Living in the United States, especially right now, can feel like you’re swimming against a constant stream of bad news, and you’re just trying to stay afloat. On any given day, you can open social media to discover yet another injustice or tragedy that makes you say, “How did this happen?” As a young person, it’s completely understandable to feel powerless amid the chaos, but it’s also important to remember that you do, in fact, have power.
Whether you’re feeling called to action due to recent school shootings, the United States’s involvement in global conflicts, ICE’s recent killing of a legal witness in Minneapolis — or something else, or all of the above — there’s no shortage of current events that have Gen Zers looking around for someone to do something about. But while it’s important to take time to process our own emotions surrounding the unrest and uncertainty in the country, one of the most effective ways to stop feeling helpless is to actually take action. It may be hard to believe that one person can actually make a difference, but when enough individuals take a stand, that’s when real change happens.
So, when you feel ready, take a deep breath… and get to work.
Call Your Representatives
I know, I know. Nobody likes to be on the phone these days. But does your desire to avoid phone calls overshadow your desire to make a change? Hopefully not! Calling your government representatives might sound old-school, but it’s actually effective; while you might not get to speak directly to your rep, their aides are required to document every call they get. Your reps were elected to serve your interests, so make sure they know what those interests are. Luckily, calling your reps isn’t hard; there are even guides you can follow so you know exactly what to say.
Find & Share Trustworthy News Sources
Let’s be honest, this one is getting more and more difficult to accomplish. But even though news and social media outlets are increasingly biased, there are still organizations and individuals participating in real, fact-based journalism — and it’s more important than ever to seek them out so you can ensure you’re getting (and sharing) accurate information. It might feel easier to look away, but staying informed is crucial to taking action.
Participate In Protests
If you feel called to do so, participating in protests can be an impactful way to push back against things you disagree with. Not only is it a way to express yourself and find community among like-minded individuals, but on a larger scale, it also sends a powerful message of dissent, helps raise awareness among those less aware, and instills hope to continue fighting. Of course, there are risks that come with protesting, so be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe while protesting.
Have Productive Conversations
If you have people in your life whose views don’t align with your own, you’re probably familiar with one of two realities of discussing politics in 2026: Either you have heated, or even explosive, arguments about your political differences… or you avoid talking about politics altogether. Both are understandable; U.S. politics have never felt as polarizing as they do now. However, you may not necessarily have to write off each person with opposing views as a lost cause — with compassionate, fact-based, and good-faith discussions (on both sides!), you may end up realizing you have more in common than you think. And who knows? You might even be able to change a few minds.
Donate To Orgs That Align With Your Beliefs
Look, the economy’s not great right now. You probably don’t have a ton of extra cash lying around. But if you do have a little to spare, you might consider putting it toward a cause you feel strongly about, especially if you’re not able to participate in other ways. What orgs you choose to contribute to will depend on what you feel strongly about; just be sure they’re reputable and clear on what your money will be put toward.
Get Election-Ready
This is a big one. In 2026, the U.S. will hold its midterm elections — and while midterms aren’t usually quite as flashy as presidential elections, they are key to shaping the future of the country. This year, a 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be up for election — meaning Congress could look very different at the end of all this. Plus, there will be 39 state and territorial U.S. gubernatorial elections, plus a ton of state and local elections, which can be just as impactful as the bigger ones. So, check your voter registration status, do your research, and get out the vote!