by Nicole S.
Indivisible East Bay’s newly formed Youth Action Caucus met for the first time at the All-Members Meeting (AMM) on Sunday March 30th. This group was put together by some younger Indivisible members who felt their age group was not being adequately represented in the East Bay chapter (which admittedly skews “older”). The goal of this Caucus is to create a space for people in their 20s and 30s to create community and organize collective action. When putting the group together, Nicole, a Youth Caucus organizer, thought it was worth asking the question: Why aren’t more young adults involved? Perhaps because most young adults work hybrid or remote jobs and are most likely spending a considerable amount of their day in Zoom meetings; not many want to log on to another Zoom meeting for volunteer meetings. Perhaps Indivisible needs to be more active on social media channels — where most young folks learn about activism events. Those who showed up to the AMM offered great ideas on how to reach more young people.
Most young adults feel the pressure and stress from the Trump Administration’s blatant assault on the federal government, social services, and the rule of law, but are not sure how or where to plug in to fight against it. For people in their 20s and 30s, it is a time when they are building an image of their future. The constant unpredictability and precarity of the current administration leaves early adults feeling grief for an imagined future of job security — and feeling safe and protected in their identity. They are being forced to reimagine what their future could look like in light of the administration’s regressive social and economic agenda.
Approximately 30 members under 35 participated in the Youth Action Caucus break-out group and shared their interests, fears, hopes, and visions of the future with each other. Participants were asked questions including “Why did you show up today?” and “What do you feel is most at stake for you at this moment?” People mentioned attacks on their identity expression, concerns about raising their young kids in a country that feels unsafe, and concerns of losing loved one’s who are undocumented. People said they drew strength from friends, family, ancestors, and activists who have come before them and fought for justice.
Participants discussed what kind of collective action they are interested in and how they would like to grow as an individual. People mentioned mutual aid, creating safe spaces, resources for families, creating a rapid response team, youth education, and media and organizing. One participant said that some of the joy or sense of camaraderie they felt at protests they had gone to in the past — was now missing.
One of YAC’s main goals, beyond taking action against harm being done, is to reestablish a sense of community, personal connection and joy in a time when remote work and social media keep people in feeling overwhelmed and without the outlet of personal connection.
What’s next for YAC?
YAC is planning to meet again April 12th, for a social gathering including an opportunity for members to get to know each other and identify what issues they feel are most important to address. If you are under 35 and interested in joining Indivisible East Bay’s YAC, and possibly attending the April 12 meeting, please contact Nicole.
