Something that has been on my mind for a long time, but has been popping up again in many discussions recently, is the lack of community among young people. Belonging is important for individuals and all of America's society, but rates are low among all groups. It is important to note that the linked report found that people of higher socioeconomic status reported higher levels of belonging, but that is not the purpose of this rambling.
I am a student who works closely with my peers, have advised student groups, and works closely with the community on advocacy. The community organizations I am a part of are mostly older, retired individuals. In one, I am the only member below the age of 50 - many joked about how I single-handedly lowered the average age. So, where are the young people?
About half of college students at my university are in a student organization; the other half may simply be isolated, or more likely are working too often to have time for clubs - going back to the socioeconomic piece from before. Even within the students that are part of clubs, many of them see community service as something for the "really involved kids", or simply have no interest. I've had many conversations where my peers do not see personal value in political activism (which is somewhat understandable), volunteering, voting, or more. The students who are passionate about those things are a very small circle. I will see the same people at the events focusing on politics or service. This is not sustainable, and creates yet another sphere meant for the public good yet whose membership is limited. There are likely uncountable studies on the reasons people give for this disconnect, but again this is not what this rambling is about.
Membership in community/service organizations is all but a whimper from the record highs of post-WW2. I argue that this is at least partly due to the previous 7 years of national commitment to the war effort transitioning into a persistent interest in providing for a larger cause. Since then, and especially recently, we have seen a significant emphasis on individuality; I would even say to the point of hyperindividuality. There is immense focus on individual rights and freedoms with little regard for social obligations and community needs. Even for those who are connected, I believe such attitude persists.
Blood donations rates are down and formal volunteering lowered since the pandemic. Focus for young people, I believe, has been so much on advocating for social change that we have neglected tangible actions that benefit our community. Online discussion is almost entirely about national issues that are not the ones that affect us daily. Are those issues significant? Absolutely. Should they be the primary focus for those committed to improving the lives of people around them? I personally believe not.
I am a firm believer that for many issues we already have the solutions needed. Americorp programs have lots of benefit and can be expanded, even to the point of national service. A reorientation of our political conversations and focuses toward local problems and solutions is needed. Creating systems where average, everyday Americans can run for office is needed. We must rebuild from the ground up. How do we do it? I do not have many answers, but this concerning trend will turn into crisis if not addressed.
Brendan Trachsel © Copyright 2024 
