislation, and it’s best to start by finding out who your local legislators and politicians are and knowing how to get in touch with them. Identify issues that you are passionate about and attend town hall or city council meetings where you can make your actual voice heard, in front of local politicians who can actually do something about it.
Get to know your school board, join an organization, contact your congressmen, senators and representatives, vote.
As constituents, we have the power to reach our representatives and hold them accountable for their decisions.
Complaining on social media and organizing multiple protests are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s important to get out, meet people, use your hands and your time because we all have the power to make our voice heard and make our government listen.
Photo taken from Flickr.
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