Throughout Thousand Oaks, and the majority of televised or covered protests, it is apparent that community conventions and volunteer meetings are primarily attended by older generations. There has been a cultural normalization in younger audiences not only speaking up about topical issues, but actively showing up to voice their stance. As we, Newbury Park High School [NPHS] students, grow up to be the future leaders and citizens of America, we must get involved with our communities. As musician and activist Kurt Cobain famously said, “The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.”
Youth activism is not new. Throughout American history, young voices have echoed cries for change in society. At the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s, college students fought to overturn bans on free speech and later used this to protest the Vietnam War. Youth voices are essential to bolstering movements for change. With younger voices speaking out, there is an opportunity for each generation involved to learn and grow as a collective.
Today, many of Thousand Oaks’ protests, most notably those organized by socialist activist group Indivisible Conejo, have a primarily adult demographic, and many of those who march at the corner of Hillcrest and Lynn are the same people who once marched against the Vietnam War in the 1960s. While the activists of the past still populate the majority of those involved in local activism today, it is imperative that teenagers get involved in causes that they believe in to carry on the tradition of those who came and fought before them.
Today, teenagers have every opportunity to be educated about political and social issues, as an endless source of perspectives and information awaits at their fingertips in their smartphones. Connection and organization for protests and volunteer groups are incredibly accessible through social networks. However, social media alone is not a sufficient form of activism. While it may be beneficial to share your beliefs through social media, it is key to become an active member of the community by engaging with others who believe in what you do outside of the digital world. Transitioning from online to tangible change can lead to greater impact on one’s community and allows students to better support the causes they care about.
Involvement in supportive programs can provide young people with opportunities to engage in more than just volunteering and activism. They are able to develop a sense of responsibility and work collaboratively by participating in constructive activities with other young people. As this continues, it produces thoughtful and competent individuals who will contribute positively to the development of their communities.
Not only does volunteer work benefit the community, but it also teaches work ethic, leadership skills and empathy that will aid teenagers to grow into kind, productive members of society. There are numerous local volunteer opportunities that teenagers can take part in, depending on what cause is most important to them. For example, students can help families affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement with VCDefensa or work with rescue animals at Paw Works in the Oaks Mall.
Being able to see young people going out into their communities and showing that they care about the issues that are going on, not only in the country but also locally, gives the older generations a sense of relief to know that there are people who care.
There are so many opportunities given to students across the NPHS campus. Contemporary World Issues Honors is a new class implemented into the social science program. Taught by Cynthia Wade, students talk about current world issues and breaking news, gaining multiple perspectives and new opinions. Classes like these offer students an opportunity to educate themselves on topical events, supporting activism and communication throughout the Newbury Park community.
Overall, the Panther Prowler staff encourages fellow NPHS students to stand up for what they believe in and get involved in their community through volunteer work and activism, to help our community grow as we welcome the next generation. As a famous social justice song says, “The people united will never be defeated.”