Why Activism Must Continue Through the Biden Era
by Madison Rose
Civil engagement is a vital aspect of our democracy. And with the Trump era coming to a close, we cannot take for granted the victories we have acquired and we should not ignore the victories which we have yet to accomplish. There is still so much work to be done, for the LGBTQIA+ community, for the Black Lives Matter movement, for gun safety initiatives, for climate change, for feminism, and more. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are not our saving graces for these issues. We need to stay mobilized for the issues we hold dear to our hearts so that politicians do not merely use those issues for the hashtags they need to get themselves elected. We have to add action to their promises. It will not happen without us.
Biden is entering his first term in Washington with his own set of challenges for his more liberal policies. The United States Supreme Court is now majority conservative. The Senate, in its current state, is majority red. This means that even if Biden and Harris do take action to follow through on their campaign promises, there may be roadblocks that prevent positive change from sweeping this country.
In addition, many of Biden’s policies and his track record in Washington show that his initiatives are not as progressive as many in this country have been advocating for and working towards. During his recent campaign for the presidency, Biden came out in favor of fracking, which is harmful to both our environment and our health. At a debate in September, Biden rejected both the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. He also refused to answer questions on whether or not he would help dismantle the Senate’s filibuster.
You can take action right now for progress and you can do so while still maintaining social distancing requirements. You can volunteer to help with the Georgia runoff elections. You can educate yourself, your family, friends, and colleagues about racist voter suppression in this country and what we can do to stop it. You can call your Congressperson or Senator about issues you care about. You can host Zoom roundtable discussions and town halls for your community. There is a lot that you can do that can create positive change, even in this new presidential era that we are entering. So now let your cheers of victory turn into marching chants for change.
About the Author:
Madison Rose graduated with honors from the University of Colorado with a degree in psychology specializing in forensic psychology. She was a lead organizer of Denver’s March for Our Lives as well as the founder and Vice President of Never Again — Colorado. Madison also founded and served as the director of Public Relations for Vote for Our Lives, in addition to establishing Students Demand Action in the state of Colorado. Madison has been a guest lecturer on anti-violence activism at the University of Colorado and Regis University. You can follow her on Instagram @starringmadisonrose.
