Advocacy in the Midst of Adversity: How Can Gen Z Join the Cause?
By Cocoa the Journalist
Becoming situated in the role that I am working towards, as a woman of color, is motivating. But accepting the challenges head on, while trying to move forward, I am reminded that the world only sees me as a Gen Z, Black, studious, and versatile woman. A degree can’t confirm my expertise. A smile doesn’t ensure I am approachable. And my articles aren’t “trending” enough to consider this as an introduction. However, I’m more than willing to share how my drive for social and political change starts with a paper. With this approach, it’s easier to hold it in your hands than my own.
My call to action for Generation Z is to exercise communication. This foundation can help spread awareness of our efforts and encourage empathy towards those who are being stifled or oppressed. This can also better catch the attention of non-profit organizations, campaigns, and other resources that can get us closer to progress. It can’t end at the polls. Nor can it start with silence.
Protests are one way people have spread awareness on topics like racial injustice, inflation, and women’s rights. There are ways to approach change peacefully, and ways to approach social change with urgency. Both attitudes can affect the avenue that change will occur on.
So, how is Gen Z going to play a role in continuing to fight for what’s right?
I had the pleasure of initiating this discussion through interviews with other Gen Zers on how they view the world. I engaged with a diverse group of students to have open ended conversations about politics, race, and how our society can progress as a whole.
The participants have considered how evident social and political change is within their history, each sharing their experience with the areas mentioned above. They’ll continue to grow into who they are led to become, both for themselves and the future ahead of us. As you read this article, you’re free to learn more about the participants below:
KP: My name is Kyra Paupaw, and I am a third-year biochemistry major with a minor in material science and engineering studying at the illustrious Hampton University. I’m from Spring Valley, New York.
KPO: My name is Kimberly Palma Once, and I am excited to know that I’ll be featured in this article! I am 20 years old, Ecuadorian and Guatemalan, and I would love to become a veterinarian as I continue to grow into my adulthood. It’s been a journey learning myself, but I’m glad to see how this path has shown me how to become the person that I am today.
TY: My name is Tatyana, also known as YANAtheartist. I’m 24 years old, and I’m a singer and a philanthropist. In addition to making my way in the music industry, I’ve incorporated activism into my platform. I’m a leader and a proud Haitian American woman, and I thrive on creativity. I advocate for minorities, LGBTQIA+ and indigenous groups, while continuing my career as an artist who raises awareness through my voice and art.
J: Hi, my name is Jamal. I am Nigerian and a Christian, and I continue to embrace my relationship with God. I am also a first generation student. Throughout my education, I excelled past 5th grade and 6th grade and was able to graduate high school at 15 with a 3.5 GPA.
During these interviews, I kept politics relevant to learn more about their thoughts on their lives being a factor when it comes to the next U.S. President. It’s important to be aware of how you can contribute to your own life. These responses will highlight how this is possible, and what can be done to advocate for yourself and others.
Before we begin, I’d like to preface that change is determined by progress. Being included in this generation means addressing myself as the factor of our growth. It’s not up to us to confirm change, but it’s up to everyone else to acknowledge it. Not only is Generation Z capable, but so are you. As you consider this article, I challenge you to maintain an open perspective towards this matter, and to consider the state of your life in relation to how our world will unfold, with or without your involvement. We hope you continue to utilize these resources, as well as respect our intentions that have been shared through us. We’re only learning after all, but so can you. Thank you.
The Deep Dive that Fuels Advocacy: Ancestral Knowledge
Q: How do you view your generation, both ethnically and historically?
J: As a generation, we’ve [Black and African Gen Zers] found ways to make ourselves known. As a group of people who are oppressed, we are unified in oppression.
Q: What do you think should be done about the gap between social/political change and conflict?
TY: I think social media works as a hive mind. Someone in the collective [who may] go against the grain [can] immediately escalate to things being taken out of context. It’s not about doing what's right anymore, to others it's about doing what's popular.
J: One thing we have noticed is how things are handled, the difference between desire and action. Going to the right people with your issues will make things more productive.
KP: Despite the challenges, I believe that slowly but surely, we can make progress. Our diversity and connectivity gives us the tools to push for a better future, even if it’s one step at a time. We may not achieve all of our lofty goals, but every small victory brings us closer to a more equitable and just society.
Every demographic has made an impact on our world. Knowing your history is essential not only for personal growth, but to understand the lengths that were reached in order to learn from the communities you represent. So, where should you start?
Although Ancestry.com can be primitive, you can also start with researching your background through accessible resources. Primary resources such as textbooks or autobiographies can help you gain knowledge on the history of your ethnic group and how that plays into today’s culture.
Being aware of your position in history can contribute to who you become in the future. Having that knowledge is the forefront to relearning yourself. In order to continue your legacy, you need to include your community in ensuring they are heard and well informed with the right resources.
Your involvement with history can be difficult. Certain sources and how they are presented can affect how you retain that information. For example, disturbing graphics or vulgar awareness threads being the center of your advocacy can be dangerous for the people involved, including yourself. If this is something that is unfamiliar to you, context would go a long way in understanding your impact. Introducing calls to action or infographics to others is another way to gain exposure and share insight on what people can do to help the cause you’re supporting.
Being present in times of crisis throughout history can also help you better support those in need. Having the maturity to address concerns and provide solutions is a great step in initiating social and political change. Generation Z has continued to “call out” corporations and other figures who have disrespected the innocent lives of people across our world, including here in America, by refusing to stay silent in times of crisis.
“But this is the American way now. This is called cancel culture.”
Speaking up for what’s right is a golden rule from all forms of combating oppression. Acknowledging when something wrong has occurred in history instead of sweeping it under the rug allows more honest conversation, and that within itself is progress. Having those discussions can be valuable for victims, oppressors, and bystanders who are unsure of how their involvement affects others and themselves, and can inspire better choices going forward.
Allowing yourself to assist other people while also assisting yourself is hard. But being that figure for someone can change how people perceive change itself. Being in touch with our communities can improve how we move forward as a generation.
Passing the Torch: Concluding or Continuing Change?
Q: Do you think Gen Z is capable of change?
KPO: Yes and no. If you still have that Gen Z mindset, I feel like you have nothing going on in your life. You decide what path you wanna go on, if [throwing] parties and percs willingly is the life you wanna take. It all really depends on the mindset of the person if they want to change.
KP: There will always be people who resist positive change, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Each small step towards a better future counts, and it’s up to us to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles.
There are factors of being an advocate that can affect your outcome, both when it comes to social or political change, and how you are viewed or respected as an agent of said change. This can range from publicity tactics, legality, or even intention in terms of communication. Other factors include integrity, security, and confidence in your position when it comes to your involvement with your cause. If you’re going to be an advocate, you have to be prepared to consider the possibility that it may not be easy to execute your call to action, while also standing firm in the fact that you can still communicate productively in the midst of disorder.
Not everyone will share the same light as others. People aren’t easily fooled, and in turn it can convince them not to consider your position or cause. Responses to change such as neglect, confusion, or rivalry can lead to misinterpretations and misrepresentations down the line. Although you can acknowledge the right side of history, others won’t; and many individuals can’t see outside of what has been their response to the resources they’re lacking. Understanding and accepting it comes with the territory.
Emerging adults have struggled with being able to keep up with their own lives. It can be challenging trying to balance your personal responsibilities, make a living for yourself or the ones you care about, and changing the world at the same time. In addition to addressing change, being an advocate is also an opportunity to address yourself.
It’s difficult adjusting into adulthood without the right knowledge on how to handle different situations, especially in a time where you’re not given a choice on your own future. Utilizing accessible resources can aid your personal growth and help you maintain your sanity when advocating for change. The environment you grow up in can affect how you treat yourself and your overall character so seek to adopt positive habits that can guide you to a better mindset. You need to be willing to change yourself to change for the greater good. Having the right mindset will determine the impact you put towards your life.
Strength in Solitude or Solidarity?
Q: How has politics changed your life?
KPO: [There are] a lot [of] different opinions on who to vote for and why…
Q: How are your beliefs affected by politics?
J: It depends on whether people can work together or not. America is a country where America doesn’t know how to be America.
Q: What are your thoughts on businesses and companies playing a role in politics?
TY: I think in the same way that we have a responsibility as individuals, businesses have those too, but as bigger entities.
Haven’t we all been on social media, long enough to know we gotta do something?
It’s hard knowing how to get closer to social and political change. Especially if you are doubtful. It takes time to know what you're fighting for, and even more to know how to act on it. Being a leader is not easy. Not everyone wants to stand out, especially in a time of crisis. Knowing how to approach conflict without resources, resolution, or reason is why the world is what it is.
Having the will to change is a characteristic of a leader. Being intentional with your motives is essential to your call to action. Whether it helps bring a crowd or amplify the cause, the foundation of change starts from within. On the other hand, there are challenges that can affect your outcomes, whether that’s as an individual or as a community.
Playing your role in society means knowing your part in, well, almost everything. For example, childhood involves learning right from wrong. A child is not able to determine that by themselves. Becoming a leader is knowing how to get not only yourself involved, but how you can bring in other people.
The working class would be another example. U.S. citizens would not have been able to argue about their wages, if it weren’t for the events that discussed problems of interest, or other instances where there was an issue with currency or a lack thereof to cover their expenses. Being aware of how you are involved, with or without your consent, can affect the decisions being made around you. The change you are shaping for yourself is enough to include yourself in the outcome. Addressing that within your community, or position, would be an appropriate Step Two.
Adjusting to your role when taking change introduces accountability. Having the will to change takes knowing how to approach your oppressor. Earlier stages of advocacy shows that a lot of movements were misinterpreted, which led to delays in progress. Being able to determine what part of history you’re fighting for takes research. This can open up a new perspective to how you can better continue these movements and gain enough exposure to bring your cause to bigger spaces.
“These initiatives include wide-ranging program areas, such as information sharing standards, technological projects, and current national-level functional programs.”
The decisions made under our candidates, mayors, or other leaders can be up to us. And, government aside, they should be. There are ways to get involved in social and political change that consider not only anonymity, but ensure involvement one click at a time. Including yourself in these discussions, and supporting certified campaigns, non-profit organizations, and other forums can validate your position as a leader. If the process of advocacy continues to be unfamiliar to you, a few online spaces such as media scholarly journals and virtual articles or libraries can assist you in your reasoning and overall knowledge for making change.
Advocacy is the marathon we’re all watching on our screens. Having trustworthy sources to spread awareness is enough to own your accountability. Due to misinterpretation and sometimes misrepresentation in the media, it can be challenging to communicate what you’re fighting for. Avoid being misled by false advertisements or cash grabs by fact checking at all times, whether it’s a media outlet or your favorite brand.
Believe it or not, businesses also play a role in our beliefs. From commercials to radio stations, marketing changes your point of view on a product. Having the platform to address a matter, but doing so with the mindset of a deceiver, can ruin a product or a cause that’s important to people.
Sharing a resource without expecting revenue is not the norm. Promoting change can be seen differently with each business. Allowing insight on this matter can change everything. You can include yourself in these spaces by giving your consumer r feedback and encourage them to infuse philanthropy into more areas of promotion.
Well, where do you wanna start? Social media can only prove so much. Allowing yourself to think outside of this browser can help you see the change you want to scroll through. Initiating discussions, planning your cause, and continuing your impact is easier said than done. However, it's not impossible.
The call to action mentioned in this article can be viewed as more than just a sentence. There just needs to be more people who see it. Social and political change can’t exist if you allow unprecedented stillness. Forming a cause doesn’t take learning how to speak, but redefining your conversations to become a motive for your intended audiences. The longer we mention it, the longer we know about it. The less noise there is about it, the more silence grows. How will you speak up?
Meet the Writer
Cocoa is an aspiring journalist and a student with a passion for mental health. She hopes to publish articles centered around advocacy, Christianity, and mental health awareness through poetry and articles.
