Something Good Is Happening – Part III

Jaz Martus, a senior at Powers Catholic High School in Flint Michigan, was profiled on InspiredToGive.org in an incredibly insightful interview on what he has learned from his own activism for peace.  Essentially, it is the importance of empathy, respect, and strength in the face of opposition – even if you are alone. We asked Jaz to contribute to our chorus of voices rising up to advocate positive change – in thought and deed. Jaz sees a brave and committed generation surrounding him and has hope…We do too.

Please consider sharing your own PRACTION – your thoughts and prayers that have led you to act for good. LEAVE A REPLY on our website below or on our Facebook page.

From Jaz Martus:

A High School Student’s Faith in the Activism of His Generation

In response to speeches given across Florida by students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the name of gun law reform, comedian Stephen Colbert wrote, “From now on, when anyone says, ’Kids these days!’ it’s a compliment.” For decades, older generations have complained about the youth who will one day take their place. The targets of their wrath changes, but the dynamic doesn’t: yesterday it was too long of hair and tie dye shirts, now it’s ripped jeans and too much texting.

I may be biased as a member of it, but I do have faith in this generation. The activism by the courageous students at Stoneman Douglas has rightfully received constant coverage by the media, but this generation has been arguing for change long before members headlined rallies.

Students at Stoneman Douglas don’t just represent their school, they exemplify the best and the brightest from an entire generation. While the 2016 Presidential Election may be recorded understandably in our history books as dark and divisive, many aspects looked different from my own perspective. I saw countless young people engage in the political process for the first time with hope in their eyes, working vigorously for change. That hope may have been dashed momentarily toward the end, but for many it still burns bright.

As I see more young people registering to vote and continuing to be involved, I see that the hope wasn’t a flash in the pan; it’s here to stay. The Stoneman Douglas students made many more people aware of the power of this generation, but we’ve known for a long time.

The torched has been passed. The pessimistic and shortsighted may doubt us because they believe we look at our phones too much and speak in person too little, yet they were once young and endured constant criticism comparable to what they dish out today. Each generation has faced challenges that seemed insurmountable at the time, but we will, like generations past face them head on. The Stoneman Douglas students are not the exception to young people today, they are the standard-bearers for a generation. Their bravery and advocacy continue to give myself and many more hope for an already bright future.

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