Activism is beyond elections
By Tara King
Come each national election year, young adults are criticized for their lack of participation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, turnout among voters ages 18-24 has decreased from 32.2 percent in 2000 to 17.2 percent in 2002. Each November, these statistics will be taken from the archives, and youth will be, again, labeled as socially apathetic. This estimation is not an accurate representation of young adults.
As a politically active citizen and young adult, I am constantly bothered by the image projected onto myself and my peers. While political participation has decreased from 2000 to 2002, 2002 was not a presidential election year. Off election years consistently have lower voter turnouts for more than just youth. The U.S. Census Bureau reports a drop in voters aged 25-44 from 49.8 percent in 2000 to 34.1 percent in 2002.
Young adults are not given credit for the way they express their political engagement. Activity in the political arena is often judged solely by voter turnout. This is inaccurate and unfair. Many young adults are dynamic participants in volunteer organizations.
The student organization SCCAP provides an outstanding opportunity for students to do many types of volunteer work. "Everyone can find a program within SCCAP that speaks to them, whether that means volunteering with kids, helping Bon Appetit workers learn English as a second language, or working with the Labor Action Committee to get fair trade coffee," said Christy Arrington, the GASPED program coordinator.
Looking beyond our campus, young people are becoming more active in our community. Participation in community service has risen over the years, and, while this is not direct political participation, volunteer work has a direct effect on the local area. According to a Gallup poll published in 2003 , 31 percent of teens volunteer for organizations that help the poor, sick or elderly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded youth ranging in ages from 16-19 volunteering a median of 36 hours per year.
Young adults may prefer to volunteer rather than vote because community service allows them see their hard work turn into something which benefits the community. Elizabeth Iten, a sophomore at Santa Clara who believes in both voting and volunteer work, says, "We have a responsibility to one another. In our society, there are those who are less fortunate than us, but by volunteering, we can make a difference in many people's lives."
Expressing political and social views through voting is essential. However, come this fall, the media should attempt to acknowledge the alternative ways in which young people express themselves politically.
Tara King is a junior political science major.