It appears as though recent efforts, across a multitude of mediums, to engage younger people in the contemporary political scene have proved to be successful. Time projected that youth voter turnout in this year’s midterm elections would be historic, breaking previous years records, and post election research on civil engagement shows that those implications were correct. While younger Americans still aren’t the most engaged demographic, they are certainly gaining interest as time goes on.

That being said, it’s not unusual to hear that young people allow politics to aid their everyday lifestyle decisions – where to live, who to interact with, how to conduct themselves, how to dress, and a multitude of other choices that are influenced by our core principles. With regard to this, I believe the conservative perspective is worth observing. I’d like to shed light on a different set of values I’ve come to observe in conservative circles.

While not all young people align with the following sentiments, it appears as though many of us conservatives are turned off by the idea of living or spending time in U.S. cities, as they are characteristically more “liberal.” Natives and non-natives alike agree that the cultures of these cities are less than welcoming to more traditional-minded thinkers as cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City are exceptionally left-leaning and areligious. Even amongst Christian circles in urban areas, Leftism seems to be the dominant ideology of the inhabitants.

The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation (a nonprofit) conducted a poll which found that almost 6 out of 10 people in rural areas said Christian values are being scrutinized, compared to just over half of suburbanites and even fewer than half of urbanites. Is it any wonder that suburban and urban voters alike heavily supported Clinton and recently helped elect Democrats to Congress this midterm, by a wide margin? When there is not a proper representation of traditional ideology it becomes easier to demonize and write those individuals off as hateful or close-minded. This is the culture being cultivated in many of America’s largest cities, and if you’re not an individual with an unending infatuation for leftism it’s easy to feel out of place in the urban scene.

Nevertheless, we should still feel emboldened to engage. If we view urban areas as places that simply make us feel left out and ashamed, we grant one set of ideas too much power. We see this play out in urban environments because diversity of thought is limited to only left-wing opinions. By allowing one set of ideas to regularly go unchallenged, a severe imbalance and lack of tolerance for ideas outside of the “norm” takes place. This allows for misinformation to spreads, causing many to become less tolerant and less open to intellectual growth. Thus, properly representing a Christian conservative viewpoint in an eloquent and tolerant way will help provide the balance that American societies need.

One should also note that a balance of ideas would improve productivity; cities thrive when there is a healthy mix of conservative and liberal individuals, given the tendencies of both groups. Conservatives tend to thrive in areas of management and order, liberals thrive in the realm of creativity. When these two characteristics merge, it is possible for a superior atmosphere to be achieved.

Another reason for conservatives to be fearless in urban America is a rather simple one; big cities have many positive elements to offer. Many of them have a history that embodies the American spirit — one of dreams, dedication, and accomplishment. Cities are homes to business both big and small, incredible architecture, professional sports teams, historical sites, and a multitude of cultures fused with American values. These all can serve as ways to advance our understanding of the world and of the people around us. While the culture of leftism often accompanies these, it is very possible to separate the two and enjoy the value of the busiest places in our country. Individuals coming together over topics less divisive can aid in forming relationships and bringing a friendlier atmosphere to a politically charged and tense environment.

Obviously, these sound great in theory but are more difficult to execute. It would be silly to expect the mere presence of conservatives to directly result in the spread of conservative ideas, but I believe in the power of grassroots activism. There are ways that conservatives in big cities can cultivate change and work towards a more balanced vision.

Meeting with like-minded individuals in your city through churches and conservative organizations is a great way to mobilize ideas. This can range from evangelism to fundraising for charity to merely engaging the public through conversation. By being part of a group, you have the opportunity to engage the public more confidently. This also allows you to discuss more “controversial” topics, such as abortion (think March For Life), than you would otherwise like to, alone.

Being active in groups also allows for you to inspire other like-minded individuals who are not as confident to join your cause. Overall, getting involved with organizations who espouse conservative values is great for the development of self and the spreading of new ideas. We should understand that as young conservative thinkers, we are usually the only exposure to Christianity and conservatism that our peers may have. This should encourage us to deepen our knowledge in the principles we cling to in order to better explain our philosophy to those willing to listen.

And conservatives aren’t always as alone as they may think. One of the most liberal cities in America, Los Angeles, is home to the Daily Wire’s prominent Ben Shapiro, who is arguably this generation’s leader of the conservative movement despite the fact that those who think like him are a minority.

Finally, it’s vital to recognize that while politics and faith are important facets of life, it’s alright to branch out once in a while and enjoy life without having politics constantly permeating it. Having friendships outside what is referred to as an “echo chamber” can be especially helpful in growing your perspectives and understanding about the multitudes of philosophies that inhabit our world and the people in it. We need more diversity of thought in mainstream lifestyles; for young conservatives, the ball is in your court to make it happen.

The sentiment of looking down upon urban culture needs to come to a close. There is much work to be done in working to advance American culture in a healthy direction, and by embracing that journey in an ambitious fashion we can make a significant difference.