Advocates for Change: Inside the perspective of youth social activism.

      My name is Jordan Williams-Crenshaw. I am a third year Political Science student with a specialization in Public Policy. Since winter break, I’ve been associated with Young Democratic Socialists of America, a political organization specializing in youth social activism.

      In general, the YDSA is all about establishing a more equal society. Many levels of systemic oppression have existed in this country since its founding. Combating these inequalities are crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient society. America is the wealthiest country on Earth, but the wealth is held by an extremely small percentage of the population (the notorious 1%). All of the inequalities that currently exist are part of an existing power structure that has been established over centuries.

      Democratic Socialism is a form of government that helps redistribute the immense wealth exploited by Capitalists to the general population. While there are no specific policies that make someone a Democratic-Socialist, some standard policies include Student Loan Forgiveness , Universal Healthcare and Universal Basic Income (UBI)

      But, it is all the more important to understand that the facilitation of these changes begins in our own backyard. You do not have to be holding a sign up at a rally to be facilitating change. Being able to recognize injustice and being knowledgeable enough to know the path to achieve your goal is enough. Education is the most important thing in the world. In our digital age, it is easier than ever to learn.

      Eastern University currently has a murky “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding LGBT staff. Not only is this policy absurd and inefficient, it is completely immoral. LGBT staff and faculty are part of the community, they are what make Eastern the place it is. It is disgusting that parts of their identity are not allowed to be expressed.

      YDSA is asking for Eastern to change this policy, as well as make a statement in solidarity of all identities represented by the Eastern University Community.

      The message I really want people to understand is that you do not have to be LGBT to care about LGBT issues. The same systems that have oppressed my people continue to hurt and displace the most vulnerable among us. This is not a partisan issue. Both of the political parties have failed the American working class. In this trying political age, we cannot afford to be ignorant of the systems that govern every aspect of our lives. Not picking a side is picking a side.