Alyson Roush

By Apsara Chopra 

 

How do you make changes when your family and community have differing views from you? 

 

Oftentimes, through history or films, we see people or characters stand up for what they believe in and fight for what they believe is right. In today’s time, it has become very accessible for people to express their opinions and suggestions to the world through various social media platforms and online resources. However, people may still face difficulties in taking action to make the change they want to see in reality. One exception to this is a young woman named Alyson Roush.

 

Alyson Roush,  a 17-year-old high school student from West Michigan, co-founded the National Organization for Women Chapter at her high school and is the co-president of her school’s chapter. The National Organization for Women aims to achieve full equality for women through public education and litigation projects. Alyson’s goal through her school’s chapter is to help spread awareness about women’s rights issues. 

 

Alyson's personal experiences in high school inspired her to create a chapter of this organization at her school and establish a long-lasting change in her community. In an interview with Every Girl, Alyson described how in high school, she dealt with much harassment; "It was something that I had experienced before and it kind of opened my eyes." These experiences made her become more conscious of sexual harassment and assault.

 

The first step Alyson made in creating change was learning more about these issues and thoroughly researching them. In her interview, Alyson discussed how she read about women’s issues and watched documentaries, which led to the beginning of her wanting to be involved with the National Organization for Women.

 

Alyson mentions that from learning more about sexual harassment and assault, she realized she had the ability to make a change. Alyson explained, "oh, if I can do this, then why can't I do this?” By realizing her capabilities and learning ways she could be involved in making a difference, Alyson decided she wanted a chapter of the National Organization for Women at her school.

 

When describing her journey of creating the National Organization for Women Chapter at her school,  Alyson reveals how she has grown up and lives in a conservative town, which has been difficult for her since she explains how she hasn’t had much peer support. She emphasizes that “when you're dealing with a  very, very politically divided community…that's always been a big stepping stone and big barrier.” 

 

She said how finding close-knit communities of people helped her in dealing with these difficulties. However, she also describes the importance of relying on and drawing motivation from herself. Alyson describes how it is “always necessary to have extra support from friends, family, and peers, but I think you always have yourself. It's pretty much a guarantee, and so I think to be able to draw out from an internal place is especially valuable.”

 

It's truly amazing how despite these obstacles, Alyson was able to successfully start the National Organization for Women’s Chapter at her school. In Alyson’s interview, she also describes the importance of her work to her. 

 

During the interview, Alyson also described the feelings and emotions she felt during the challenges she faced; she stated, "I would say, for me it can often be emotional, especially when in more discussion based activities.” Alyson expressed how she also feels frustrated because her grandmother dealt with the same issues that she is dealing with now. During her work, Alyson explains how sometimes it may feel discouraging when you take one step forward, but the outcome puts you two steps back. However, she emphasizes that although it can be frustrating, “even creating a small change, such as fundraising or spreading awareness, or even having discussions can create a small positive change that you know can maybe somehow affect your larger goal.”

 

It is very eye-opening how the issues that Alyson faced in her early high school years are the same issues her grandmother faced when she was younger. This illustrates how significant these social issues are and how change must be implemented to prevent these issues from reoccurring in our society. 

 

Alyson is a very inspiring, brave, courageous, and tenacious young woman who was able to learn, research, and implement change in her community, especially in one where people’s views and opinions may be significantly different from hers. 

 

At Zhive, we are so excited to see Alyson’s journey continuously grow, and we know she is going to accomplish exceptionally great things!

 

If you want to learn more about Alyson and her involvement with the National Organization of Women, feel free to check out her Instagram: @calnowcan

 

If you would like to learn more about the National Organization for Women, feel free to check out their website here.