When it comes down to it, there is a straightforward truth. We, The Spectrum Staff, know you donít want to hear us say it; we know you have heard it twenty times before but have a political awareness, and if you are 18, just vote. Within our country, every person needs to have some altruistic values. You have to care about other people to make society better, which in turn helps you. If you do not vote and do not civically participate, you kill our democracy.
We as a staff have observed that people do not think that it matters, so we have come up with a list of ten topics that are directly affected by politics, both national and local, that matter to us. We hope that something in the following list compels you to be civically active:
1. Global Health
The spread of infectious diseases and outbreaks across the world is solvable and preventable. More action needs to be taken all around the world. Even simple things such as simple as washing your hands and getting vaccinated contribute to reducing the spread of global disease.
2. Affordable Housing
The fact that we are not able to provide all Minneapolis residents with proper housing is a disgrace and needs to change. Minneapolis currently plans to provide all residents with housing by 2040, but it is our duty to ensure that this goal is reached and is not pushed off like similarly ambitious goals frequently are.
3. Health Access
Public health is especially significant to young women because it directly impacts their access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and mental health services. Policies related to public health shape their abilities to receive preventive care, contraception, and maternal health support, which are essential for their well-being. Moreover, a young woman is often at the forefront of advocating for health equity, recognizing that systemic barriers disproportionately affect women, particularly women of color, in accessing quality healthcare.
4. Homelessness
There should be more funding for easier access to food and necessities for the homeless. Shelters right now are unsafe and unwelcoming. Not only will fixing the issue provide better conditions for the homeless, but it will also make the streets safer.
5. Immigration
There shouldnít be bans on countries whose citizens cannot immigrate to America. People from one country looking to immigrate to America should experience the same fairness as someone from another country.
6. Economic Policy
Families and businesses consistently react to the Federal Bank. The Fedís choices are reflected everywhere: mortgage rates, interest rates, inflation, etc. Learning the game of the economy not only hones critical thinking skills but also prepares students for their adult life.
7. Tokenization during Global Conflicts
With the events happening in the Middle East, students are often tokenized as the single voice others will trust based on their identity. Donít force others to answer for situations that they have no control over, especially in situations where the conflict isnít binary.
8. College Affordability
College prices continue to rise, leading to difficult decisions for many families and missed opportunities for many students. This is one of the most prevalent issues for young people because it is a change that will affect us most immediately. Caring about this issue now by doing research and providing information will lead to fewer student loans in the future and more opportunities for everyone.
9. Reproductive Rights
The legality of abortions will not change the fact that women will continue to attempt safe and unsafe abortions. There are millions of unplanned pregnancies each year; women should have the right to make decisions over their own bodies and decide whether or not they would like to keep the baby. You can talk to everyone and explain your opinions, vote for candidates who support abortion rights when you are of age, and donate to organizations that help people have safer abortions.
10. Gun violence
Gun violence affects many people and their communities in our day-to-day lives. As students, we should not have to worry about our lives being taken away in a split second every waking moment. Prevention laws are solutions to strive for in order to prevent people from harming themselves and the people around them.
