As young adults, we have many chances to engage in the world, but often times we do not see the importance of civic engagement. Participating in political campaigns, gaining knowledge of the political atmosphere in the United States and the rest of the world are the easiest ways to participate. But it is our social responsibility to VOTE. In voting we can truly be engaged in our society, because in voting we have let our voices be heard. Whether you vote for President Barack Obama or Governor Mitt Romney, it is important that you vote, and that you encourage other people who are able to vote to do so as well.
Some young adults lose sight of the social responsibility aspect of civic engagement, and often see two old men fighting one another on issues that we don’t believe affect us, and choose not to vote. But young adults like this, are wrong. Every issue being discussed this year will affect you or someone you love. Whether you support the republicans or the democrats, your voice, and our generation’s voice will not be heard unless we become engaged in the affairs of those who lead us, and we submit a ballot on November 6. To be socially responsible, is to take an active stance on changing what you believe must be changed, and the easiest way for someone who is too young to be a member of the government, is to vote.
Let your voice be heard. Do not sit back and wait for others to make the changes you believe in. When January rolls around and a president that you do not support is sworn into office, and you didn’t vote, then it is not your place to complain because you chose to ignore your responsibility. If you did vote, and your party of choice is not the majority, do not lose sight of the bigger picture and become disenchanted. Get out into the community and become as civically engaged as you can. Intern for a grassroots association, your party’s local offices, or elected officials who believe in the same thing you do. Participate in city and parish voting opportunities, and engage others in the process.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the
American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
–Franklin D. Roosevelt
The biggest lesson that civic engagement and social responsibility can offer you is the standard of stewardship, and how it can benefit a person or organization. Politicians practice stewardship every day, whether it is to send a press release to a newspaper, a statement to their constituents, or an email reminding you to vote for them, they have maintained and supported their relationship with their ‘client’, you. In practicing public relations, we must remember to maintain relationships with our clients, because the relationship will determined whether or not they’ll hire you again, just as it will help a politician maintain their supporters.
In this lesson, I have learned that the best way to support My SmokingWords LSU is to keep Dr. Sylvester and her student committee updated on what Magnolia House PR is doing to increase their audience on campus. We will continue to give her weekly updates, and take note of issues that she might have. More importantly, when an opportunity to encourage the Louisiana government arises to take a stand against tobacco on campus, I will believe that it is my social responsibility to contact these representatives about the issue, and let my voice be hear, LSU must be a tobacco-free campus.
Check back for progress on our mini-campaign! Please visit my LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (@RemyDanielle)!