DURHAM: I can’t believe week two is almost over! Brian and I had a really productive week. We spoke at the Chapel Hill/Carrboro NAACP meeting last weekend, met with a group from Carol Woods Community Retirement on Tuesday, gave a presentation on voter-owned elections to the Chatham County Democratic Women on Wednesday, had our first radio-interview at a local radio station today, and attended a training on how to write op-eds and letters to the editor… it was definitely a busy time! One of the things we’ve really been working on is recruiting people to come to our Lobby Day on Wednesday, June 17 in Raleigh. We’re going to be meeting with several of our state legislators to talk about the bills we’re sponsoring in the legislature. Although I’m a little intimidated about meeting politicians, I’m really excited about doing this. I’ll get to meet a lot of the people we’ve been inviting, and we’ll also be reunited with the rest of the Democracy Summer interns! We had a great time at our training before our internship started, so I’m glad we get to hang out.
One of the things that struck me this week is the generational divide among civically active people in our community. Most of the folks Brian and I talked to this week are older people. It’s great to see them be so involved; they’re truly an inspiration. Then there are the young people (like us!) that for one reason or another think it’s really important to be politically active … everyone we talk to tells us that it is such a joy to see young people care so much and get involved. So we’ve got the younger and the older side of the spectrum, but what seems to be missing here is the involvement of people half-way along the road. Where are all the 30-45 year olds? Hear me out, this is not a complaint, I just find it interesting that that age group seems to be removed from a lot of the political process… yet their lives are deeply affected by everything that’s happening! I guess it makes me wonder if the same thing will happen to me when I’m not as energetic and idealistic anymore. So listen, if you’re a twenty-some year old and you’re passionate about something, don’t let it fade away!! Join an organization, volunteer, subscribe to email lists, call your legislators, attend conferences… please don’t just disappear when you turn 30! Let’s not make working towards change something that people do only when they’re in college or when they’re living a sweet retired life. Our work has to be continuous and sustainable for it to continue to make an impact!
Sorry if it sounds like I’m bouncing off the walls a little. I’ve had way too much coffee today! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
-Cristina
Leave A Comment