Extracurriculars to Participate in During Quarantine

From the economic shutdown to the rising unemployment rate, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many abrupt changes. Though by far not the worst effect compared to other pandemic-induced results, the virus has still significantly complicated various aspects of high school life for teenagers everywhere in the U.S., including—but not limited to—online learning, standardized testing, and college admissions. Though many of the extracurriculars (excluding school clubs) that MCHS students regularly involve themselves in are unavailable as of right now, there are still many ways you can get involved in your community while simultaneously abiding by the CDC guidelines.

With the 2020 presidential election coming up in a few months, by far one of the safest ways to be politically active during these uncertain times is through phone banking, a technique often utilized in many community campaigns to reach out to registered voters via phone calls. From promoting political officials to advocating for specific policies, this process can be performed from the comfort of your own home. 

Phone banking opportunities promoting Proposition 15 (a recent bill focused on investing over twelve billion dollars in education and community programs, and eliminating a tax loophole that many corporations and wealthy investors benefit from) are incredibly prominent currently. Due to the conflicting information online concerning the bill, many California residents are conflicted over its implementation, with the opposition making up almost fifty percent of potential voters surveyed by recent polls. As a result, many committees, organizations, labor unions, and more have formulated numerous mobilization efforts to spur support for Proposition 15 and combat this issue.

Some include the following:

• AAPI FORCE Schools and Communities Phone Bank

• APEN - Phone Banking (Chinese/English)

• Alliance SD SCF Text Bank

• CoCo South L.A. Virtual Phone Bank

Aside from phone banking, another way to remain active during quarantine is by participating in the Youth Climate Action Coalition, a youth-led organization focused on advocating for environmental conservation. Their mission statement goes as followed:

“The effects of climate change pose a pressing and urgent problem that the young generation faces in the near future. We must act now in order to have a better future. As a group of passionate high school students, we have stepped up to make a difference and have helped make our school more environmentally friendly. Through YCAC, we provide a platform for other schools and communities across the nation to do the same.” 

After filling out the application and joining, you can contribute to the organization’s missions by starting a chapter at your school and implementing the YCAC’s outlined plans to promote environmentally friendly systems and actions at MCHS. 

Lastly, the youth organization, The Medica Zone, offers many opportunities that help aspiring medical students prepare for their desired future careers. In addition to providing chances to obtain service hours, The Medica Zone also teaches weekly lessons on various medical-related topics and hosts virtual, informative Q&A’s with doctors that give insight into the health professional career. Future information, including their application, can be found on their Instagram handle (@themedicazone).