Striking items from our "to-do" lists invokes different emotions. Sometimes it's "relief," othertimes, "accomplishment."
One thing that should be on all of our lists this summer is: "speak up." After all, we could probably do a much better job letting others know what we really think, or standing up for what we really believe in. Whether you still need to register to vote for the first time or change your address, whether you are behind the cause enough to pick up a clipboard at Bonnaroo this year, or if you just remind your unregistered friend to stop by the HeadCount table, speak up.
I would love nothing more than to see each and every concert-goer, each and every one of my peers, take to the streets, venues, and beyond this summer for HeadCount. But at the same time, I know the cause is not for everybody. I have come to recognize that "participating" means different things for different people.
But when it comes down to it, voting is really just a microcosm of speaking up for yourself and doing what's important to you- whatever it may be. For that reason, even as I find myself in the middle of HeadCount's most ambitious year to date, I am so excited for what's to come.
I know that HeadCount wants to become, "the community organizing arm of the live music scene." Our mission is to give every socially-conscious music fan an outlet for his or her passions, working with artists and volunteers to stage political, environmental, and charitable activity throughout the United States. So, really, HeadCount is all about "speaking up" for whatever it is that's most important to us. HOW COOL IS THAT?!? Sign me up.
I am so afraid that people my age are too often held-down by the fact that their dream, their vision, seems simply...unachievable. Registering to vote is one really simple step we can all take toward speaking up. And when we are empowered in this way, we are one step closer to reaching our vision- to achieving our dream. Come help give everyone their own personal outlet- or just take a couple minutes to do it for yourself. All it takes is remembering to stop by our table this summer, at your favorite festival or show. We'll be there- speaking up.