How to be politically active as a teenager

By Julia Park

As the 2020 Presidential Election approaches, it is more important than ever to engage in the national political conversation. Being politically active is in no way limited to only those over eighteen as there are multiple ways teenagers can impact their local, state and national communities.

Anyone can participate in local politics by attending city council, school board or township trustee meetings. The city council is the legislative power of the city. At every city council meeting, there is an opportunity for citizens to speak on legislative items and city services. Even if you chose not to speak, attending these meetings are opportunities to meet your representatives and receive updates on your local community firsthand. Athens City Council meets every first and third Monday at 7 PM in the Athens City Building (8 East Washington Street).

Within the city council, there are committees that cover various subjects, such as City and Safety Services, Finance and Personnel, Planning and Development, and Transportation. Committee meetings are also open to the public. Meetings occur on the second and fourth Mondays at the same time and location.

Township trustees are three elected members who represent a portion of a county. For Athens Township Trustee meetings, citizens can call beforehand in order to be placed on the agenda and speak at the meeting. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 PM in the Athens Township Garage (313 West Union Street).

Another way to communicate with your representatives is to contact them through mail, email or phone. This is possible on the local level (mayor, city council, county executive), state level (governor, state representative), and federal level (US senators, US representatives, president). Often, the most effective method is to call your local or state representatives. Although it becomes easier with practice, initially, phone calls can be frightening. If it’s your first time contacting your representative, you can use a script or outline.

"IN THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE, IT IS CRUCIAL FOR TEENAGERS TO STAY

INFORMED, EDUCATED, AND INCENTIVIZED".

If you feel especially passionate about a certain candidate, consider joining their campaign as a volunteer or possibly as an intern. Possible tasks as a volunteer include canvassing, going door-to-door to inform voters on your candidate or to collect signatures to get a candidate on the ballot, and phonebanking, speaking to voters through the phone. Additionally, if you feel more devoted to a party rather than a single candidate, it is possible to volunteer for political parties.

Express your political beliefs through your First Amendment right to protest. It’s important to keep in mind that protesting does not have to be limited to just participating in marches. As seen in recent times, teenagers like Greta Thunberg and the survivors of the Parkland school shooting have created global awareness and conversation through their demonstrations aimed specifically to empower the youth to take initiative in politics.

Although a change in legislation after a protest is ideal, it is important to remember that no matter the outcome, all protests create the most necessary element to change: conversation.

Every election, the age group 18-29 year-olds has the worst voter turnout. Only 46.1% of this age group voted in the 2016 Presidential Election. Although you, yourself, may not be eligible to vote, it is critical to encourage and register those who can vote. This can be done through means such as organizing and volunteering at a voter registration drive or phone banking and canvassing with the purpose of registering voters.

In the current political climate, it is crucial for teenagers to stay informed, educated and incentivized. Don’t let apathy limit your ability to change the communities and lives around you.