Ways to stay politically active in college

Given the current political climate, it can be easy to think that there is nothing you, a college student, can do. I currently felt that sense of hopelessness following the election as I assumed it was all out of my hands. As the weeks progressed, however, I had accumulated a bunch of different strategies for staying politically active. Here are some of my personal favorite ways of staying on top of my political game.

Staying informed is key to staying politically active and directly relates to all the other suggestions I have. Though it can become tiresome, I urge everyone to read up on the news at least a few times per week. While I know it is easy to just scroll through Facebook or Twitter, it can be difficult to tell sometimes what news is factual and current.

My favorite way to stay informed is newspapers, both physical and digital. Thankfully, Muhlenberg provides free options for both. Muhlenberg students have online access to the New York Times for free with our emails; plus, the NYT app is super easy to use. Recently, copies of the Morning Call became available in Seegers, and it is not a hassle to pick one up to read during a meal or before class. When reading the news, I suggest reading multiple reliable papers to account for biases.

Another way to stay informed is to talk to professors, clubs, and other students. Political science professors really helped me make sense of current events in an academic but easy to understand way, and students who are directly affected by current events can provide you with new insight and perspectives. Also, clubs like the College Democrats, the College Republicans, Feminist Collective, and more can provide resources and information to those interested.

Once you are informed, you can decide on what steps you want to take. Marches have been highly publicized recently. Look out for local marches/protests in Allentown or on campus, like the one on campus last week. If marching is not accessible for you, do not worry because there are a lot of other options. My personal favorite is calling and writing my representatives. If you don’t know who your representatives are, check out usa.gov/elected-officials. In my opinion, calls are the best option because they are

often quickly reviewed by staffers and it only takes a few minutes to make them. Calling scripts are available online if you, like me, become tongue-tied; I highly recommend callthemin.com and 5calls. org. Writing emails through representatives’ contact pages are another choice if calling is not an option or if the issue is not time-sensitive. Calling and writing are extremely important and actually do affect the way elected officials vote. Every call, email, and letter is counted, so make your voice heard!

I know the last election just ended, but more elections are not that far away! Local elections are happening across the country this year, like in my own hometown. Also, the 2018 elections are less than two years away; in this election, all of the House, one-third of the Senate, 39 governors, and many local officials will be up for election. It is never too early to join election/re-election campaigns, and to start canvasing for the candidates you support. Actual door-to-door actions can be inaccessible to us as college students, but there are other ways to help. Simply spreading the word about elections to family, friends, coworkers, and more can help get more people to the polls.

Remember, you are not powerless. Stay informed, speak up, and get out to vote!