Now Reading
Students on 250 Campuses Nationwide Unite to Tell Their Peers to Get a Civic Life; Get Involved in Public Debates
Students on 250 Campuses Nationwide Unite to Tell Their Peers to Get a Civic Life; Get Involved in Public Debates
Published 02-17-03
Submitted by Action for Change
"You don't have to look far to know that what happens politically -- either locally or on the global arena -- has a tremendous impact on the everyday lives of college students. The Raise Your Voice campaign is about reminding us that we have a choice to make. We can sit back, wait and watch, or we can become informed and learn about the issues that impact our world," said Ben Brandzel, a student spokesperson. "With this campaign we are asking our peers to become involved in their communities and campuses and to exercise their right to voice their opinion and advocate for change."
A series of events, coordinated by students, faculty and community partners, have been organized on more than 250 college and university campuses as part of Raise Your Voice -- A Week of Action, Feb. 16 - 22. This week provides students with the opportunity to discuss critical public issues, such as the war in Iraq, hunger and homelessness, the state of the U.S. economy -- and to make their opinion heard by leaders at all levels.
"We are working with campuses nationwide to encourage college students to become active, informed and responsible members of their communities," said Elizabeth Hollander, executive director of Campus Compact. "It is our hope that through this campaign, students will heed President Bush's caution that we avoid becoming a 'nation of spectators.'"
Although the specific activities and events taking place during this week will vary from campus to campus, all will facilitate opportunities for students to speak out and act to create a more vibrant democracy. Events range from a forum at the University of California at Berkley on the relationship between public service experiences and political participation, to a student-led dialogue at the Missouri State Capitol involving college students and their legislators.
To learn about other innovative activities taking place on campuses across the country during Raise Your Voice, visit www.actionforchange.org/week .
The Raise Your Voice campaign is sponsored by Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 850 college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education, with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts. The initiative provides students with ideas, information and tools that will help them become more aware and involved citizens including a Web site, http://www.actionforchange.org , that features information and links to volunteer and civic opportunities.
