Let’s talk about Michelle Obama—yes, the Michelle Obama—our forever First Lady, motivational icon, and your gym buddy in spirit (if you ever make it to the gym). But beyond the biceps that can probably curl more than your Wi-Fi router, Michelle is a powerhouse when it comes to shaping civic participation. You know, that thing where you do stuff to make the world a better place? Yeah, we’re looking at you, future civic leaders scrolling TikTok.
But how exactly does she do it? Well, grab your favorite overpriced latte, and let’s break it down, tech-style.
1. She Makes Voting Cool (and That’s Harder Than It Sounds)
First things first: Michelle Obama doesn’t just tell you to vote; she makes you want to vote. Her organization, When We All Vote, is like the Spotify Wrapped of voter initiatives. It’s everywhere, it’s trendy, and it makes you feel vaguely guilty for not paying attention earlier.
And here’s the tech angle: When We All Vote uses social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and yes, TikTok, to get the message across. They even have fancy text message reminders (because who checks email anymore?). Plus, there’s the app TurboVote, which partners with initiatives like hers to make voter registration as easy as downloading another photo-editing app you’ll use once.
Pro Tip for Young Adults: Download apps like TurboVote and BallotReady to figure out where and how to vote. If you can manage to locate a food truck in the middle of nowhere using GPS, you can handle this.
2. She’s All About Grassroots, and Not the ‘Gluten-Free Kale’ Kind
Michelle is a big believer in grassroots organizing. Translation? She’s got people—actual humans—talking to other humans about why participating in civic life matters. And you better believe she’s bringing tech into the mix.
Virtual town halls, online petitions, and text banks are all tools in her arsenal. During the pandemic, she was out there championing the use of platforms like Zoom and Slack to keep the momentum going. Imagine organizing a voter registration drive in your sweatpants from your living room. That’s peak 2020 energy, and it’s still relevant.
Pro Tip for Young Adults: Check out tools like Mobilize or Outvote if you want to get involved in grassroots campaigns without leaving your couch. Yes, you can save democracy and binge-watch Netflix at the same time.
3. She Inspires You to Get Off Your Butt (But in a Nice Way)
Let’s be honest: civic participation can sound like a snoozefest. Town hall meetings? Ew. Volunteering? Does it come with snacks? But Michelle makes it feel empowering, even fun. Her speeches are like a shot of espresso for your soul. She reminds you that change starts with you—yes, even if your main personality trait is owning a ring light.
One of her biggest pushes is for community service. Through her work with the Obama Foundation, Michelle highlights the importance of showing up—whether that’s mentoring kids, cleaning up your local park, or helping your grandma figure out her iPad. Spoiler: you’ll be using that iPad to register her to vote.
Pro Tip for Young Adults: Use platforms like VolunteerMatch or DoSomething to find opportunities that fit your vibe. Want to help plant trees? Great. Want to do data entry from your bed? Also great. The world needs all kinds.
4. She’s the Queen of Relatability
Michelle Obama is like that cool aunt who knows all the memes but also gives you solid life advice. She doesn’t just lecture; she shares her own stories of feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to make a difference. Her memoir, Becoming, is basically a masterclass in turning personal growth into civic engagement.
And let’s not forget her use of tech to connect with people on a human level. Whether it’s Instagram Lives, podcasts (hello, The Michelle Obama Podcast), or even Spotify playlists that scream “Yes, you can do this!”—she’s meeting young people where they are: online, with headphones in.
Pro Tip for Young Adults: Start small. Share an inspiring post on your Instagram story or join a local Facebook group. Baby steps still count—even if they’re in crocs.
5. She’s a Master Collaborator (AKA She’s Not Doing This Alone)
Finally, Michelle Obama knows that civic participation isn’t a solo sport. She’s worked with celebrities, influencers, and regular folks to amplify her message. Her Netflix documentaries, like Becoming and Crip Camp (produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions), are basically cinematic pep talks for activism.
She also leans into partnerships with brands and platforms that young people actually use. Think YouTube creators making videos about voter registration or Instagram challenges that don’t involve ice buckets but are equally impactful.
Pro Tip for Young Adults: Use collaboration tools like Discord or Trello to team up with friends on a community project. Who says activism can’t come with a group chat?
What Would Michelle Do?
If Michelle Obama has taught us anything, it’s that civic participation isn’t just about big, world-changing gestures. It’s about showing up, using your voice, and yes, sometimes downloading yet another app. So, the next time you’re debating whether to re-watch The Office or do something productive, ask yourself: what would Michelle do? Spoiler: she’d probably do both. Balance is key, people.
Now go forth and make her proud. And don’t forget to charge your phone—activism runs on full batteries.
