Youth

Leadership

and Engagement

Engagement Opportunities and Resources for Lansing’s Youth

Social Media as a Mobilizing Tool for Youth 

Contrary to expectations, digital media has not disrupted traditional pathways to activism but has instead become a crucial aspect of youth mobilization. It both facilitates conventional routes to activism and provides avenues for those who lack other means of engagement. However, you must be skeptical of all political information that you get from the internet and make sure to check its credibility.

Source: Maher, T. V., & Earl, J. (2019). Barrier or Booster? Digital Media, Social Networks, and Youth Micromobilization. Sociological Perspectives, 62(6), 865-883. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731121419867697

Here's how:

Youth Leadership and Engagement Over Time

Youth engagement has been slowly increasing in the last few years in many social movements. A common misconception is that young people can’t participate in politics until they’re 18, which is simply untrue. Today’s youth engage in politics through protests, community service, and student advocacy. Taking a glance at Lansing’s youth involvement, here are a few ways students have participated in local politics. 

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, many student-athletes in Michigan were prohibited from practicing and competing in their high school sports. Some students found it unfair that restaurants were able to reopen to the public while they couldn’t play. This led parents, players, and coaches from the local Lansing area to gather at the Michigan Capitol on January 30th, 2021, to express their concerns. It was estimated that over 800 protesters were in attendance. One advocate shared in his speech, “...if a change is made, it will give me and thousands of kids hope. Hope in our government, hope in our voices being heard, and most importantly, it will prove that we do matter to them.” In response, Governor Whitmer noted that high school sports must remain non-contact until February 21st, 2021.

  • Many Lansing youth participate in extracurricular activities. Whether that be football, band, or tech programs, they are involved with their community. One student-led organization is the Greater Lansing Branch of AYLUS. They aim to better their community through student involvement and active volunteerism. A few of their projects include food drives, local trash clean-ups, and senior care packages. Through these activities, they lessen the issues in their community and support their local government. They also promote leadership skills, youth involvement, and passion projects. To find out more information, visit their Instagram page, @aylus.greaterlansing.mi.

  • An emerging issue in Lansing is gun violence. In a neighboring city, East Lansing, East Lansing High School students held a school walkout to demand more protections within their school. Organizations such as P.R.A.Y. notice these occurrences and provide services to prevent youth from becoming contributors to gun violence. They introduce youth to student advocacy through mentorship programs, church services, rallies, & panel discussions. P.R.A.Y. emphasizes that the only way to change the system is to create a new one, starting with youth civic involvement. Their event, “Stop the Gun Violence” addressed how parents, young adults, and “youngsters” can work with their local mayor, the chief of police, and city council members to protect Lansing from gun violence.

Lansing School Board

There are many opportunities for involvement to impact your education and your school. One way to start is by learning more about the Lansing School Board or attending a local school board meeting.

The Lansing Public Schools were established in 1861. The school board oversees a network of 25 schools that shapes the school district of Lansing, Michigan. At the helm is superintendent Ben Shuldiner. The elected school board includes: Rachel Willis, the person in charge of meeting agendas, Robin Moore, the vice president,  Dr. Nino Rodriguez, the secretary. Dr. Caitlin Cavanagh is responsible for the district's finances as treasurer, while Guillermo Z. Lopez, Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez, and Rosalyn Williams bring different perspectives and backgrounds as trustees. 

If you’re interested in joining one of their school board meetings, they are held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Shirley M. Rodgers Administration Building, where the community is invited to participate in shaping the future of education. Get in touch with the school board at 519 West Kalamazoo Street or give them a call at (517) 755-1010.