Sophia Bush Urges Young Women: Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future is in Your Hands

In a compelling and exclusive interview, acclaimed actress and fervent activist Sophia Bush delivered a powerful message, calling on young women across the nation to recognize and utilize their voices as instruments of profound change. Bush, renowned not only for her captivating roles on screen but also for her unwavering commitment to social justice, emphasized the critical importance of civic engagement, particularly as the nation approached a pivotal electoral cycle. Her insights underscored a fundamental belief: that the active participation of every individual, especially the youth, is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy and the pathway to a more equitable future.

At 37, Bush’s passion for empowering the next generation is palpable. “It is the most crucial election of our lifetime thus far,” she articulated with conviction, referring to the then-upcoming 2020 election. This statement, shared with HollywoodLife, resonated deeply, highlighting the magnitude of what was at stake. “Everything is on the table, rights for all people are on the table. It’s a very scary time.” Her words served as a stark reminder that elections are not merely about political figures but about the fundamental rights and liberties that shape society. Bush’s call to action wasn’t just a suggestion; it was an urgent plea for heightened awareness and responsibility, urging every young woman to understand the profound impact of their vote on their personal lives and the collective future.

Championing Essential Causes: Ending Period Poverty

Our conversation with Sophia Bush took place at a significant West Hollywood event, where she was actively supporting a groundbreaking campaign with Always. This initiative, dedicated to “ending period poverty,” seeks to dismantle barriers that prevent young women from accessing essential menstrual products. Period poverty, a global issue, often forces girls to miss school, thereby impacting their education, health, and overall life opportunities. Bush’s involvement with Always underscores her commitment to practical, tangible solutions that empower women and girls at a foundational level. Ensuring access to menstrual products is not just a matter of hygiene; it is a critical component of gender equality and educational equity, allowing young women to pursue their studies without interruption or shame. Bush highlighted that an estimated one in five girls in the U.S. misses school due to a lack of access to period products, a statistic she finds unacceptable. Her advocacy, therefore, aims to break down these systemic barriers, advocating for policies and increased accessibility that affirm the dignity and potential of every young woman.

Bush articulated the broader implications of this issue, explaining how the lack of basic necessities can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. By advocating for policies and programs that make menstrual products readily available, Bush and Always aim to create an environment where every young woman has the opportunity to thrive, unimpeded by biological realities that should never be a source of academic or social setback. This campaign exemplifies how activism can translate into direct support, making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals. It’s an issue often overlooked but deeply impacts the educational and economic prospects of young women, making it a critical area for social change and advocacy.

The Power of the Local Vote: A Foundation for Change

Beyond national elections, Sophia Bush passionately advocates for the often-underestimated significance of local elections. She understands that while national politics capture headlines, decisions made at the local level have an immediate and profound impact on daily life. “Local elections are just as crucial. Making sure you know who is running for the judgeships in your city, know who is running for congress and senate in your state,” the former Chicago P.D. star advised, emphasizing the ripple effect of these seemingly smaller races. Judges, city council members, and state legislators make decisions that directly affect schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local ordinances. These are the officials who determine the quality of your community’s resources, from public parks to emergency services, and even the local tax rates.

Bush elaborated on the idea that true systemic change often begins at the grassroots. By engaging with local politics, citizens can influence policies that are directly relevant to their communities, from environmental regulations to educational funding. “Our elections are truly the greatest and most important way that we stand up for ourselves,” she affirmed, highlighting that voting is not just a right but a powerful act of self-advocacy. Understanding the local political landscape empowers individuals to shape their immediate surroundings and contribute to a healthier, more responsive government from the ground up. She encourages young women to not only vote but also to research candidates, attend local meetings, and speak up about issues that matter to them, fostering a direct line of communication with their representatives.

Navigating the Political Landscape: Resources for Engagement

Recognizing that navigating the complexities of politics can be daunting for many, especially young or first-time voters, Sophia Bush heartily recommends an invaluable online resource: *I Side With*. This innovative platform offers a user-friendly quiz that guides potential voters through a series of questions about their stances on various political issues. Upon completion, the tool provides personalized insights, indicating which politicians or parties align most closely with their views. “It’s a great jumping off point and it’s a great place for young people to get acclimated with politics,” Bush noted, emphasizing its utility as an educational and empowering tool for civic education. The platform covers a wide array of topics, from healthcare and the economy to social justice and foreign policy, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of one’s political leanings.

The *I Side With* website demystifies the political process, transforming what might seem like an overwhelming task into an accessible and engaging experience. It encourages critical thinking and informed decision-making, ensuring that individuals can vote based on their genuine convictions rather than mere party lines or external influences. In an era saturated with information, having a reliable resource that helps individuals clarify their own political leanings is more vital than ever, fostering a more engaged and educated electorate. Bush believes that empowering voters with knowledge is key to a robust democracy, making tools like *I Side With* indispensable for fostering active and informed participation.

A Voice for Progress: Sophia Bush’s Enduring Advocacy

Sophia Bush’s involvement in the political sphere is far from new; she has been a steadfast advocate for years, consistently lending her powerful voice to causes and issues that resonate deeply with her core values. Her commitment extends beyond mere endorsements; it involves active participation and direct engagement with policymakers and communities. “Just a few weeks ago I was so honored because I was asked to go and speak with 17 of the democratic presidential candidates at the weekend of the Iowa State Fair,” she proudly shared, illustrating the depth of her involvement. This unique opportunity allowed her to engage in substantive discussions and emphasize the issues most pressing to young women and marginalized communities.

As a member of the creative counsel for Everytown for Gun Safety, a leading organization dedicated to ending gun violence, Bush played a pivotal role in organizing and participating in a Gun Sense Forum in Iowa. This forum provided a crucial platform for every presidential candidate to articulate their positions on gun control, fostering an incredibly deep and meaningful dialogue on one of the nation’s most pressing issues. “It was an incredibly deep forum and every candidate got to speak. I’m always happy to lend my voice to a platform for any issue that feels like it will move us forward,” she reiterated, underscoring her readiness to engage in impactful conversations that drive societal progress and ensure safety for all citizens.

Advocating for Fair Treatment: Lessons from the Workplace

Bush’s advocacy extends firmly into the realm of workplace equity and fair treatment. In a courageous move in December 2018, she publicly revealed that her departure from the hit show *Chicago P.D.* was due to a “barrage of abusive behavior” she experienced on set. This candid disclosure sent ripples through the entertainment industry and beyond, adding her voice to a growing chorus of individuals speaking out against toxic work environments. Her decision to leave a successful show for her well-being served as a powerful testament to the importance of prioritizing personal safety and dignity over professional gain. It sparked important conversations about accountability, power dynamics, and the mental health of employees in high-pressure industries.

By sharing her story, Bush not only shed light on a pervasive issue but also empowered countless others, particularly women, to recognize and address similar challenges in their own workplaces. Her courage aligns with the broader movements advocating for safer, more respectful professional settings, emphasizing that no one should endure mistreatment in the pursuit of their career. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that advocating for change often begins with personal bravery and the willingness to challenge the status quo. Bush actively encourages young women to identify and report abusive behaviors, fostering a culture where such conduct is not tolerated and where employees feel secure and respected.

The Interconnectedness of Issues: A Holistic Approach to Activism

One of Sophia Bush’s most profound observations centers on the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate issues. She champions a holistic view of advocacy, recognizing that challenges like environmental degradation, gun violence, political stagnation, and gender inequality are not isolated problems but facets of a larger, interwoven societal fabric. “There are so many things going on at the same time which I love because looking at the interconnectedness of issues and how they affect all of us — in particular, women and girls — that applies to the environment, gun violence, politics. It applies across the board,” Sophia concluded, encapsulating her comprehensive approach.

This perspective encourages a broader understanding of how policies and actions in one area can have cascading effects on others. For instance, environmental policies can impact community health, which disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including women and girls. Similarly, political decisions on gun control directly influence public safety, an issue that impacts everyone but often has gendered dimensions. By highlighting these connections, Bush inspires a more integrated and effective form of activism, where individuals see their specific causes as part of a larger movement towards justice and equity for all. She encourages young women to connect the dots between various social issues and to understand that progress in one area often supports advancements in others.

Your Voice, Your Future: A Call to Empowered Action

Sophia Bush’s message to young women is clear and unequivocal: your voice matters, and your active participation is indispensable for shaping the future. Whether it’s through casting a vote in local or national elections, advocating for essential causes like period poverty, or courageously speaking out against injustice in the workplace, every action contributes to a larger wave of change. Her unwavering commitment to social progress serves as an inspiring blueprint for how individuals can harness their platforms, big or small, to champion a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. She emphasizes that the power to initiate and sustain change lies within each individual, and collective action amplifies that power exponentially.

In an era where challenges often seem overwhelming, Bush’s call to action is a powerful reminder that collective effort, fueled by individual conviction, has the capacity to transform societies. By understanding the issues, utilizing available resources like *I Side With*, and daring to speak truth to power, young women can indeed secure not only their own rights but also pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come. The future, as Sophia Bush firmly believes, is truly in their hands, awaiting the decisive actions of a generation ready to lead and advocate for the world they envision.