This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m from San Francisco, California. I’m a junior studying History and Political Science with a German minor. I’m super interested in student protests, and conducted research at Bucknell this summer on how student movements in the sixties changed people’s consciousness and how they viewed themselves as political actors.

2. What does it mean to be involved in a peaceful protest?

It’s basically getting your message across, and heard, while preserving the integrity of your demands. When things turn violent, the media is able to paint a picture of chaos, and it distracts from the actual purpose of the protest – to demand change.

3. What is your role in protesting and activism?

This summer I got involved with a few groups promoting climate change awareness, end to fracking, and groups like democracy spring. Each organization has different roles you can do. Organizing, protesting, and promoting are all different things I’ve been working on recently.

4. What inspired you to become involved in peaceful protests?

I think the biggest thing for me was this election cycle. It really brought to the forefront a number of issues inherent within our system: racism, climate change, sexism, campaign finance. I just want people to know that the system can be changed, and any one person has the power to stand up and make change happen.

5. What peaceful protests have you participated in the past?

This summer I participated in the DNC protests. I camped with a large group across from the convention center, and spent the days participating in marches, rallies, and protests around the city.

6. Why do you think being involved politically and socially is important?

I think being aware and involved is the most important thing a person can do for society, especially now, as a student. The irony is the “youth” demographic of today is seen as selfish, apathetic, and careless; however, throughout history the “youth” are also the ones most capable of enacting social and political change. By participating in protests it shows that our generation will not stand for things like racism. We want a better society for our children and the generations after them to live in.

7. How can we participate in peaceful protests?

Anyone can get involved. There’s so many different organizations, events, and groups to be a part of that involve a wide range of views and goals. Google is a great place to start, or if you have questions, find me on campus and I can tell you the names of organizations.

Campus Profile: Emma Downey

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