We've written before about the power of persuasion, of paying attention and speaking out when you feel something is not right or fair.
Perhaps this advice has gone largely unheeded due to ambiguous effects. "What does it really matter?" you may ask. "How do I know my actions will have any effect?"
Well, one glance at ASU East and the results of standing up for what you believe are clear.
Several ASU East students came forward to complain about the unrealistic price of mandatory meal plans for those living in on-campus housing (see story, Page 1).
Though the meal plans come in many denominations, Freshman Year Experience students were required to purchase a minimum $900 plan this semester.
Some students found they didn't spend that kind of money on campus food services, and sadly any money left in the plan does not roll over to the next semester.
They didn't just hang their heads and pay for next semester's plan; they spoke out, addressing this issue in forums and complaining to the administration until they reached an acceptable compromise.
The result: a probable decrease of more than 30 percent in obligatory meal plan -- from $900 to $600.
This decrease wasn't the result of some moral compunction on the part of ASU administration, but rather a reaction to students' wishes. See how that works? -- Students express their grievances in a civil, but united voice and things change for the better. Persistence doesn't hurt either.
Maybe the problem here on main campus is a misunderstanding of what constitutes a "responsible party." So let's get this straight: It is not the sole obligation of the USG to voice your concerns. (Especially when no one goes to their meetings anyway, so they don't always know student concerns).
Likewise, it isn't the lone duty of political science students to show an interest in Tempe City Council meetings or ASU forums on administrative policy.
Rethink the idea of what makes up a potent group of people. Think smaller, think more mobile and agile. Think about that study group you put together at the beginning of the semester to tackle British literature.
How about the club of which you are a member? Certainly the attendance for your weekly meetings beat the pants off student involvement in actual policy-making assemblies regarding ASU.
Maybe your fraternity or sorority could skip going over charter one night and decide to address, say, what the minimum cost of our meal plan will be for those living on campus?
The meal plan hasn't been set in stone, and if we're to get the same fair shake ASU East seems to be getting, it's going to take some lobbying.
Campus clubs and organizations seem to have no problem attending their own events, so how about channeling that energy to making sure that students have a say in what directly affects us?
Even voicing a little concern will tell those dictating policy that they must consider the students.
