We ARE the change!
Houston Paea
Young people are not the indifferent, political idiots that they’re often made out to be. Don’t believe me? Try looking at your school council for confirmation. On a national scale, how about those Young Labour and Young National members? And then internationally there are untold thousands of student organisations, such as Young Politicians of America and Students for a Free Tibet. They all have different political ties, missions, motivation and purposes, but what they have in common is a desire for change and the commitment to make it happen!
Loud and proud
Student politics have a long and proud history. They can be about systems of self governance at school or university, but often they’re about participating in the broader political environment, sometimes even leading the way. From the revolt in Paris in May 1968, which led to the downfall of the French government, to the Black Consciousness movement, which contributed to the end of Apartheid in South Africa, students have long been involved in the fight for justice and change across the world.
Penguin Revolution
In Chile, 2006, over a MILLION high school and university students took to the streets in a series of protests. The movement (also known as the Penguin Revolution because of the students’ black and white uniforms) was demanding better funding for schools, more affordable university fees and cheaper public transport. Many students were injured or arrested during the protests as things turned violent and the riot police got involved. Although many of the students’ demands were not met immediately, they succeeded in being heard and they put education back on the political agenda.
Students for a Free Tibet
Established by Tibetans and students in New York City in 1994, this group now operates in 650 universities and high schools in more than 30 countries around the world. They use a strong network of activists and youth workers to draw attention to the political situation between Tibet and China with the aim of helping Tibet gain its independence. They aren’t aligned to any political group as such, but they’re fighting for freedom of speech, human rights and social justice for Tibet; in short, trying to save a country. See www.studentsforafreetibet.org
Young Politicians of America (YPA)
A more peaceful example of youth involvement in politics is the YPA: a not-for-profit organisation that has 2,500 members from secondary schools around the USA. They are trying to create a higher level of youth participation in politics through promoting political ‘thinking and doing’. They get members (they call them ‘politicians’) to do community service work for their
‘constituents’ that relates to topical political issues, such as a creek cleanup. This would be followed by a debate on environmental policy such as pollution regulations, and fuel efficiency standards for SUVs. By encouraging young people to connect with their community they encourage them to think of themselves as citizens. Check out www.ypa.org
True politics
Despite all the misconceptions surrounding young people and what they actually care about, they ARE doing something to change the world and contribute to the well-being of this planet and our societies. And isn’t that what true politics is supposed to be about? Not ineffective posturing over tax cuts, or claims to get tough over immigration. The young people of today are the ones with the ideas, with the hopes and dreams of making things better. Young people have a lot to offer: ideals, dreams, the numbers, and very loud voices! And we won’t be ignored!
LEARN MORE
- Find out about student activists around the world at http://studentresistance.wordpress.com
- Download the Do-It-Yourself guide to youth activism at www.ywca.org.nz
- Do you want to write to a politician, or organise a petition or a campaign? Check out the Take Action guides from the Ministry of Youth Development www.myd.govt.nz
TAKE ACTION
- Take a chance – run for your student council. Or, if you want your thoughts and ideas to be heard by national decision makers, join the Provoke Network at www.myd.govt.nz/ayv/provoke/
- Become a youth member of a political party
- Join a local student organisation or CREATE YOUR OWN! You want to change something? Research it, discuss it with others (be prepared for some debate!) and work to make the change
- Get involved with the World Youth Movement for Democracy www.ymd.youthlink.org
- Signup with the Just Focus network or join the discussions in the forum www.justfocus.org.nz
This article was originally published in the Global Focus pages of Tearaway Magazine.
