This has been a pretty interesting few days for politics, to say the least. And as the election draws ever closer, things are only going to get more interesting. But young people’s voices still aren’t being heard by our politicians – because not enough young people are showing up to vote, and the rules are made by the people who show up.
But RockEnrol wants to change all that.
Launched in 2014, RockEnrol was responsible for increasing the youth turnout in that election through social media, music, art and events, all aiming to build and activate young people’s community power. This year, they want to take it even further, and reach every young person in Aotearoa with a message of hope, and a call to action to vote. They’re young, intersectional, energised, organised and totally nonpartisan – and they need your support. So we got in touch with the unstoppable Laura O’Connell Rapira to talk about why you should be getting on board.
Why do you think this campaign is important?
What motivated you to reach out to your crowd?
We believe in people power and particularly, the power of small actions multiplied by the many to create ripple effects of change. Crowdfunding is one of the best ways to see that people power in action.
What do you have planned for the rest of your campaign – anything for us to look forward to?
The crowdfunding campaign finishes tomorrow, but the RockEnrol campaign is really only just about to begin! Over the next eight weeks, we will engage thousands of young people in a conversation about the importance of voting. RockEnrol are training and deploying volunteers nationwide to get more young people out to vote. From August 24 – September 6, LUSH staff in all of their stores nationwide will also be talking to every single customer about the importance of their vote.
We will amplify the voices of young people in social and traditional media. We will offer a counter narrative to ‘youth apathy’ by being young and engaged in politics.
We will speak to young people in the cultural mediums they already know and love. RockEnrol works with musicians, artists and comedians to encourage young people to engage in politics. We will visit South Auckland, Central Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Whangarei, Rotorua and Gisborne.
We will also work with NGOs and issue experts to ensure the young people who have engaged in our campaign have all of the information they need to make an informed decision come election time.
Anything you’d like to shout out to your crowd?
If you would like to get involved with the RockEnrol campaign, beyond chipping in, we’d love your support! We are a majority volunteer-powered organisation and you can sign up here.
