Bridging the Divide: The Power of Student Lobbying

Political polarization continues to serve as the biggest threat to democracy in the United States. Before the 2024 election, voters were asked how strongly they felt about the level of political division in the country, the average response being a 72.9- with 100 being civil war (Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service, 2023). This alarming figure highlights the fact that Washington is brimming with politicians that vote firmly along partisan lines; unable to compromise or communicate, resulting in a legislative gridlock of little progress (Kleinfeld, 2023). The inability of politicians to prioritize progress over partisan loyalty creates a breeding ground for not just distrust in our political system, but distrust each other. However, political lobbying and grassroots initiatives could play a crucial role in bridging the partisan gaps currently observed in the United States. 

What is lobbying? The elementary definition of lobbying is seeking to influence a politician or public official on an issue. Lobbying has often been associated with big corporations lining the pockets of politicians in order to favor their own agenda. The act of lobbying happens behind closed doors, allowing little room for public opinion, often licensing corporations to further their agendas with little accountability (Nazur, 2021). Yet there exist grassroots efforts and special interest groups that promote everyday citizens engaging with their government officials to lobby for their interests. 

There have been many historical examples of successful student lobbying as a grassroots effort. Title IX- an act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in sports on college campuses- would not exist without the lobbying efforts of college students (Powell, 2022). Student lobbying is an incredibly important and effective way to impact policy change that directly impacts young voters.

Every year, the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) organize a lobbying day in an effort to promote student advocacy and engagement within local politics. This event, dubbed Huskies on the Hill, seeks to bring around two-hundred students to lobby for student issues in an attempt to gain state legislative support on current bills. Huskies on the Hill not only bridges the gap between legislatures and their constituents, but serves as a cross-campus event, bringing students from UW Bothell, Tacoma, and Seattle together in a combined advocacy effort. Not only is this a cross-campus affair, the day is marketed to students across many different academic disciplines.

The impact of Huskies on the Hill extends beyond a single annual event, the event fosters civic engagement among participants, and allows legislators and students from different backgrounds and party alignments to engage in constructive dialogue. By facilitating conversation, this event breaks down political barriers that continue to fuel political polarization in this country. 

While student lobbying has historically proven effective in promoting progress, it also provides an environment for productive conversation. The inability to engage with different viewpoints on the basis of party inherently inhibits innovations and change. As the next generation of students joins the political workforce, it is imperative to teach and encourage productive conversations within politics. Polarization thrives when people disengage from opposing political opinions and resort to their ideological bubble. Lobbying teaches students how to engage with the debate rather than dismiss it. By teaching students to engage with different perspectives and prioritize dialogue over division, student lobbying provides a critical foundation for bridging political divides. As young voters take on leadership roles, their experiences in advocacy can help shift the current political culture towards one that values compromise, collaboration, and mutual understanding.

References:

Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service. “New Battleground Civility Poll: 72% of Voters Feel Personal Values under Attack.” Institute of Politics and Public Service, 21 Mar. 2023, 

politics.georgetown.edu/2023/09/20/battleground-civility-press-release-september-2023/. 

Kleinfeld, Rachel. “Polarization, Democracy, and Political Violence in the United States: What the Research Says .” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 5 Sept. 2023, carnegieendowment.org/research/2023/09/polarization-democracy-and-political-violence-i n-the-united-states-what-the-research-says?lang=en. 

Nazur, Fecund Jose. “Corporate Influence: Exploring the Relationship between Lobbying and Corporate Power - Harvard Law School: Systemic Justice Project.” Harvard Law School | Systemic Justice Project, 8 Mar. 2022, systemicjustice.org/article/corporate-influence/. 

Powell, Alvin. “How Title IX Transformed Colleges, Universities over Past 50 Years.” Harvard Gazette, 23 June 2022, 

news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/06/how-title-ix-transformed-colleges-universities-ov er-past-50-years/.