Local author and historian Orlando Romero, who spoke at UNM last week, told students they would do well to take a lesson from activists of the 60s.
New Mexico Public Interest Research Group (NMPIRG), a student-run and -funded activist group, invited Romero to its event to speak to students about the importance of social activism.
Romero said student activism was at its peak in the 60s, but today’s students appear “disconnected.”
“In the 60s, it was easy,” he said. “Activists would get together with guitars singing Bob Dylan songs and go out in the streets to protest.”
He said today’s students have easier access to global news and should pay attention to global events.
“There has to be a sense of consciousness somewhere, by somebody,” he said
At the event, Alyssa Johnson, NMPIRG chapter chair, spoke about petitions and campaigns. She said NMPIRG started a campaign at the event to reduce college textbook prices to $30 or less per book in an effort to make education more affordable.
“What it boils down to is taking charge of our community and making our voices heard so we can change the world, because, quite simply, that is our goal.” Johnson said.
NMPIRG members Margo Tucker and Kelly Williamson said the group will work this semester to give away 300 compact fluorescent light bulbs, weatherize Greek houses, and draft a petition to install high-efficiency showerheads in dorms to conserve energy.
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