As we watched the new administration sworn in on January 20th, we thought about all the opportunities young people can experience within local, state, and federal government. If you didn’t get a chance to watch the inauguration, we want to share a special moment when Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate shared a poem.
 
There is always hope in new beginnings. Always the opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and thoughts. You might think, “What can I do?” You can take in a city council meeting, or a state legislative hearing, or watch a federal hearing. You can connect with any elected official about concerns in your community. Call them, email them, ask for a virtual meeting to address community concerns. Youth are innovative and the voice of the future. In fact, this past November the City of West Linn, Oregon elected its 21-year-old City Councilor, Mr. Rory Bialostosky. We asked Rory why he ran for office, and thank him for sharing these words with us, and for his passion and commitment.

“I ran for office because our city government needed a youthful perspective to guide us into the future. I also wanted to break down an age barrier and show young people that they can run and win an election. A prosperous future for our city, state and country depends on an active youth voice at all levels of government and I am honored to be a part of that drive for change. It is easy to get involved in your community and I encourage all young people to consider a path in public service because our society needs our youthful perspectives. The future is ours and we must advocate to shape it.“

Rory Bialostosky, West Linn City Councilor, 2020

Other ways to stay involved include looking at bills that are in the legislature. You can see if you agree or disagree with the bill. You can contact the legislator who sponsored the bill and provide your opinions. Your voice counts long before you turn 18 and can vote. Here are two bills we find interesting:
 
Environment Bill
Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing right to clean and healthy environment and to preservation of natural, cultural, scenic, recreational and healthful qualities of environment. Requires state to serve as trustee of natural resources and maintain natural resources for benefit of all people.
 
Song Bill, “Oregon, My Oregon”
Declares the need for a successor state song to “Oregon, My Oregon,” and for the song selection to be inclusive to Oregon people of all backgrounds, races and ethnicities. The current song has lyrics entrenched in racism and fail to recognize the suffering of Native people who were forcibly removed from this state and recognize the pain and suffering of Black people who were subject to exclusion laws targeting Black people.

What we know at O[yes] is that laws, rules, and policies ensure that young workers are safe on the job. Young workers need to know the importance of “speaking up” on the job when issues arise that concern hazards in the workplace.

 You can learn more detail at the State of Oregon Legislature official website
Everyone has the legal right under the constitution to express their voice.