Town Hall
They say we are too caught up in hashtags to learn the issues. They say we cannot make decisions for ourselves because our minds are seduced by ostentation, bombarded by image. They say we do not attempt to vote because our worries are directed elsewhere — in who will be the next to die on The Walking Dead, in topics superficial and frivolous, in things that don’t matter. They say our voices are too useless and our opinions are too shallow to make a difference.
They say we do not care.
Regardless of who “they” are — sometimes it is older generations; sometimes it is the cynics of our age cohort — their accusations are manifesting themselves in face-slapping, disheartening, disgraceful reality.
According to Child Trends Data Bank, only 38 percent of voters ages 18 to 24 showed up at the polls in 2012, and that figure is only expected to decline. It should be interesting to see whether the trends continue to spiral downward in yesterday’s general election. Why is our representation at the polls dropping so rapidly? Is it really because we do not care?
I say no.
I hear people speak their minds every day. Granted, there are some who spew irrational and underdeveloped thoughts to anyone who has the misfortune of listening. But others make genuine, informed statements regarding today’s most pressing affairs, from the environment to health care to international relations. It is quite clear that we are passionate about these issues.
Now it is time to show others we care.
As with most big issues, taking action on a smaller scale before shooting for the big leagues is the best way to make a daunting task doable. So before we start bringing about big-picture change, get into the habit of making your voice heard on the campus. The perfect opportunity to achieve that goal? Share your thoughts at the Residence Hall Association’s Town Hall on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in the North Campus Dining Hall.
There, you’ll have a chance to voice your concerns about anything related to campus life — residential facilities, resident life, sustainability, transportation, dining — directly to the directors of those departments. They are there to listen.
Of course, get informed first. Find out what is happening — or not happening — on the campus that you would like to see changed, and consider the perspectives of all parties involved.
It is a simple process, one that can be repeated over and over by confronting issues that are of special importance in your eyes.
You only have one voice, and you do not have forever to share it. This is one of the most powerful tools you have to change your life and the lives of those around you, so speak up. Consider making your way to the Town Hall. Begin to show the world that your voice is more influential than a hashtag, more important than The Walking Dead and more tenacious than any of the accusations that have ever brought you down.
Show them we care.
Samantha Bingaman is a sophomore environmental science and policy major and the Residence Hall Association’s public relations and outreach officer. She can be reached at seb5495@terpmail.umd.edu.
