An op-ed by our Organizing Director, Sarah Dixit
“Are they actually killing babies after they are born?” asked one of my students from the Spokane school where I teach a weekly teen education and advocacy class.
Misinformation, concerned faces, and uncertainties surrounded me.
Watching the Presidential Debate with a classroom full of 15- and 16-year-olds, I was surprised by the questions and conversations buzzing around the room.
Some of my students couldn’t discern what was truth from fiction during the presidential and vice presidential debates.
And in a digital world filled with misinformation, it’s no wonder they feel lost. Young people today often lack the tools they need to make informed decisions about issues that will shape their future.
Like many of you, I have been told that the next generations of young people – Gen Z and Gen Alpha – are going to “save us”. They will steer the country towards a more progressive and equitable direction once we give them a chance.
I don’t know about you, but I remember being that age — and I can’t help but think that’s an enormous burden to place on young shoulders.
So, may I suggest an alternative path forward?
Instead of passing the responsibility onto these young people, let’s ensure we’re doing our part to support their success — a political alley-oop, if you will. (Go Storm!)
One way we can contribute – and to share the collective responsibility of our future – is by voting for candidates who genuinely care about the future of our youth.
There is a lot happening in our country – and in our world – and the Pro-Choice Washington 2024 endorsed candidates featured in our Voters’ Guide deeply understand what is at stake in this election. Abortion access, gender-affirming care, and even the most fundamental aspects of our democracy are priorities in their campaigns.
No pressure, right?
Even with these allies and elected leaders working towards a better future, it is totally understandable to feel fatigue and discouragement. Trust me, I feel it, too.
However, what gives me hope is seeing all the ways in which everyday humans take action to create a more equitable, inclusive, and kind society.
In addition to getting out the vote this election season, let’s collectively make the commitment to take actions year round:
- Show up for your community. Whether it be through rallies, protests, lobbying, or just listening and sharing space — you are making a difference by simply showing up.
- Educate yourself and others. Many progressive organizations (like Pro-Choice WA) publish year-round political education resources for the community. Make sure you are plugged in to the organizations that are working on issues that you care about and fact check the issues you care about.
- And with that, donate to the organizations that are working on these issues. There are so many amazing non-profits that put their hearts and souls into advancing liberation for all. We encourage you to find community organizations that resonate with you — we personally love Real Rent Duwamish, Lavender Rights Project, Legal Voice, and UTOPIA Washington. (And of course, you can always donate to Pro-Choice Washington).
And remember, rest and resistance go hand-in-hand. We must celebrate our wins, any and all, little and small, and rest when we become overwhelmed by the work ahead.
With two weeks to go until election day, let’s make them count. You should have received your ballot in the mail and if not, contact your county’s elections office OR print it out at VoteWA.Gov.
Don’t forget to refer to our Voters’ Guide if you need help deciding which candidates to vote for.
Let’s empower ourselves and the next generation to build a better future, starting with casting our votes by November 5th.
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