WKU Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility

My dog, Kai, woke me up at 3am this morning to take him out. While up, I had a thought and the only thing that I had to write on was a box of of organic pop-tart thingies. This reminded me that oftentimes we use what we have when we have it to get the job done. I think that this is just what our present generation of students are doing.

My current research has me interviewing people across the nation that feel compelled to change the world. Whether it is through community service, policy advocacy, or creating intentional living communities, this generation is determined to make a difference.

One of the most striking features of this new "movement" is the kind of activism that I am finding - a new kind of activism. Most of us are familiar with the 60s style, fist-raised, protest (which certainly has its place), but many are exploring creative means of being socially active.

Students are using their knowledge and academic discipline to address issues related to social justice. Artists are questioning the standard of "art for art's sake" and asking what their art can do to bring about a more just world. Marketing majors are becoming critical of blind consumerism and exploring how they can bring awareness to a host of growing social concerns. History students are telling the stories of marginalized populations and how the voice of the "people" can bring true change. Journalists are writing and photographing the stories that often go untold. I've even met a math student asking how she can use her knowledge of mathematics to make the world a better place for everyone.

Harry Boyte calls these citizen professionals. These are people who represent the best their field has to offer, but is in it for more than the paycheck - they understand their responsibility to give back to a world that desperately needs it.

Yeah, something is happening. Students are coming to understand that they can be who they are, where they are, and take what they have to make a difference.

I'm down for the ride!

Paul Markham