We live in a world shaped by systems. The systems are made up of rules that tell us everything from what side of the road we drive on and when to pay our taxes to even something as trivial as when Starbucks brings back their pumpkin spice latte. The rules that govern our lives are supposed to be fair and ensure everyone has access to adequate resources. Our policy makers are supposed to implement policies that work to create a just society where everyone benefits instead of just a handful. 

We have seen the rules be bent and broken to benefit certain people and make sure others suffer. Even though we are over a year away from the 2016 election we need to start to re-imagine the rules that govern us and make sure we push the candidates to talk about issues that matter and not how much hairspray Donald Trump uses.

In a perfect world, everyone would be on the same playing field. We would all have access to the same high-quality education and healthy food options. Men and women would be seen as equals inside and outside the home. People who work 40 hours a week would not live in poverty. It is time to re-imagine the rules and stop seeing them as they are, but instead imagine what they could be and reshape the social and economic realities we live in today.

We don’t live in a perfect world, so we need to make sure we are supporting and building new systems and creating new rules that benefit everyone. We need policies that tackle the growing threat of police violence and the disproportionate effect is has on communities of color. Beyond putting body cameras on police we need to make policies that give the communities oversight and representation in how they are protected, end for profit policing, and end the stop and frisk policy. On college campuses we need new policies that protect and support survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence. We can’t let the list of problems stop us from creating a world that is safer and more equitable for everyone.

In a little over a year we will have the opportunity to elect a slew of new elected officials and we need to hold them accountable to their platforms. We need to push our candidates to talk about the issues that matter, and listen when we propose solutions. Our democracy only works if we get involved in the process and make sure our voice is heard beyond the polls. 

Madelyn Schorr is a senior majoring in art and anthropology. Her column runs biweekly on Tuesdays.