Punk Rock Activism

Nothing in this world can grab my attention, make me sit up straight, and inspire me to action like a well-written song. The power of potent lyrics, sung with passion and vindication, can energize me like no other spoken word. Accompanied by the sonic assault of roaring guitars and fluid bass, I can instantly turn from apathy to empathy and advocacy. Powered ever forward by thundering drums, a song can motivate me in a heartbeat. These are the defining characteristics of punk rock music, and I would like to share with you information about several organizations that have originated within it.

One such group is Punk Voter. Started by NOFX singer and bassist “Fat” Mike Burkett, the group is a coalition of over 200 bands and record labels, whose intent it is “to educate, register and mobilize over 500,000 of today’s youth as one voice” (Punkvoter.com), and channel the energy of punk rock fans into political action. Teamed with the resources of its members, including Burkett’s own company, Fat Wreck Chords of San Francisco, and the passion of punk rockers, this organization registered an awesome number of new voters for the 2004 election. Burkett was even interviewed by CNN during the 2004 presidential campaign. Punk Voter features guest speakers at punk rock concerts, guest essays on the website, along with a valuable collection of political information and voter registration forms, to achieve their goal. To learn more, go to http://www.punkvoter.com.

Another organization, called the Underground Action Alliance, focuses on motivating people inside and outside of the punk rock scene into taking action in their communities. The group seeks to encourage and train citizen-activists who will then be able to work towards eliminating many problems that plague our society, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, ignorance, war, and many other social issues. Started by the members of the Pennsylvania based group Anti-Flag, the Underground Action Alliance website features an ever growing list of resources for community involvement, frequently updated news not heard in mainstream press, an open calendar of events that site visitors can contribute to, and more. To get involved or to learn more about this group, go to http://www.undergroundactionalliance.com.

The members of Anti-Flag have also recently launched a website called Military Free Zone. This site is dedicated to educating people about the presence of military recruiters on school campuses. More specifically, they seek to inform YOU of recruiters’ rights to full access to the private information of any student at any public, federally funded high school. Such access requires no parental permission or notification, and cannot be denied as the school can lose its funding. The website also provides access to the little known Opt-Out form, which parents can sign to deny recruiters this access to their child. To sign a form or get involved, visit http://www.militaryfreezone.org.

While punk rock music may not be your favorite, and the names and attitudes of bands may seem threatening, they seek only to challenge the atmosphere of apathy and lack of awareness in today’s political arena. The dedication and time that has been put into operating these and other websites and events shows great commitment to improving America’s political landscape, through increasing youth involvement and bringing power back to the people. As the Underground Action Alliance website states, “democracy cannot flourish without the essential element of an informed, engaged citizenry”. These groups, along with the music their founders create, has been the much needed catalyst for myself and thousands of other people to become educated in contemporary politics, and to start taking action. Who knows, they might do the same for you.

Sincerely,

Travis Murray