With issues such as climate change, student activism is essential to impact politics. This is why the Echo Editorial Board applauds MN Can’t Wait’s campaign.

The student-led organization, MN Can’t Wait, held a rally and discussion to take action against climate change, at 4 p.m. Jan. 9 in Gov. Tim Walz’s office at the Minnesota State Capitol. The primary purpose of the rally hosted was to persuade Walz into taking immediate action on climate change and to make our government more aware of what they can be doing to improve our environment. The students held a dialogue session with Walz about how he can help jump-start climate action.

The Echo Editorial Board applauds MN Can’t Wait for organizing an event that did not simply protest for climate action, but included a dialogue with important Minnesota politicians. An issue cannot be solved if there is no intimate discussion with elected officials who can take action to resolve issues at hand. Collaborating is the only way to make progress on any conflict.

The board also praises Walz and other officials for giving MN Can’t Wait a chance to be heard. It is important for a political leader to be open-minded about possible legislation and change. The Editorial Board believes youth activism has an immense effect on our state and country today.

We urge students to get involved with youth-led organizations that work toward change on any topic. It is the youth generations that will be affected by current issues, so students should have a say in their future.

Regardless of personal beliefs, all students should be active in their local government. The board encourages all to learn more about political and global issues, so they can have a voice on the issue. There are several ways to participate in politics in order to make change happen.