Register to vote party

By Lauri Hennessey

There is this quote that I have always liked. I really don't know who said it. But I know it speaks to political apathy. "The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment."

It is with that quote in mind that I asked my daughter to come with me to a fundraiser at Salty's on Alki a few weeks ago. I am joining the board of Southwest Youth and Family Services, a wonderful organization in West Seattle. The head of the organization, Steve Daschle, just happens to be the brother of Tom Daschle, formerly the majority leader of the U.S. Senate. And, like any good brother might do, Tom Daschle came out to West Seattle to help Southwest raise some money for the agency.

I used to work in Congress and Tom Daschle was one of the good guys. I was excited to hear his take on today's news. When I mentioned to my 13-year old that I was going to hear from Senator Daschle, she showed interest in the event. And, as soon as I mentioned that Tom Daschle was involved in the Obama campaign she was inspired enough to get up early and come to breakfast.

It was a great message we heard together that morning - about the importance of community service, of helping those who can't help themselves, and of the ability of one person to make a difference. And, from the perspective of a former speechwriter like myself, the senator's talk did what it had to do - it made people feel moved, feel inspired - feel hope.

These are interesting days to be 13. My daughter was glued to both political conventions. She and her friends are more inspired by national politics than I can remember seeing for a long time. As we drove home, she asked me if there were any big events or political gatherings in our small community between now and election day. It surprised me to realize the answer was no. Our community of Vashon Island is amazingly active, intense, and involved. But I hadn't heard of anything. That's when Emma said, "Well why don't we put something together?"

Now it's a week later, and we have put together an event. It is called "Barack the Vote!" Now, while the name may give you an inkling of our approach to the presidential race, the event is not just about a party. It is also about getting kids registered to vote. So we are calling out the voter registration volunteers, selling fun stuff, putting together a caterer, and lining up bands to have a party to celebrate on Oct. 3 in the center of town.

There are many of these events now springing up around the country - and it's not a moment too soon. Everyone who is not registered to vote by Saturday, Oct. 4 does not get to vote in the election. And there are plenty of young adults out there that can register. And young adults in their 20s - many of who feel the strongest about this election - put us all to shame with their apathy. In fact, the 1972 election was the first time people 18 and over could vote. That year, 50 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds cast ballots, according to American Demographics magazine. But during the last presidential election, that number had fallen to a low of 32 percent. There is an estimated 44 million 18- to 29-year-olds eligible to vote in this election, constituting one-fifth (21 percent) of the voting eligible population.

The good news? This year seems to be changing things: in fact, turnout doubled and tripled in early '08 contests around the country.

It's not easy to pull together a huge party, and at times I have jokingly groaned about it. But then I think of the intangibles of life. There is the feeling of being respected and included in adult functions when you are 13. There is the feeling of hanging out with a bunch of your friends and neighbors and celebrating, or listening to good music. There is the light in my daughter's eyes when she runs around planning t-shirts and other activities for the event.

And finally, there is the quote I have always loved, by Margaret Mead - Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. I like to think my daughter can look at her lifetime with those glasses, with that vision of hope, of making a difference. I like to think she will see life as full of possibilities to make a difference, and full of responsibilities to step up and make it happen. And, I like to think I will be there to catch her when she falls - at least for a while - whether it is this November or in the next few years. Because taking a risk often means losing. And while it hurts if you tried, at least you tried. For truly, I'd like to believe she will lead a life that is guided by anything but apathy.

So you see, there were plenty of goals to come out of an early breakfast one fall morning. Plenty of work to be done.

And here my kid thought she was just getting out of school for a few hours.

Lauri Hennessey runs a public relations firm and works with nonprofits. She can be reached at lauri@hennesseypr.com.