I've been having an up-and-down relationship with the upcoming Presidential election. As an involved political activist and a sophomore in college, all of my social media feeds have pretty much nonstop been filled with commentary, bickering, and even fighting about candidates for the past few months. I think there are a few reasons why I have not outright come out in support of a candidate yet, or why I am not feeling particularly fired up about this election cycle.
I'm going to miss President Obama immensely, and to be honest am not sure I’ll ever love a candidate and President as much as I love him. I also have found a hard time wrapping my head around fully throwing my support behind a single person. This is my first time voting in a presidential election, and I am starting to come to terms with the fact that no leader can ever be perfect or even necessarily great. Finally, I'm getting increasingly frustrated by the apathy that is growing among good, smart, driven people who are fed up with our current political atmosphere.
I get it. So am I.
But here's the thing. When good, smart, driven people with strong moral compasses back away, hate abounds. Today I had to remind myself how to fight my own personal distrust of candidates, ideologies, campaigns, The System. How am I doing that? Well, if you believe that the personal is political (which I do), then reflect on what issues have impacted you and your family and your community.
If you're tired of politics, then separate the politics from the issues as much as possible. Don’t let this election define the future of change in our country. You care about serving underprivileged students? Find a local afterschool program and find out how you can help them out. You've seen the impacts of a broken healthcare system on your family? Become an expert on local health equity projects. Donate supplies to a domestic violence survivors shelter. Organize with your school's fossil free group. Join the nearest Black Lives Matter chapter. Give to Planned Parenthood. Fundraise for animal shelters. Be a #gunsensevoter. You have kids? Remind them of the responsibility they have to better your community. You’re a teacher? Weave into your lesson plans the stories of great changemakers.
As a friend recently reminded me, "It’s so easy to be let down by candidates. Issues won’t let you down." That's not to say that issue advocacy is easy or simple or drama-free or less stressful. It is actually none of those things... by a lot. But if you know the issues that you want to and can effect, then you understand your personal convictions and values. Those won’t let you down, and those are forever. As long as you fight apathy.
But don't lessen your impact on this world because you're tired of elections. Too many lives are at stake. Change the system and do great things in unconventional ways.
P.S. Please still remember to vote. Whether it’s a single issue that gets you to the polls, or your loyalty to a party/candidate, get out there.
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