In light of HCDU’s theme, “Powerful Protestors,” there are many inspirational people I could discuss. In relation to recent events, I could talk about women such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg. Or, looking at our nation’s nuanced history, I could think back to Rosa Parks and Rachel Carson. But instead of focusing on these amazing women, I want to focus on the powerful protestors in each and every one of us and the movements that inspire us to create powerful change. Right now, there are several movements around the United States dedicated to giving people the power—but I’m going to focus on one called the Sunrise Movement.
The Sunrise Movement is dedicated to organizing the youth of America and capitalizing on our political power to elect leaders who will work hard to build a brighter future. By uniting those with a shared vision, the movement is hopeful that we can change the world as “sure as the sun rises each morning.” The Sunrise Movement is important to me as a young American for one simple reason—I’m scared. I’m scared of what the future holds and about the condition of the Earth our parents’ generation has left us to deal with. It’s a topic not everyone agrees upon and because of this, we may fail to act quickly enough. But movements like Sunrise are asking us: shouldn’t we fight to change the things that scare us?
No matter one’s professional goals or career fields, today’s climate crisis affects us all. With rising sea levels, islands of plastic, and climate variability, our beloved environment is responding quickly to our careless attitudes. Our future is uncertain. However, there is still a simple truth. When those in power are dedicated to making change, change happens. We may feel too small or incapable of making great change but once we unite together, nothing is impossible. As a collective, we should try to look forward to a better and safer future for all. That is what the Sunrise Movement is about.
At the end of this month, the Sunrise Movement is hosting 2020 Launch Parties around the nation in an effort to spread the message and win the Green New Deal. But that’s just one way you can take action. Whether it be voting in the 2020 elections, protesting for the Green New Deal, or training to become part of the movement, Sunrise is redefining the way we think of change. The movement itself started as a way to inspire power in youth and in numbers. By staying connected and taking initiative, we can create a better future for our shared home.
For one of my classes, I was reading an article about the Standing Sioux and Dakota Access Pipeline. The author of the article described the protests and how she traveled overnight to reach one because she felt that it was a simple act of humanity. The author reminded me how easy it is to make a difference through something as simple as providing support. Just because something doesn’t impact us directly doesn’t mean it’s not important.
We can be among the powerful protestors we look up to today. All we have to do is get involved and fight for what matters.