Amnesty International Elkins Invites State Representative

January 24, 2025 Texas State Representative Gene Wu Inspires Students at Elkins High School’s Amnesty International Club Missouri City, TX – The Amnesty International Club at Elkins High School had the honor of hosting Texas State Representative Gene Wu as a guest speaker, where he delivered an inspiring speech about democracy, civic engagement, and the power of youth activism. The event was led by Paarth Mathur, President of the Amnesty International Club, who welcomed Representative Wu and praised his dedication to motivating young Americans. “Mr. Wu is very passionate about encouraging youth to take action,” Mathur said. In his speech, Wu stressed that democracy thrives when voices unite, encouraging students that if they ever feel their voice is too small, they should gather others and make themselves heard together. He emphasized that young people should be empowered to pursue their passions beyond academics and urged them to go above and beyond in the things they care about. He also spoke about the importance of political engagement, suggesting that students work directly with politicians to bring about the changes they want to see in their communities. “That is real people power,” he said. Wu encouraged students to develop a broader perspective by listening to others and understanding different viewpoints, emphasizing that the best way to win an argument is by considering the opposing side. He also stressed the significance of local elections, explaining that officials at the bottom of the ballot often have the most direct impact on everyday life, and urged students to participate in their communities’ democratic processes. As a strong advocate for holistic education, Wu criticized the emphasis on "teaching to the test" in schools. He argued that education should not be limited to standardized exams and grades but should also include subjects such as the arts, music, social issues, volunteerism, and leadership training. He encouraged students to integrate their passions into their lives and to view them as more than just extracurricular activities. He reminded the audience that throughout history, young people have been the driving force behind societal change. He also addressed the growing polarization in society, urging students to move beyond demonizing others and instead help society evolve through mutual understanding. Amnesty International Club’s Commitment to Human Rights Advocacy Following Wu’s speech, Paarth Mathur reaffirmed Amnesty International Club’s mission to educate modern youth on global human rights issues. “We must welcome and encourage people of all races, genders, and backgrounds to have a voice. America is a melting pot, and just like in a soup, the more diverse the ingredients, the better the flavor,” Mathur stated. Mathur also announced that the club will expand its outreach efforts in 2025, pledging to support over 100 underserved and refugee children. Ms. Moncriffe, the club’s faculty sponsor, expressed admiration for the students' enthusiasm. “I was amazed by their participation and passion. I feel incredibly proud of these kids,” she said. With Representative Wu’s words resonating throughout the event, Amnesty International Club at Elkins High School is poised to continue making an impact—fostering a new generation of socially conscious, engaged citizens.