Sometimes, as a humble student, it's easy to feel hopelessly small at a university this large.
With more than 25,000 students at Auburn, it's not so far-fetched to think your voice will get lost in a whirlwind of other "more important" causes, including, but not limited to, tearing down the ever-aging Haley Center and once again restoring our football team to prominence in the ruthless SEC.
SGA meetings can be downright intimidating if you're not Greek, and the thought of yelling your concerns over fellow classmates--ones you know you'll see tomorrow in World Literature-can seem daunting to those who are prone to shyness.
Ironically, but perhaps for the best, it is easy to vote with your voice at Auburn's City Council.
City Council meetings are open to the public and covered under Alabama's Open Meetings Law, since they concern local government.
Every second Tuesday, nine elected representatives, including Mayor Bill Ham Jr., approve, reject and discuss a variety of topics ranging from new liquor licenses to possible racial discrimination from pizza parlors.
Toward the beginning of every meeting, there is a time called "Citizens' Communications" in which any resident of Auburn has five minutes to voice his or her concern, approval or appreciation as long as they state their name and address for the record.
I've seen a husband and wife come up and thank the council for tax rebates in opening a new business, but I've also seen a concerned man ask why the city demolished the only skate park his children could use. You just never know what kind of issues are going to be brought forward, and that's the odd beauty of being involved and staying informed in your city's affairs.
Especially in the age of computers and the Internet, it's even easier to keep informed about local government actions and decisions.
The agendas for the meetings are posted online at auburnalabama.org along with e-Packets chock full of original documents, laying out the exact discussions, evidence and explanations necessary to understand the processes happening.
It should be noted these elected representatives are real people, not robots, who care about the happiness of the citizens of Auburn and are always trying to improve our fair city.
After all, they live here too.
They are all approachable, kind individuals who will answer any question you have if you show a willingness to be involved and educate yourself.
Contrary to popular belief, Auburn University does not control the city of Auburn.
The University may be vital to the local economy, but it does not dictate the rules of our day-to-day affairs.
Tax-paying residents, including all of us students who pay a nine percent sales tax at our favorite bars, restaurants and shops, have a say in how our precious dollars get spent.
Don't think we need another bar? Address city council. Need a building permit to expand your house? Talk to City Council. Desperately need a road re-paved? City Council can help. Having a dispute with a local business? Let City Council alleviate your concerns.
The council may not be able to wave a magic wand and fix your problems on the spot, but they can certainly point you in the direction of much-needed assistance.
So I'm telling you this for your own good, Auburn. Go to a City Council meeting, listen, ask questions and have a say in what goes on in your city.
The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Council's chambers at 141 N. Ross St.
Even if you don't believe in the system or think nothing is going to come of it, not voting is essentially the same as lending votes to whichever side you're against.
The City Council may seem like a staff of aged Auburn residents with a negligible amount of power, but they run this city and, from my experience, are more than willing to help anybody interested enough to ask.
So take a poll with yourself.
Are you going to submit your complaints and ideas for reform to Facebook?
Or are you going to vote with your voice?
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