Opinion: Student activism a path toward bold action, opportunity

By Riley Siegenthaler

While students are attending university, they learn new information, interact with people of all backgrounds and beliefs and have the opportunity to expand their worldview. Students are encouraged to get involved with clubs and organizations and to find friends that share a common interest or belief system.

For some students, this can be taken a step further by finding a cause they are passionate about and working with others to enact change.

Student activists have opportunities to make lasting transformations in their community as well as experience the multitude of benefits that come from civil engagement. Those with an interest in social or political topics should take advantage of the variety of ways to be bold and make a difference.

History and importance

Young adults and college students have long been a source of impactful activism and college campuses epicenters for advocacy and change. In the United States, student activism began to rise during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, leading to the formation of groups such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Students of the SNCC voiced their opposition to segregation and participated in protests and campaigns across the country. Since then, universities and passionate young thinkers have been catalysts for drastic political and societal shifts.

In the 1960s and 1970s, American students organized protests against the Vietnam War. Students in the 1980s became involved in Anti-Apartheid movements. 1990s student activism began to focus on the environment and LGBTQ rights. The 2000s saw movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.

These movements have shaped American and world history, and they were powered by bold young leaders.

Over the years, there have been countless examples of passion and courage from young advocates from across the globe. Kwame Ture was a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Malala Yousafzai fights for women’s right to education. Greta Thunberg is known for her work against climate change. Sophie Magdalena Scholl resisted the Nazis until they executed her for treason.

These young individuals stood firm in what they believed was right, and their contributions led to global recognition.

What these activists did and continue to do can be modeled by any passionate individual today. They did not start with large numbers of supporters or media coverage. Boldness is what made these individuals stand out from the crowd, and today, there are a multitude of ways for students and young adults to develop and showcase this trait.

How to be bold

There are many different forms of activism. Activists can participate in marches or protests, hold vigils or rallies, sign petitions or write letters to representatives and more. On a university campus, students can join or create an organization on their college campus to champion the causes they care about. They can engage in civil discourse with peers, host events and invite speakers.

Jonathan Spear, vice president of the Pittsburg State University College Republicans, has been a student activist since his second year of college, when he became active in the organization. 

During his time in the College Republicans, Spear has found various ways to contribute. One of the highlights of his engagement is when the group hosts speakers, such as Ty Masterson, a candidate for the governor of Kansas, whom the organization hosted in 2025.

“I was the one putting all the posters everywhere,” said Spear. “I was the one organizing, making sure there was a base-level interest for people to come.”

These in-person forms of activism are timeless and continue to be used today. But with the evolving technological landscape, activism looks different than it has in previous generations. Members of Gen Z are more likely to express their opinions online (66%) than in-person (34%).

Kansas State Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes said these Gen Zers are participating in activism online.

“They’re really engaging the public through podcasts and TikTok and making a difference,” Sykes said.

Through social media engagement, activism is more accessible. With a phone, individuals are able to advocate from anywhere at any time. Connection to the internet allows people to locate resources and find like-minded individuals from anywhere in the world. It also gives them access to wider audiences, allowing them to share messages and gain recognition for their causes.

Benefits of involvement

In addition to making a difference in their community, civic engagement also benefits the activists. These benefits range from psychological improvements, personal development, networking and career opportunities.

Studies show that students who engage in activism have increased energy, social fulfillment and emotional health. This is largely because students who have active engagement are more likely to have a sense of purpose and identity alongside a community of like-minded individuals.

Additionally, student activists are able to grow their skillsets. Activism allows students to build a resume of sought-after skills that they can apply to their careers and other future endeavors. Often, activists are able to increase their applied knowledge of political systems and policies, teamwork and collaboration, leadership and organizational experience and communication skills. Even if students do not choose to make activism a life-long endeavor, these abilities can last much longer than students’ involvement.

However, some students choose to make activism more than their pastime. Spear’s involvement allowed him to become more than an activist on the collegiate level.

“The College Republicans got invited to the local Lincoln Dinner,” said Spear, “and that’s how I met State Rep. Pat Proctor, and I ended up getting a spot on his campaign.”

Spear believes that this wealth of opportunities makes activism an important step for young, politically minded individuals.

“If you want to work in politics,” Spear said, “the best thing to do is get involved in college.”

Sykes enjoys seeing students being active in politics and has brought a few of them aboard her team.

“I’m hiring people right out of college,” Sykes said. “My communication director just graduated with her journalism degree from KU in December, and she started in January in my office.”

There is a variety of possibilities for career advancements for students to capitalize on their involvement long after their time in college. This is one reason why it is important for students to discover what they are passionate about and find ways to get involved.

Find a topic and be engaged

In order for society to keep progressing forward, people need to continue to stand up for what they believe is right. This sparks critical thinking and discussion, bringing societal issues to light, which can spark positive improvement.

Both Spear and Sykes believe it is important for people to participate in activism, finding the topics that interest them most.

“I always tell people to be engaged,” Sykes said. “Find the issues that you care about and talk about them.”

Spear believes it is important for people, no matter their political ideology or interests, to find ways to be involved with what they are passionate about.

“I encourage everyone to get involved,” Spear said. “If there isn’t an organization already, make one. If you want to work with a national organization to get one on campus, get it done. It’s so worth it.”

This is what Kathrynne Giger did during in fall 2025.  She believed there was a need for pro-life advocacy on her campus and began communicating with Students for Life of America (SFLA) to form a chapter at her university.

After a few months of activism, Giger is greatly satisfied with her involvement, even during the times when it feels like her message isn’t making an impact.

“I feel a sense of satisfaction when I’m doing my activism whether I’m accomplishing anything or not,” Giger said. “I enjoy informing others about my subject and seeing the change happen in front of my eyes.”

What once used to be an idea is now a fully staffed and operating chapter of student activists. Giger’s story shows how easy it can be to get started with activism.

“It’s growing steadily,” Giger said. “It has many members despite it being a semester old. We’ve been consistently active on campus and in the community, and we’ve accomplished a lot during our short time being active.”

Giger encourages those who are considering activism to find a way to become involved.

“Do it,” Giger said.