By Kate Spaulding, Project 9
Project 9 is a youth-led, nonpartisan movement that connects young people with opportunities to engage with their state and local governments. Project 9, a partner organization of the National Women’s Political Caucus, is the first organization of its kind, and it is completely transforming how young people engage with politics.
Young people and our opinions are integral to today’s political environment. We are the future, and the earlier we get involved and make our voices heard, the more quickly we will be able to lay the foundations for our ideal world. 2020 has made way for a pandemic, a critical, life-changing election, as well as the intersection and resurfacing of various political ideologies. Countless young people have been inspired to speak up and stand up for justice.
Without further ado, here is an introduction to what many members of Gen Z are hoping for and fighting for going into 2021.
Those who have spoken up against the current administration have posited that our situation is horrendous. The president is extremely unqualified, and this has caused young people to quickly gain political awareness and educate themselves on current events. Even though many of us can’t vote, we’re looking for and supporting change in any other way we can. Though this generation has a variety of beliefs and passions, one thing is clear: we are all here for change.
In terms of the economy, we’re looking to diversify and strengthen our sources of income. Many members of Gen Z would like to have an economy they can trust, whereas for others, the priority lies in addressing the urgency of the climate crisis, even if it puts the economy at risk. It is important to many of us that our leaders see the value in helping individuals succeed rather than risking their success to achieve economic gain.
Though disappointment was already shared by many before the pandemic, the handling of COVID-19 brought underlying issues within our current administration to the surface. As we watched other high-income countries like Australia handle the outbreak with grace and expertise, we’ve stayed in lockdown for months as the US president continues to serve as the coronavirus expert, disregarding the recommendations of countless doctors. Fortunately, now that the vaccine has been administered to millions of people, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, many of us would love for an adequate vaccine distribution strategy to be made clear as soon as possible and for the virus to stop being politicized. Instead, politicians and scientists need to come together to make a plan that will effectively stop the spread.
Another issue many young people have voiced our passion on is the proposal of Medicare for All and access to any type of health insurance made easier. Something no one should have to struggle with is paying for necessary healthcare, and today, we’re able to see how systems like Medicare function in other countries.
An especially pervasive issue that young people are anxious to see more urgently addressed is the climate crisis. Many members of Gen Z have made it clear that dealing with the climate crisis is crucial to investing in our generation’s future. We are one of the first generations that will live to see the widespread detrimental effects that global warming and climate change will have on our way of life and the lives of countless other species. Young people are increasingly upset with politicians who refuse to publicly address the severity of this crisis. Progressive and meaningful climate legislation is necessary, and needs to be taken seriously. Our generation has many ideas for the change we would like to see; among those are laws protecting biodiversity and a plastic bag tax.
Gen Z has been able to witness an incredible amount of social change within the two decades, and is very focused on the power of the individual. Many young people have voiced their opinions on how our leaders should focus on uplifiting individuals rather than making the country richer at their expense. From increasing minimum wage to transitioning towards a Marxist system of government, Gen Z has agreed that individuals need more power. Many are upset with the inequalities exacerbated by capitalism, and inspired by social movements that have reached millions. We urge Biden to nominate working people to positions of power, not corporate party insiders that spur corruption and shoot down progressive policies.
Furthermore, the administration needs to acknowledge the disadvantages faced by minorities and politicians must affirm that everyone is equally deserving of their human rights. Human rights should not be a political issue.
A specific topic of conversation often overlooked is chronic homelessness. Over the years, flaws in how our politicians have dealt with and disregarded the issue have been exposed countless times.
Young people are tired of hearing stories of police brutality one after another on the news. It is evident that something must be done. This year especially has been a time for many of us to dive into learning about the dark history of the police in the United States. Whether it is to reform, to abolish, or to defund, young people are passionate about sharing the need for solutions to this longstanding problem. Gen Z is more than ready to see this issue dealt with and addressed professionally, and put to rest. We would like to trust those who are meant to protect us, and not to live in fear of being assaulted or killed by officials of our own country. It is time for a change.
Gen Z passionately insists that education is a human right and a college education should not cause people to struggle financially, especially when it is seen as necessary to become successful by the rest of society. Education is the basis of everything and the foundation of society, and no one should be deprived of that opportunity. Moreover, education should more adequately prepare young people for the world, teaching them philosophy, art, personal finance, and politics – these things are essential to preparing our youth for being citizens of the world.
With the election of Joe Biden, young people are even more hopeful that such changes will take place. Hopefully, his experience will lead us down our path of change and he will fulfill his promises. Some are excited and some willing to overlook his past mistakes, while some are still disappointed and will not lower expectations just because the radical change desired will not come as quickly.
Our generation boasts a diversity in beliefs and ideologies, and during this time of change, some are more hopeful than others. We want a variety of different things and know that our voices our powerful in making this happen. At a time when many celebrate diversity and amplifying the voices of those who have not been heard enough, our power is immeasurable. Though we will always ask different things of our administration, we are all incredibly passionate about our future and together we strive for change.