Our action project allowed us to engage with the University of Washington community and to interact with a greater system, the federal government. However, we initially struggled to settle on a project that had an impact on a broad system and was possible to execute within a few weeks. We decided to go back to the basics and expand on a concept we had discussed in class. We were inspired by the idea of paralysis, which Dr. Lertzman described in her piece “The Myth of Apathy”. She explained that paralysis occurs because humans are not rational and thus we often contradict ourselves. Most people do care about what goes on in the world, they just do not know where to start and end up not doing anything. Thanks to some constructive feedback and reflection, we were able to overcome our own indecisiveness and take action.
The object of our action project was simply phone banking. For four days, we set up a table in the quad supplied with cookies and a laptop for citizens to look up their representative in Congress. With upbeat music playing in the background, we asked people if they wanted call their representative in exchange for a cookie. We gave passersby the chance to express their disapproval of Trump’s tax plan or to advocate for true net neutrality. Overall, we were successful in providing a medium for people to voice their opinions. Many told us that they wanted to express their concerns, but did not know how. Several of our callers had never contacted their representative and now have experience. With a new sense of agency, these citizens start the shift in attitude of our generation to political engagement.
When people come together to speak up for what is right, systemic change can occur. The election of Doug Jones demonstrates that grassroots campaigns like ours can be successful. Alabama has a Democrat Senator because of everyday people making phone calls and going door to door. This is proof that everyday people, not political elites, can change the tide of the Anthropocene. Hopefully, this is a signal that people are moving away from partisanship and more towards justice.
Sources:
Burns, Alexander , and Jonathan Martin. “Once a Long Shot, Democrat Doug Jones Wins Alabama Senate Race.” The New York Times, 12 Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/us/politics/alabama-senate-race-winner.html?ribbon-ad-idx=4&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article.
“The Myth of Apathy.” Renee Lertzman, PhD, reneelertzman.com/the-myth-of-apathy/.