Punk Rock Activism

Often grouped with the scores of apathetic Americans too angry and ill-informed to make a difference, one group is working very hard to change this society. They are not teachers, and they are not journalists. Their effort is undeniable, and three standout organizations showcase the work of punk rockers to motivate the youth of America.

Such effort is very visible in one organization, called the Underground Action Alliance. Through their website, the group encourages people of all ages, in and outside of the punk scene, to take action in their communities. Working from the local level, they hope to mobilize citizen-activists willing to fight against militarism, among other social ills. Started by members of the Pennsylvania based group Anti-Flag, the Underground Action Alliance website features an ever growing list of resources for community involvement, news not heard in mainstream press, a calendar of events that visitors can contribute to, and much more. To get involved or to learn more about this group, go to http://www.undergroundactionalliance.org.

The members of Anti-Flag have also recently launched a website called Military Free Zone. This site is dedicated to educating parents and students about the presence of military recruiters on school campuses. Specifically, they seek to inform YOU of recruiters’ rights of access to private information of any student at a 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 informs visitors of the little known Opt-Out form, which parents can sign to deny recruiters’ access to their child. To sign a form for your children, or to get involved, go to http://www.militaryfreezone.org.

Perhaps the catalyst in a series of punk-based activist organizations, Punk Voter has the most support behind it. Started by NOFX singer and bassist “Fat” Mike Burkett, Punk Voter 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,” and inspire them to action. Teamed with the resources of its members, including Burkett’s own label, Fat Wreck Chords of San Francisco, and the passion of punk rockers, they registered an awesome number of new voters for the 2004 presidential election. Punk Voter features news and guest essays on their website, along with a valuable collection of political information and voter registration forms. To learn more, visit http://www.punkvoter.com.