Pupils eager to instigate real-world change dismiss the necessity of traditional civics education.
YOUNG OAKLANDERS EMERGE AS POLITICAL POWERHOUSES
Hey there, here's the lowdown on a group of passionate, ambitious, and change-driven 14-year-olds causing a ruckus in Oakland, California. These kids are part of the student-led Oakland Youth Vote movement, fighting tooth and nail to lower the voting age for school board elections to 16.
Leading the charge is Vida Mendoza, a freshman at Life Academy, who's not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. She's aspiring to cast her vote in two years, and for good reason - over 85% of students in the Oakland Unified School District are people of color, yet many feel unheard and underrepresented.
"Who's really running the show here?" Mendoza poses, "Are we, the students of color, getting the representation we deserve, and decisions that support our learning?"
In recent years, students have taken the helm, leading marches for climate action, gun control, and racial justice. Now they're demanding a seat at the table in school policy decisions that shape their educations. And they're not holding back.
Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland's city council president, introduced the measure that would enfranchise 16- and 17-year-olds in school board elections. Kaplan sees this as more than just a way for young people to have a say in the school board decisions that matter to them; it's a strategy to empower and engage the next generation in civic life for the long haul.
It's a refreshing change from the norm, says Andrew Brennen, a National Geographic education fellow working with youth-led movements. He admits there's a long way to go for meaningful change across the country, as young people are often systematically marginalized in school governance systems.
Mendoza's involvement in civic participation began in middle school when she signed up for the All City Council Student Union, a student-led group that gives students a voice in school district decision-making. Through this platform, she's been rallying fellow students, exposing disparities in school resources, and making an impact.
The Oakland Youth Vote initiative, listed as Measure QQ on the November ballot, is one of their latest endeavors. They've partnered with community organizations and the Oakland Youth Advisory Commission, a group convened by the city to consult on policy issues. If passed, it could change the game for thousands of young Oaklanders.
The path to this point began with the Oakland teachers' strikes in 2019. Students marched in solidarity, but felt let down when the school board cut funding for several of their demands - for restorative justice programs and foster care case managers - during contract renegotiations with the teachers' union.
Christian Castillo, a senior at Coliseum College Prep Academy and member of the All City Council, wasn't "politically savvy" before joining. Now he's lobbying friends to vote for Oakland Youth Vote, arguing that it benefits the entire community.
While the All City Council gives Oakland students more weight in local education policy than students in many cities, young people say it's not enough. In districts and states that include student board representatives, students rarely have voting power.
In Boston, 16-year-old student board representatives are elected by their peers, a model that Oakland students like Mendoza would love to emulate. Her older sister, Gema Quetzal, served on the California Board of Education a few years ago and appreciated the opportunity to hold adult education decision-makers accountable for the state's students.
Other cities and school districts are also rushing to give students more of a say in education policy. Chicago Public Schools has created "student voice committees," where students research, organize, and find solutions to issues in their schools. The committees help students understand the reasons for protests and learn how to organize effectively.
Civics education is becoming increasingly important, as voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds remains stubbornly low. Even in districts where students serve on school boards, they often lack the power to truly enact change.
But with passionate students like Mendoza at the helm, change is on the horizon. Let's stay tuned to see how this story unfolds. Remember, stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly - stay hungry for change! 🔥🚀🌈🌱🔔🎓
- The Oakland Youth Vote movement, led by Vida Mendoza, is advocating for a change in education policy, specifically lowering the voting age for school board elections, to ensure that student voices, particularly those of students of color, are adequately represented in decisions that affect their education and self-development.
- In the pursuit of innovation in the education system, it's crucial to address existing inequalities, such as underrepresentation of students in school policy decisions, as these disparities hinder learning and limit the potential for quality education for all students.
- The Oakland Youth Vote initiative, alongside other student-led movements across the country, signifies a shift in education policy, aiming to empower and engage young people, not only in civic life but also in shaping education policies that foster a supportive, inclusive, and fair learning environment.
