Many of us have heard numerous conversations about youth apathy. Of course we all know young people who volunteer in their communities, take interest in local issues, and discuss world events. But young people today are often characterized as apathetic and disinterested in politics. Perhaps they are not apathetic and disinterested, but actually feeling alienated and disillusioned.
Research has shown that voter turnout is low in Canada not because experienced voters aren't showing up to the polls, but because potential new voters are not making the trip. This is not only true in Canada but the US, and Britain. In fact, many studies conclude that this generation which is choosing to opt out of the system will most likely never vote. Not only is that devestating to our democratic system, but for our actual quality of life.
If youth feel a disconnect with our political institutions, believing they are powerless to impact decisions, their cynicism can easily be transferred to other aspects of their lives. If they don't believe they matter and can effect change, it is highly doubtful the changes we need to survive and thrive on this planet will occur.
In a recent study prepared by the Innovative Research Group, only 35% of youth surveyed felt that their vote would make a difference and 73% of them stated they have not been asked to participate in politics or a party directly. Even public opinion pollsters readily admit that they only call land lines and most young people use cell phones, meaning their opinions are not even accounted for. If those young people ever decided on mass to utilize their voting power, it would arrive like a unexpected storm on the political scene. I'm waiting for that day because that will be the day young people realize how much power they have and we may have a peaceful revolution never experieced before in history.
Youth do not vote for simple reasons. They don't think their voice matters, they aren't interested in politics and parties because they don't see issues that relate to them on the agenda, and quite simply no one communicates to them in a consistent and accessible way. The reason why so many youth were inspired by Rick Mercer's rant was because he spoke to them directly and clearly in a meaningful way (check it out - http://www.torontolife.com/daily/informer/election-woahs/2011/04/15/rick-mercer-gets-the-youth-vote-out-conservatives-shut-it-back-in/).
If we want young people to re-engage with the political system and become concerned citizens that a healthy democracy requires, we must teach them early in life that their voices matter. That they need to speak up and be heard. Community involvement beginning within their schools and local organizations encourages a habit of activism. Demanding our representatives create youth forums that are respected, and establish communication links (as well as polls) that are highly visible and accessible through social media and the school system are simple ways we can reach out to our youth and let them know we need them and that their involvement is important to us.
There is a provincial election coming up. Let it not be another lost opportunity to communicate to young people, and not just those of voting age. Elected officials are supposed to represent all their constituents - all ages, genders, races, sexual preferences, and economic classes. If they can't or don't choose to fulfill the most basic mandate of a democratic government, they should step aside. Parents, student groups, teachers, and community leaders should encourage young people to get involved in any way possible and to speak out - using social media, attending public forums and asking questions, writing letters, helping candidates, and getting involved in Student Vote (http://www.studentvote.ca/fed07/index.php).
Let the revolution begin.
Research has shown that voter turnout is low in Canada not because experienced voters aren't showing up to the polls, but because potential new voters are not making the trip. This is not only true in Canada but the US, and Britain. In fact, many studies conclude that this generation which is choosing to opt out of the system will most likely never vote. Not only is that devestating to our democratic system, but for our actual quality of life.
If youth feel a disconnect with our political institutions, believing they are powerless to impact decisions, their cynicism can easily be transferred to other aspects of their lives. If they don't believe they matter and can effect change, it is highly doubtful the changes we need to survive and thrive on this planet will occur.
In a recent study prepared by the Innovative Research Group, only 35% of youth surveyed felt that their vote would make a difference and 73% of them stated they have not been asked to participate in politics or a party directly. Even public opinion pollsters readily admit that they only call land lines and most young people use cell phones, meaning their opinions are not even accounted for. If those young people ever decided on mass to utilize their voting power, it would arrive like a unexpected storm on the political scene. I'm waiting for that day because that will be the day young people realize how much power they have and we may have a peaceful revolution never experieced before in history.
Youth do not vote for simple reasons. They don't think their voice matters, they aren't interested in politics and parties because they don't see issues that relate to them on the agenda, and quite simply no one communicates to them in a consistent and accessible way. The reason why so many youth were inspired by Rick Mercer's rant was because he spoke to them directly and clearly in a meaningful way (check it out - http://www.torontolife.com/daily/informer/election-woahs/2011/04/15/rick-mercer-gets-the-youth-vote-out-conservatives-shut-it-back-in/).
If we want young people to re-engage with the political system and become concerned citizens that a healthy democracy requires, we must teach them early in life that their voices matter. That they need to speak up and be heard. Community involvement beginning within their schools and local organizations encourages a habit of activism. Demanding our representatives create youth forums that are respected, and establish communication links (as well as polls) that are highly visible and accessible through social media and the school system are simple ways we can reach out to our youth and let them know we need them and that their involvement is important to us.
There is a provincial election coming up. Let it not be another lost opportunity to communicate to young people, and not just those of voting age. Elected officials are supposed to represent all their constituents - all ages, genders, races, sexual preferences, and economic classes. If they can't or don't choose to fulfill the most basic mandate of a democratic government, they should step aside. Parents, student groups, teachers, and community leaders should encourage young people to get involved in any way possible and to speak out - using social media, attending public forums and asking questions, writing letters, helping candidates, and getting involved in Student Vote (http://www.studentvote.ca/fed07/index.php).
Let the revolution begin.
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