Activism is the use of strong, potent actions that bring change and unite society, whether it be politically, economically, socially, or environmentally. While this performance in people is seen in a multitude of ages, cultures, and locations around the world, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the younger voices of this generation.
The voting age in the United States is currently 18 years of age. Before 1971 it had been 21, but was changed by the 26th Amendment. Arguments over the legal voting age have been an ongoing debate for a generous amount of time but there’s always been a common loophole for teens eager to speak their minds on their future.
“Younger people are gonna want a better future for themselves and should have a say in their future,” shares Allison Zayago, a student at Wilsonville. Not being 18 may put a stop to voting, but not her voice, as can be said for many other students.
On February 3rd, 2025, around the country, a vast majority of Hispanic students decided to stay home and not attend school as a form of assertion due to new political controversies.
To some, this may have been seen as “just a bunch of students who didn’t go to school,” expresses Ulysseses Guzman, but for some like Tianna Diaz, a sophomore at Wilsonville, it was more:
“A lot of the time society makes it feel like you have to do something because of what they say so knowing that you finally have the freedom of your word even if it didn’t make an impact to other people it at least did within the person themselves and they know they tried,” she insists.
Although some people believe that the only thing eligible to induce real change is a ballot, it’s seen and believed that sometimes that can be proven wrong. Kurt Van Deren, a previous lawyer and current teacher at Wilsonville shares, “Thousands of young people who are passionate about something I think can make a difference.”
With a world full of young people with strong beliefs, opinions, and voices unable to vote, they should still stand and be able to make a difference. Van Deren goes on, “Numbers are important; politicians see numbers.” Back on February 3rd at Wilsonville, this action from Hispanic students took a big toll considering an estimated 200 students didn’t attend. Not only did this take place in Wilsonville but schools around the country.
According to the Los Angeles Times, “Throughout Los Angeles Unified, attendance was 66% Monday compared with 93% for the year as a whole — and 91% last week, according to district data,” which is nearly 50% a significant amount. With these numbers from students change can be in reach with whatever protest it may be.
Today in America, political changes have been made that put a restraint on not only young voices unable to vote but all voices in the United States. Trump administration has put tape over citizens’ mouths by the freedom of the right to publish being eroded which causes controversy for media in the United States and younger voices unable to vote as well since media was once a powerful tool to spread awareness and protest efficiently and effectively. More can be read on this in the WBN editorial: Let freedom ring.
Due to the complex circumstances, all that can be done is stand in the face of resistance and show the power within young voices. “I would encourage students to not be afraid,” states Van Deren, a strong believer in advocation in one’s beliefs.
If you think your voice wont make an actual change, Ulysses Guzman explains that “it matters because everyone has opinions and the more opinions you get the better solution you can find” for our future.