2011 will surely go down as the year when progressives suddenly remembered that being politically involved means more than just voting in November. As unions, students and Occupy protestors hit the streets throughout the country, I can’t help but notice the political apathy that permeates this campus. Sure, groups have had some luck with dedicated membership protesting HB-56 and environmental issues, but where are the rest of us?

More importantly, why are we not taking sides? I can understand the desire not to be affiliated with a political party given the polarizing times, but policy picks up where protests leave off. And who passes policy?

“The public cannot be totally absolved from this responsibility. They picked us,” said Congressman Barney Frank, D-Mass., in a recent interview.

And he’s right. If you don’t like the direction the country is heading, do something about it. But don’t stop at the street. Take your plight into the government – local, state and federal.

That’s why I encourage fellow progressives to get involved with the party system. The parties are here to stay. With the way our electoral system is structured, Democrats and Republicans are your two options. Joining a party may mean we know who you are checking in the ballot box, but I’m telling you not be ashamed of it.

If you want politicians to listen, you need strength in numbers. A Democratic congressman or congresswoman won’t drive from Montgomery to talk to 10 students. A Democratic congressman or congresswoman will drive out to talk to 50 or 60 college students.

Politics is gritty – always has been, and it always will be. Our generation needs to fix the mistakes the previous ones have made. We need to start the dialogue between the two parties. So this is a shout-out to all the environmentalists, LGBTQ advocates, feminists, economic justice advocates and even to the curious moderates – join your party.

Laws are passed by Republicans and Democrats. Those are your options. The College Democrats meet every Monday night at 7 in Lloyd in Room 226. We want to help, and the ball is in your court. Come and make a difference.

Robert Christl is the membership director of UA College Democrats.