Project Vote Smart: The Importance of Civic Engagement
Phi Theta Kappa Focus
Phi Theta Kappa, from this moment forth, we will not only be known as the best that community colleges have to offer, but we will be further characterized by our drive as civic-minded scholars," Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Rod Risley said as he addressed members at the recent International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Risley challenged all chapters in attendance to take up the responsibility to further civic engagement in America. "We as a nation are more uninformed, self-focused and disengaged than ever before."
A key aspect of civic engagement is a citizen's right to vote. Trend reports from recent years have shown a steady decline in political engagement. With voter turnout declining by 13 percent over the past 25 years, Project Vote Smart, Phi Theta Kappa's voter awareness initiative, is certain to have a significant impact during this election year. "As the polls closed in the 2000 Presidential election, few would have believed the outcome would hinge on just 537 votes...what is the lesson to be learned from 2000? We all have the responsibility to our country to vote," said Dawneen Banks, 2003-2004 Division IV International Vice President.
In a recent Harvard University report, 85 percent of undergraduates prefer community volunteerism to political engagement. Encouraging voters, especially young voters with whom the trends show such significant regression, is paramount this election year. Phi Theta Kappa's Project Vote Smart initiative in partnership with the Project Vote Smart organization will join the recent pop culture boom in encouraging political engagement. "Encouraging young voters to get involved in the electoral process continues to build momentum. For those people who are getting involved for the first time or those who have been turned off by the political climate of today, I hope that Project Vote Smart can provide a valuable resource. Whether you are trying to find out how to get registered, or you are looking for straight facts on those candidates seeking your vote, we can help," said Brian Tagliaferro, National Director of the Project Vote Smart Organization.
The Project Vote Smart initiative is a two-pronged initiative, which not only promotes voter registration, but more importantly voter education. " We need to be prepared to make the best decisions possible. When it comes to elections, we need to be well-informed, or our votes are wasted," says David Zahn, a member from Kingwood College in Texas.
Phi Theta Kappa chapters appear to be the best agent for changing trends regarding political engagement among community colleges and communities in general. This is due in part to Phi Theta Kappa's history of proaction, and Phi Theta Kappans' willingness to lead by serving. "As Phi Theta Kappa members, we have the honor and responsibility to set an example and be future leaders," says Nebraska/Wyoming Regional President Meghan Kurtz. "We have an incredible opportunity, and if we don't speak up we may lose that opportunity. If we don't speak out, who will?"
Project Vote Smart will run until Election Day '04 on November 2. Phi Theta Kappa encourages chapters to get involved on their campus and in their communities and educate voters, so knowledgeable choices will be made at the polls. Ideas may be found on Phi Theta Kappa's Project Vote Smart website, www.ptk.org/chapters/votesmart.htm. Members will be able to find ideas on how to get their chapter involved, as well as a link to the Project Vote Smart organization website. The Project Vote Smart flyer included in this edition of the Golden Key is also a valuable source of ideas on how to get your chapter involved. After completing Project Vote Smart activities, Phi Theta Kappa encourages chapters to submit the Project Vote Smart Participation Form found on the website.
John Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." One of the greatest things you can do for your country is to become politically and civically engaged, and Vote Smart.
For information regarding Project Vote Smart, contact Chapter Programs Assistant Garon Tate at 601.984.3555.
Report your Project Vote Smart Activities: If your chapter is involved in Project Vote Smart, submit a Project Vote Smart Participation Form available at www.ptk.org/chapters/votesmartform.htm to tell us how your chapter is voting smarter this election year!
