Overview
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
There’s a common misconception that a single voice or vote doesn’t count in the bigger picture. Yet, with legislative votes and elections frequently decided by one person, one point or even one fraction of a percent, it is abundantly clear that every single vote DOES count. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Your vote is your power to effect change.
66.2% of voting age citizens voted in the 2020 US presidential election, 7% higher than in 2016 according to Pew Research. Baby Boomers continue to be the generation with the highest voter turnout, meaning their political opinions are overrepresented and election results do not accurately reflect the desires of everyone, specifically us: students, Gen Z, millennials and the rising generation. In 2020, 52–55% of eligible voters ages 18 to 29 cast a ballot that was decisive in key states across the country. That percentage was up from 44–48% in 2016. The solution can be quite simple: if more people from all age groups vote, election results will more closely represent the desires of the overall population and those of us who have to live with the consequences for decades to come.
Major elections are far from the end of our power. Even in a non-election year or if under 18, we can still use our voices to have a say in government!
Are you concerned about an issue? Write a letter, send an email or call your elected representatives. Outside of directly voting, this is where the power of one becomes many. Politicians and officials keep track of how many people call about an issue and their stance. If enough people are concerned, the official needs to respond. Remember, they work for us — and local officials have direct impacts on our lives, daily realities and neighborhoods! Do you know who your government officials are? Check this website to find out.
Talk to your friends and family about issues that you care about. Even if you don’t yet have a vote, someone you know might. Start a conversation, make your opinion known and listen to the perspectives of those around you. Your voice may well change multiple votes.
All people who are eligible to vote must be able to do so! Voter suppression is a huge issue, and one that disproportionately affects communities of color, further silencing and disenfranchising the most marginalized voices. We need everyone of every background to VOTE and be counted in every election! You can help decrease the effects of voter suppression tactics at any age. Encourage young people you know to register to vote before they turn 18, and to check before each election to ensure registration is still active. The process is generally quite simple, yet many don’t know where to begin. In some states, you have to register ahead of time to be eligible at the polls. For the full picture and wide-ranging resources, visit VoteSaveAmerica.com.
If you can vote, show up and vote in every election, not just presidential ones. Your voice is powerful in all national and local elections. Government at every level makes decisions that directly affect your everyday life, family and livelihood — from schools to potholes, housing to the pandemic response, jobs to marriage, clean air to free speech, everything.
There is always more that you can do to effect positive change. Check out ways to have an impact through volunteering, campaigning and advocating, even if you are not yet 18 here!
THINK
A variety of issues are on the ballot in each election, like climate change, social justice, healthcare, immigration, education and much more. Regardless of voting eligibility, it is important to understand the issues, so you know what and who to advocate for or against.
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITIES
- Learn about some key issues in the US
- Check out this list of federal issues
- Look into important local issues by speaking with neighbors or community leaders
Go beyond what the issues are to why they matter and where you stand. Choose two that interest you. Write 3 to 5 sentences about the issue, its importance and your opinion. Share with family or friends, as well as on social media. Be sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg!
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Do you know the elected officials who represent your local community and state? They address the issues at hand and effect change in your area, whether positive or negative.
ACTIVITY
Knowing local officials and their positions will enable you to contact the right people, advocate effectively and vote wisely in future elections. Use this government website to determine who represents you.
Who are your federal representatives (Senate, Congress), state legislators and local elected officials? Create a list of all your federal representatives, at least two state legislators, and at least three local elected officials.
Choose one from each category and write a sentence about their stance on an issue you care about.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Being informed about government is extremely important, and using your voice as a powerful tool can make a great impact.
ACTIVITY
Choose one official and write a letter or email about an issue of personal importance to you. You can also call their office and leave a message about it.
Not sure where to start? Here is a simple template, but feel free to write however you wish for maximum impact. There are also many templates online that you can use as inspiration. Feel free to add personal stories about how the issue has impacted you or someone you care about.
Dear (government title: Representative, President, etc.) (last name),
Hello, my name is ___, I am ___ years old and I live in ____. I am writing/calling today to share my opinion on ____. I am concerned about ____ because (explain why you care). I would like you to please consider ______ and vote/advocate for _____.
Thank you,
Your name
Send your letter to the appropriate address. Share on social media, tagging the elected official and @TurningGreenOrg. Be sure to encourage others to advocate! And keep writing to government representatives!
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.