Local organizations are getting an early start on voter awareness for the upcoming presidential elections and other issues by allowing students to speak face-to-face with some of the country’s noted congressmen.
The Student Government Association, along with the Congressional Black Caucus and People for the American Way, will hold a town hall meeting Monday in Lee Hall at 7 p.m. to address student concerns and issues on current events.
The meeting, A Call to Action: An Evening with the Congressional Black Caucus on Education, Economy and War and Peace, will feature Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Elijah Cummings, Florida Senator Kendrick Meek and U. S. Senator Corrine Brown.
The meeting is part of a national town hall tour the CBC launched last year to allow the public to address and hear issues that take place on Capitol Hill. This year, the CBC will tour Historically Black Colleges and Universities to incite young adults.
The panel will discuss the current state and future of HBCUs, a look at the economy and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Congressman Elijah Cummings, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and a panelist for the event, said young adults are the most neglected block of voters in the country.
Monday’s town hall meeting is part of an outreach strategy to get more students involved in today’s national issues.
“What we are seeking to do is empower students to get involved in the political and policy-making process,” Cummings said. “On November 2nd, we will once again choose the men and women to whom our national future will be entrusted.”
The meeting, which will be moderated by City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, will give students a chance to ask questions to any of the panelists. Questions will be collected at the door upon entrance and administered to the panelists throughout the program for discussion.
SGA Vice President Virgil Miller said he is looking forward to the seminar and the outlet it provides for students to voice their opinions.
“It’s going to be good stuff,” said the 22-year-old graduate student from West Palm Beach. “We have to make sure a lot of people are in attendance.”
Cummings said reaching out to students and young adults early helps determine the future of current issues.
“It is imperative that students and young adults are involved in this process,” he said. “And, it is equally imperative that we, as elected representatives, engage the young adult population to ensure that they are able to make an educated and informed decision.”
DeAnna L. Carpenter can be reached at deannalynette@hotmail.com.