8 Myths About Young People and Civic Action

“Voting doesn’t matter.” Nope! “I have to be 18 to influence government.” Wrong!

There are lots of misconceptions about young people and civic actions. Below, we bust eight common myths and give you and your friends resources to be so loud you can’t be ignored. Let’s Do This!

Myth #1. “Civic action” just means voting.

Nope! Voting is just one example of a civic action. Other examples include challenging rules and policies in your school, your neighborhood, or your government. It could mean calling your reps, attending a town hall, or marching in a protest. It could be advocating for change with your teacher, your principal or your city council. In other words, lots of stuff counts. “Civic action” is all about influencing decision-makers and pushing to improve policies, practices, and systems that affect our world.

Myth #2. Voting doesn't matter.

Wrong! Your vote definitely does matter. There are tons of elections that have been decided by only a few votes. For example, a state election last year was tied, so the winner was selected by drawing names out of a hat. Literally. In a 2014 election in Louisiana, one race was decided by just 1%. Who pushed the winner over the top? Young people, who supported that candidate more than any other group.

There will be close races all over the country, and at least 10 states have senate or gubernatorial (governor) “where youth are poised to have a disproportionately high electoral impact in 2018.” (You can also check out the top 50 races where young people are most likely to swing the election.)

One vote matters. Your vote matters. And together, our votes have the collective power to decide the future of the country we want to see.

Myth #3. There isn't another election until 2020.

Nope! The 2018 midterms are held on November 6, 2018, and there are hundreds of local elections in each state. Use this resource from Rock the Vote to find the dates of your elections.

Myth #4. Voting and protesting are the only ways to make your voice heard.

Wrong! You can get in involved in a ton of ways: sign up for a DoSomething campaign, volunteer, attend marches, donate to causes, or call your elected officials. You can use the 5 Calls app to make five calls to lawmakers in just five minutes. The app even provides scripts you can read directly!

Myth #5. You have to be 18+ and a citizen to call your congressperson.

False! The US Constitution ensures equal representation for ALL individuals living in the US, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or immigration status. Non-citizens and people under 18 have the right to have their voices heard by their representatives in Congress, even if they lack the right to vote in elections.

When you get in touch with your rep, you may be asked for your zip code so they know you live in the area and are a constituent (someone that they represent). Remember that providing this information is strictly voluntary. NO ONE is required to provide any additional information, such as address, social security number, or immigration status.

Myth #6. Calling your elected officials doesn't make a difference.

Nope! Elected officials are responsible for representing their constituents (people who live in their districts)...in other words, you! Calling your elected official’s office is quick and impactful way to make your voice heard. The number of calls and voicemails constituents make is tallied and given to elected officials regularly. Staffers at all levels of government agree: the more calls, the more likely your rep is to make their stance known. Time to be so loud you can’t be ignored.

Myth #7. Policy doesn't affect me.

Policies affect everyone, no matter the level of government. Your elected officials will decide laws that make an impact on everything, ranging from education to gun safety to economics to immigration to climate change. These policies affect you, your family, and your community, and contacting your elected officials will influence the policies they make.

Myth #8. If I'm not an expert, I shouldn't speak up.

False! No one starts out as an expert, and we all have to learn and continue to learn about new issues to make progress. EVERYONE is an expert on their own life! Only you can speak to the way that issues affect your life, and it’s your representatives’ responsibility to listen to your unique experience and opinion.

DoSomething.org is the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change. Our digital platform is activating 6 million young people (and counting!) to create offline impact in every US area code and in 131 countries.