POLITICAL ACTIVISM 101: HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITHOUT VOTING

There+are+a+plethora+of+ways+you+can+be+involved+in+politics%2C+even+if+you+arent+eligible+to+vote.+

There are a plethora of ways you can be involved in politics, even if you aren’t eligible to vote.

Zoya Wazir, Content Manager

Leading up to the 2016 elections, many politically-charged young people were disheartened to realize that they could not effectively voice their political opinions due to  the voting age restriction. But rest assured, young activists, there are no shortage of ways minors can inflict change in politics without even stepping up to the ballot.

  • Volunteer for a Campaign

One of the most effective ways to impact an election without voting is to volunteer for your party’s campaign. The Florida Democratic and Republican Parties are constantly seeking new volunteers, especially around election season for phone banking and canvassing. The best part? Volunteering is open to all. Also, volunteers often get to rub shoulders with DC’s finest by volunteering at exclusive events..

  • Join a Local Caucus or Political Group

Organizations like the Latino Caucus, Black Caucus, or Seminole Democrats are open to people of all ages and promote civic participation in the local community. There are groups like these for all issues in the Central Florida area that have monthly meetings during which they discuss local issues and take action. For example, the SemDems are currently organizing petitioning events to restore voting rights to former convicts in the state of Florida, a cause that many young people are unaware that they can make a difference in.

  • Find a Cause You’re Passionate About, Track ‘Em Down, and Volunteer

This is often the most difficult way to become politically involved, but also one of the most interesting. For instance, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood directly pertain to certain issues, such as First Amendment rights or women’s reproductive health, respectively. Oftentimes, these organizations are also the hardest to get in contact with as their volunteer opportunities are more limited than broader organizations such as political parties and caucuses, but you’ll be a part of a cause you’re passionate about and be helping influence issues you care about.

  • Join the Page Program

One of the most interactive opportunities Florida has to offer for young political activists is to join the Page Program, in which students get the opportunity to travel to Tallahassee and work as pages for Senators such as Bill Nelson in the Florida Senate. While this doesn’t give students the opportunity to inspire change as the aforementioned opportunities do, it still allows young people to participate in the political process more so than simply waiting until they turn 18 to vote.

Age, as the old saying goes, is just a number. Political participation is not limited to voting members of society; getting involved and voicing your political opinions can be done at any age, as long as you know what opportunities to seek out.