“After a few years at this school, I’m still trying to figure out what student activism means. And if we show any.” —K, Trinity ’10.

After sitting at the West Campus bus stop for a total of three hours over the past two weeks, I have two observations: first, I’ve learned that umbrellas are nature’s way of preventing heat stroke; second, I’ve found that not many people want to talk about social activism on campus (except for K). Activism, to me, is defined as the type of involvement that has an impact on social causes.

K raises an important question. It would seem that we take pride in exhibiting leadership that makes a positive difference in the world. But think about it this way: Would a friendly alien visiting Duke for one day be able to tell that students care about social causes in their communities?

I offer the interpretation that student activism is not a visible part of our campus culture (gasp!), for two reasons. Firstly, the majority of our activism takes place outside of campus. Secondly, there is a dichotomy of how involved individual students are in social issues. But I do think the resources and passion for change exist.

Duke students have many chances to work for social causes. I moseyed on over to the Duke Center for Civic Engagement’s Web site and did a general search for all the volunteer opportunities in Durham. Holy diver! In this search alone were exactly 381 postings (trust me—I counted). I was so overcome with activist spirit that I couldn’t help but mouse-click to DukeEngage’s website, where I found 31 immersion programs. Add that to an infinite variety of individual programs with full funding, and it is clear that we’ve got the goods to make a difference.

Most of these opportunites, however, are physically removed from the Duke community. Of the 381 postings on DCCE’s Web site, only eight were on Duke’s non-medical campus (that’s 2 percent, or an F-). Almost all of DukeEngage’s immersion programs are outside of Durham. I’m not saying that this is bad, or that we need to start protesting for an 8-week program called “DukeEngage: The Bryan Center.” The numbers simply show that the vast majority of student volunteerism happens away from the Duke community.

The dichotomy of student involvement also detracts from the visibility of activism on campus. Only one student of roughly 30 I talked to even mentioned activism to me at the bus stop. Try it yourself: Next time you’re at The Loop just sit and listen to others (as if you don’t already). Everyone talks for an hour, but that hour is devoted entirely to either their night on Saturday, their test on Wednesday or the new non-profit that they’ve been starting since birth. We lack a middle ground.

Taken together, these two factors result in a campus where most activists don’t publicize their work. I tutored with America Counts my sophomore year, and though I spent a lot of time off campus doing fulfilling work, once I got back I didn’t share my experience with anyone besides my fellow tutors.

Perhaps if the University were to offer more opportunities for service projects on campus, students could make a visible change with a more flexible time commitment. If the University then offered more programs that celebrate and connect causes that students work for, the necessary dialogue will happen to make activism more apparent in our daily lives.

But most importantly, students need to be encouraged to offer their time as much as their money. It needs to be that in-your-face kind of inspiration that lasts beyond a week and without the presence of a tangible incentive.

Let’s take the case of Purple. The new student organization’s mission reads, “Purple is a social enterprise that uses music and fashion to inspire activism.” Last week the group raised funds for different causes through T-shirt sales and a concert. They plan to host opportunities after last week to continue connecting students to non-profits and to each other. Purple’s idea is great, and everyone who is a part of the organization should be commended. It is a creative way to raise money for worthwhile causes.

However, Purple’s ability to inspire student activism is still unknown. Students need to understand that Purple, and activism itself, is more than a concert and T-shirts. To be successful, the organization must continue to bring students together who would not otherwise care to work towards a social cause.

In fact, Purple’s future efforts may be even more important than the work they have already done. If Purple fails to actually connect students, then something that began with tremendous potential will become just another week-long fundraising initative. I think it is capable of much more.

As of right now, I would have to agree with K’s bus-stop fear that student activism is not a visible part of our campus culture. However, we have the student passion and University resources necessary to make any alien realize the great work our fellow students do. Until then, I’ll still be sitting at the bus stop listening to your stories (and starting my application for a DukeEngage program in the Bryan Center).

Kousha Navidar is a Trinity senior. His column runs every other Tuesday