True or false: teens don’t have a say in American politics. True or false: teens can’t decide the outcomes of elections. True or false: teens don’t have any authority because they’re still children. If you answered true to any of these questions, you’re wrong.
As a teenager, I have heard these phrases directed at myself and other teens all too many times. But teenagers aren’t as incompetent as they are portrayed in today’s media and in the minds of adults.
The truth is, teenagers are more than capable of creating much needed change in today’s society.
Take 18 year old David Hogg, for example. Hogg, who is a leader of the March for Our Lives movement for gun control, is challenging experienced politicians like Marco Rubio through live debates on tough political issues. Hogg’s mission is to encourage young adults and teens to start participating in local and nationwide politics, no matter what the age.
Temple City has its own rising game-changer. You may know her as Miss Temple City, but Kristy He at Temple City High School is also on a mission to help other teenagers make a difference in local politics. He, who is the President of the Future Chinese Leaders of America, is helping teens to get involved in local politics by reaching out to politicians like California State Assemblymember Mike Eng, who is running for State Senate.
“[The FCLA] collaborated with the Mike Eng Campaign office to [create an] internship for students,” He, who is also in charge of the internship, explained. “The internship [allows students to] help Mike Eng campaign for State Senate and also can give an insight and provide an opportunity to the next generations – the students – how a political campaign and government works. It is a great life, work and volunteer experience that you cannot learn from a textbook.”
High school students who are interested in the internship can reach out to He by checking their TCHS class pages on Facebook for posts about a Mike Eng internship, which allows students to practice their communication skills by dialing San Gabriel Valley citizens and persuading them to vote for Mr. Eng.
If you’re interested in bringing change to U.S. gun policies, consider joining the March for Our Lives movement by attending their marches and sharing your experience with others. Don’t be afraid to directly contact a march organizer if you’re interested in being more than a common protester. Many volunteer opportunities are hidden and won’t be found unless you directly contact the people in charge of the group that you’re interested in working for.
Similarly, the March for Our Rights group, which was also founded by young adults, hosts events across the U.S. to “…rally in support of [the second amendment], the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.” The group regularly meets in Los Angeles and welcomes those that are in support of their mission.
Many teens are also attending rallies and protests and sharing them on social media, which is a powerful tool that can be used to help influence voters. Whether you are volunteering for a politician you support or using social media to shine light on issues that are of importance to you, it is imperative that we teenagers continue to be active in the world of politics.
Indeed, it is our moral duty and responsibility to pave the way for a safe future for future generations to come. Teenagers should act on their beliefs and also participate in local events to exercise their communication skills and create a change in their community, in both big and small ways.
TCHS School Newspaper