Committing to Civic Engagement

Committing to Civic Engagement

October 2, 2020 Uncategorized 50

One of the Bonner common commitments is Civic Engagement, defined as “when we participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging in public policy and social action.” Reflect on how you are seeing civic engagement in your own life, on campus, and in the news. This can include but is not limited to having discussions about issues, registering to vote, voting, volunteering, and so much more.

Also, check out this website for tons of information about voting. https://www.vote.org/

50 Responses

  1. Julia says:

    Civic engagement is extremely important to community development. This is the first presidential election that I am eligible to vote in and I am very excited to cast my ballot. Voting is one way people can help make change. Throughout this election season I have seen many young people encourage others to vote via social media platforms. In addition, Siena is committed to ensuring that all students vote in the upcoming election. For example, absentee ballots are available in Casey’s! In addition, President Gibson continuously sends emails regarding the importance of voting and information on how to make a safe voting plan.

    I also love immersing myself in the community through the Bonner Program. This semester I had the opportunity to work with children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area in their Troy location. I am hoping next semester I can continue in-person service.

    B-Love,
    Julia

  2. Sydney Maughan says:

    Civic Engagement, “when we participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging in public policy and social action.”
    In my own life I see civic engagement daily. Whether it’s when I’m talking about problems in current days society, volunteering, or even staying updated with what’s going on in the world politically through debates, etc.
    As for civic engagement on campus, I see it everywhere. So many clubs and classes are geared towards focusing and working on civic engagement. Especially with the presidential election being right around the corner, there is so much opportunities for involvement with voting. This is just one of the many things in which I see civic engagement on campus.
    In the news, there is what seems to be CONSTANT discussion about civic engagement, especially with a worldwide pandemic going on. Everyday I feel like I hear more about the things people in the community and our government are doing to help support people and businesses affected by the pandemic. This is just one of endless problems people are addressing daily and working to fix.

  3. Jackson Regan says:

    Civic engagement at all levels of government – local, state and federal – is important for advocating for our equal rights, as well as to hold our elected officials accountable. Civic engagement manifests itself in many different ways, the most important of which is voting. But in order to make the most out of one’s vote, it is important to first do extensive research on both sides of current topics, even the hot-button ones like abortion, which is something I try to do a lot of in my free time. Next, meet and discuss these issues with people you trust, and make sure that both sides of an issue are debated back and forth in a civil and cordial manner. This is something that is fostered in my Politics class, as well as just among me and my friends here at Siena. If a particular issue is of great importance to you, volunteer for advocacy groups that raise awareness about said topic, which is something many people are doing online, especially through social media. Contact your elected officials and let them know what your views are, and then keep calling them constantly to keep the pressure up. Lastly, and most importantly, vote for the officials who will stand up for what you believe is right.

  4. Stephanie Da Fonseca says:

    To me, Civic engagement is such a huge part of our society because I have democratic beliefs and I think a society that works together and cares for each other is a successful society, not just financially. When it comes to how it is apparent in my life and my surroundings, 2020 has been a rough year but also the year where I learned the most, where we see movements to protect the people we love. I became aware of issues that did not cross my mind before and made me aware of the privilege I have and how we can use it to fight. Siena offers so many ways for us to be involved, we have poetry readings, clubs, lectures, classes and so many other ways for us to learn and evolve. I always try to keep up with news and with social media accounts from activists and etc.

  5. Erin Spence says:

    Civic engagement has become an important part of my life, especially beginning with my time at Siena and in the Bonner program. Earlier this year when this new civil rights movement began, I became much more aware of the systemic issues, especially of race, that have existed in our societies for centuries. Throughout this year and the fight against the current pandemic, there are so many people that are actively fighting for change. While some of these actions are taken in person, there are also many virtual ways to create change. Social media has become a platform that many use, and it has become a place where I have learned a lot and gained new perspective. This is a form of civic engagement. Also, even though Bonner is looking a lot different this semester and we are not as directly connected with the community, I think we have still been able to have some really engaging conversations about the many issues that are still at play within these communities. The actions and conversations we have all been participating in with #DoTheWork have also been an important form of civic engagement that is helping us as individuals to listen, learn, and discuss further the issues that exist in our systems. Also on the individual level, I make sure to tune into the news as much as possible and watch the presidential debates to inform myself as much as possible so that I am prepared to make informed decisions on election day.

  6. Kiara Woodward says:

    Civic engagement, for me, has largely taken the form of voting this year. This election will be the first primary election that I am eligible to vote in and that carries a certain weight. That process included registering to vote, applying for absentee status, and voting via mail. Voting and civic engagement have been widely broadcasted throughout campus with events from the political science society all the way to the Damietta Cross Cultural Center. It is clear that voting and civic engagement is valued by Siena College. We, as Bonners, engage civically often by educating ourselves through trainings and actively working to serve our local community. It is interesting to think of all of the little ways we act as civic leaders in our campus community and in our community at large.

  7. Giavanna Pitagno says:

    This year has drastically increased the presence of civic engagement in my life. Turning 18 has led me to think about my civic duty to vote. Being on campus has only motivated me more to engage in politics and voting. I have learned so much about the history and importance behind voting through the numerous webinars and Bonner trainings over the past 2 months. I have also learned about the other aspects aspects of civic engagement- discussing injustices and serving others. These aspects of civic engagement have not only prevalent on campus- but have been made a priority in society. We have seen the discussion of injustices through the BLM movement, and the rise of service in wake of Covid-19. Although these times have been rough, it is has also been a time of unity throughout our communities and our campus.

    • Erin Spence says:

      I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling motivated by our Bonner webinars and trainings! I love your point about this time being an opportunity for unity. There are so many ways that these times can still feel isolating, but our civic engagement can be a piece that will bring us together as a community!

  8. Jack McKenna says:

    All over social media I’ve seen people advocating for and reminding people to vote. So many posts were letting people know when the last day to register was, where to register and how. On campus, specifically at Casey’s, they have the forms necessary for voting and registering. Our new president, Dr. Gibson, is a big advocate for civic engagement. He sent out an email encouraging students to get involved, with information on how to. Voting is important in a democracy. Unfortunately ours is currently under attack by our current administration. From attempting to invalidate mail in ballots to defunding to postal service to closing polling stations in major cities, voting is becoming increasingly difficult. With that, our trust in the system is going away, this is dangerous and a slippery slope into fascism. Fortunately, the best cure to fascism is to vote! SO VOTE!

  9. Tori Mangelli says:

    Civic engagement is so important in today’s society. I think it is important for all of us to use our right to vote as part of civic engagement. This gives us an active voice in society. I have also sparked conversations about social justice issues between friends and family. These conversations are really constructive because everyone comes out learning something new. As Bonners, I think we are more civically engaged compared to most people our age, which can be a good thing because we can try to influence others to becomes more involved through our conversations.

  10. Ecli Vazquez says:

    Civic engagement is really important because it helps with filling the gap of the people that are in need of assistance. This can be giving out food or even helping someone that is struggling with a tuff job. In recent months I’m loving the motivation that people outputting in recent years when it comes to voting. Throughout the years I never imagined voting to become so popular as in recent years it was something that downplayed. I’m really glad this happened the fact that people want to go out there and vote is amazing. Everyone shouldn’t think as a hassle but something that can be done to get your voice heard when it comes to voting. Also, love how Black Lives Matter came back into the mainstream of media and I feel it should stay there until solid changes are made.

    • Erin Spence says:

      Yes!! Voting is a privilege and everyone should be using the opportunity as a way to create change within their own communities and throughout the country.

  11. Sarah Ahmed says:

    I have seen civic engagement in the Siena community in my own life, and on the news within the past few months than ever before. I have never been an active follower or participant in politics, but in these past months, I have made sure to stay updated on events that occur within my community and the world. In the news and in every social media app, voter registration has been actively encouraged. Citizens everywhere have registered to vote, have created a voting plan in this year, and begun to vote than in the 2016 election. So far more people have voted in the election and it is not even election day which shows how civic engagement has dramatically increased. Social issues that have existed for decades have also been thoroughly discussed and people in communities, and I included, have made sure to educate ourselves on these issues. People have placed civic engagement as a priority in 2020 than in past years and I cannot wait to see the further (hopeful) changes because of this.

  12. Maura Lynch says:

    Civic engagement is an important aspect of contributing fully to your community and fulfilling your duties to society. Especially in the past few months, I have seen an increase in being held accountable for your civic engagement. With November quickly approaching, the call to get out and vote is louder than I’ve ever heard, even in 2016. Since our country is in the middle of a pandemic, people rightfully believe that we need a leader who will put the people of this country first. Without exercising our rights to vote, we are not putting the betterment of this nation and its people as our priority.

  13. Lulama Nyembe says:

    I’ve not been one to focus much on politics, but this year I think I have definitely become more actively involved in seeking out information about the upcoming election. Since I am not too familiar with the American democratic process leading up to an elected president, I have sought out information that fills in the gaps for me. I have also heard more voices on campus this year talking about voting and voter registration, student, and faculty alike. As Bonners, we’ve spoken about voting rights and voter suppression before, but it’s always been something that happens within our spaces. Hearing these conversations happen more frequently outside of Bonner has very beneficial and informative in that it allows for the addition of different ideas and perspectives to the discussion. The 100% voter registration initiative that Dr. Gibson has undertaken has also helped student awareness and access to and of their role as young people who are able to vote. There has also been a discussion, mainly in the media, regarding mail-in voting this year, which I think given that we are still in the midst of the pandemic and will likely continue to be by the time the elections roll by, it is an important discussion to have. I am excited to see how things will unfold moving forward.

  14. Nancy Rasmussen says:

    I see civic engagement in many aspects of my own life. From various social media posts explaining the importance of voting to different protests around the world, civic engagement seems to be everywhere. One specific place I see civic engagement is on Siena’s campus. Siena is pushing for 100% of their students to vote in this upcoming election. I find this to be extremely important, considering the high stakes of this election. It is important to vote because it is not only one’s civic duty to vote, but it is also one’s duty as a citizen to care about the future of our country and whose hands this country ends up in.

  15. Kate Callery says:

    I came to understand the term “civic engagement” when I was touring Syracuse University, they had a program I was incredibly interested that was ultimately beat out by the Siena College Bonner Program (lets go saints!) Howver, I have come to really engage with my own civic responsibility in my last few years. Maybe it was going to Vietnam, or experiencing distrust in administration at Siena, but I’ve really learned the power of voice – even if it is just one voice. This year I have been lucky enough to be part of the Siena Votes imitative. I really enjoyed stepping into freshman seminars and explaining the importance of voting. Additionally, though it’s off to a somewhat rocky start, I am really exciting to be teaching the sophomores about policy and how that can change our communities. I think civic engagement to mean really emphasis the word engagement. We must work to constantly be aware and involved in our communities to turn it into the communities that stress love and respect! PLEASE VOTE and use the amazing voice you all have!

  16. Jonathan Limey says:

    Civic Engagement is a very important aspect of being an ally and a citizen. Not only is knowing the social justice issues important but knowing how to help and what the country is doing is vital to society. As we get closer and closer to an election I see an increase in civic engagement in our age group, but a decrease from those of later generations. This may be because of technology or because their decision is already made but I feel like a majority of the older generations aren’t taking this period of change to educate themselves on issues of race, healthcare, immigration, taxes, and so much more. With the race in particular it is hard to have a conversation with some people who grew up believing one way and therefore they aren’t open to the conversation. It is really sad because of the openness to learning so important nowadays. I only hope that the world continues to change and people come to be more open to conversations like the wonderful one’s I am able to have thanks to Bonner.

    • Kate Callery says:

      Wow as I read this I was just snapping along! I really like what you say about ally-ship and how technology is becoming a basis for civic engagement! Don’t give up on older generations – make grandma and her book club support my Trans-Sister’s music career more than anyone else I know!

  17. Chandler Edbauer says:

    I see civic engagement everyday of my life. I personally vote for every election and do the research for those. I volunteer in my community but I also listen to the town board meetings in my town which are normally pretty boring but honestly have a lot of information. My father used to be town supervisor and is currently involved in my town in some manner. I enjoy attending the meetings when I can but listen to what is happening in my community and doing something about it is important as well. I think it is important for people to know what is happening in their town because you live there and are impacted. A lot of people don’t know certain people or the jobs they do but they are appointed or run every year. It is important to be involved but also understanding how other people’s involvement impacts your life.

    • Kate Callery says:

      YES!!! I’m so proud of you Chan-man, elections and civic engagement shouldn’t be limited to presidential elections but rather every moment of every day!

  18. Abeer Jafri says:

    Civic Engagement has always been important, but now it’s vital more than ever with an important election coming up and many national issues such as the BLM movement and the pandemic. It makes me happy to see the large amount of civic engagement growing this year; people are encouraging each other to vote, people are donating and speaking up about social justice issues, and more. Personally, I stay engaged by initiating important conversations with friends and family members about these topics, as well as voting and my work for Unity House. I think as much as this past year has brought immense adversities, it has somewhat brought us together as well to try and make change in the nation.

    • Erin Spence says:

      You are so right, this is such an important year for civic engagement! I love to hear that you are stepping up and initiating these difficult, but important conversations with the people around you.

  19. Samantha Lunt says:

    The topic of civic engagement has been more prevalent in 2020, with the current climate of our country. With this being an election year and everything that has taken place people have seen the need to be more involved now than ever. People are coming together to speak up on issues that they are passionate about and that is what civic engagement is, being an active member of ones community. It is so important to get out an vote because it matters. Everyone has a voice and when people vote it is a great way to use it and a privilege that should never be taken for granted.

  20. Dana Wakeman says:

    Civic engagement is seen throughout society right now especially with the BLM protests and with the upcoming election. Many people are discussing important social justice issues with their families and friends or posting about resources on social media, and people are also getting registered to vote and making voting plans. On Siena’s campus, we have created voter engagement strategies by providing registration forms, absentee ballot application, and a link to these forms for other states. In Bonner, we registered to vote, made voting plans, and have discussed important social justice issues.

    I want to continue to work to get people interested in and engaged with politics because people fought and died for us to have the opportunity to share our voice by voting, protesting, and volunteering. I hope to use my professional career to make sustainable change in politics so that the voices of all people are included and respected in the conversation.

  21. Nicole Pazarecki says:

    Even though their is a lot of sadness in the world right now, I am seeing a lot of good. During these troubling times I am seeing good people doing their part of doing the right thing of spreading kindness and good actions. I see this through the Bonner program on our campus. The freshmen are working hard to adapt to the Bonner program and full of life and energy. The sophomores are doing a great job of working on policy work created by one of our own Bonners. Finally the juniors and seniors are creating their community based capstones that will impact their non-profit into a positive way. As a result, passionate people are still doing their part of creating new opportunities for people who don’t have the ability to do it by themselves.

  22. Harriet Koblenzer says:

    There has been a huge push this election year for everyone to vote. In the U.S. we have terrible civic engagement, specifically voting, numbers. In 2016 only about 55% of the voting population voted in the presidential election, and the numbers are even worse for State and local elections. Personally I have been very vocal about voting to my family, even in local elections. I have volunteered to help at the polls on election day in my town since the start of high school, but started getting really serious this past year about voting and pushing my family to vote at every election. I really appreciate the initiative to get 100% of Siena students registered to vote. This move shows the importance of civic engagement, and that Siena recognizes it’s importance.

  23. Kayla says:

    Civic engagement is about being an active member of society while doing one’s civic duty. Everyone has a civic duty to society to participate when certain justices occur to enforce change and awareness. Without this, change can not be accomplished and everyone’s voice remains silent. People have the right and ability to speak and this could be done through voting and protesting on certain injustice issues. This year 2020 has been hectic, however, it is the year of re-election. This means people need to be held accountable for doing their civic duty to vote during this presidential election. Every vote matter and counts and if people want to enact change and/ or do not like what is happening in our country, voting is the way to do so. On-campus I have seen a lot of encouragement to vote. Paperwork for the polls are in the SSU and teachers have taken time out of their lectures to express that voting is important. Voting is a privilege that everyone can not have in every country so taking advantage of that helps have a voice.

    • Kate Callery says:

      Yes let’s hold people accountable! It is so valuable to be aware of others actions and what messages they send. Snaps for active bystanders.

  24. Parker Taft says:

    Civic engagement has been seeing a revival in popularity in recent years and has been expounded upon from politician to High School Principal alike. Something that has only expanded during 2020 due to the current political climate and the sense of communal struggle and dependence brought about by the COVID 19 Pandemic. In my own life, I have witnessed many people urging people to get out and vote from tv pundits and movie stars to professors and friends, even to the apps I use on a daily basis. Siena College is doing everything it can to ensure that 100% of the campus registered to vote in this election and that as many people as possible vote. We have also seen a rise in interest in government policies and how those policies affect our lives, especially on the local governmental level. I have seen many people in my community start to re-evaluate the role government plays in their everyday lives and taking genuine interest and concern in the policies and laws that govern and affect our lives on the local state and national level. The first and most important step is to get educated on the issues and more and more people are doing just that.

    • Alexis D'Aloia says:

      You are so right– it is SO important to get educated on the issues at hand and I’m glad to see our campus playing a role in encouraging us all to vote. I also mentioned being urged to vote from all different things such as tv, celebrities, social media apps. Civic engagement is becoming more and more apparent for us and it’s cool to see us as young adults being a part of the cause.

  25. Nora Diede says:

    Civic engagement has become very important in recent months and should be important for our entire society. With an election coming up on November 3rd, many people are voting by mail and preparing to vote in person. This is a crucial part of civic engagement as it allows people to have a voice in the democratic process, and speak up about what they want to see in this country’s policy initiatives. Civic engagement can also be seen during this global pandemic that has taken control of the lives of every citizen. People are advocating for mask mandates and encouraging others to practice safe social distancing. People are talking about this issue and advocating that lawmakers ensure that the nation is heading towards becoming safe from the virus. Civic engagement is also very common in the news in the wake of the Black Lives Matters protests that have been ongoing since May. This is an extremely important aspect of civic engagement as the people are addressing major flaws in a system that is meant to protect all people. By protesting, voting and having conversations with people that need to be informed about the issues in the United States criminal justice system, people are actively engaging in the democratic process and attempting to better our society. Finally, on Siena’s campus the goal of emphasising the importance of civic engagement is very clear. The administration is making a point to engage students in the democratic process by providing them with areas to register to vote, send ballot request forms and absentee ballots.

  26. Nia Colon says:

    Civic engagement is working to make a difference in one’s community. I have been seeing civic engagement on campus more now than ever. I have seen it with voter registration. There have been several stations in the dorm buildings where they had absentee ballot request forms.

  27. Alexis D'Aloia says:

    Civic engagement seems to be something talked about now more than ever. With the current political climate and all the events that 2020 has brought us, it has seemed to push our society towards civically engaging as major issues are at stake. In my own life, I have family and friends urging me to vote this year as well as every social media app and site that I utilize. I can’t log on anymore without it asking me if I have registered to vote! Friends post on their stories asking about voting plans, and encourage everyone to participate and have their voices heard. There are many efforts across campus in which multiple campus organizations are working together to ensure our community votes. President Gibson strives to have our entire campus registered for this election! There are ballot drop boxes in centrally located areas of campus to make the process smoother, and voting information set on tables in highly trafficked areas. We of course have these conversations in Bonner, and I also see them happening in my social work classes and other groups I am a part of!

    • Nicole Pazarecki says:

      Hi Alexis,

      I agree with you! Siena is very active of getting people on campus to vote and I have seen it.

  28. Mara Golden says:

    To me, civic engagement means doing my part for my community and society. There are many ways that our service through Bonner helps the surrounding communities of the Captial Region. Another way we see civic engagement is through voting. Anyone who is eligible to vote can help make such a big difference in the country around us. Not only can voting help change the country at large but within the smaller communities. Voting for local and state officials is just as important. Siena is also promoting voting and getting registered to vote. Many high schools do not all about voting, which they should, so I find it great that Siena is going out of their way to help educate and prepare their students to vote.

  29. Tristan Hunzinger says:

    Civic engagement means doing your duty as a productive member of your community and society. This is often reflected in politics, as it is our civic duties to register and vote for elected officials in local, state, and national governments. The “vote” movement has been more prevalent this year than in past years. Athletes are encouraging people to vote, as are celebrities and other notable people who have the influence to reach many people. Hopefully, this can continue to occur each year.

  30. Rachel Gifford says:

    In my own life I have become more civically engaged while at college. I have learned more about the importance of being civically engaged and I have taken steps to become a part of the process. I have registered to vote, and I recently got my absentee ballot!!!! I am excited to vote and to become a more active citizen! I see civic engagement a lot on campus! From protests to the get out to vote push on campus. Students want to be involved and create change within and outside of Albany. I know that Covid has impacted a lot of activities on campus, but students are finding new ways to be Civically engaged. I don’t watch the news very often, but I have been on social media and I have watched the debates. I think that our generation is taking a greater interest in being involved in civic engagement. We want to vote, and we want to learn more about how we can get involved! This is a crazy time, but it offers many opportunities for great change.

  31. Marlie says:

    I think now, civic engagement is more important than ever. I have definitely seen college students in particular encouraging others to educate themselves and vote. Having difficult conversations and listening to other people’s opinions are a good way to solidify or challenge your previous thoughts. It is important to see all sides of an argument to fully know where you stand. I see so many people, including myself, with absentee ballots ready to have their voices heard. Siena has also posted many reminders to encourage students to vote and the deadlines to register/ apply for an absentee ballot. In live, there are opportunities where we need to step up or step back. In this case, stepping up is necessary to protect those whose voices aren’t heard.

  32. Amanda Molloy says:

    Civic engagement is so important always, but especially in today’s world. I see this happening on campus through the initiative to get everyone registered to vote. I have requested my absentee ballot and intend to use my right to vote as part of being civically engaged. I see civic engagement in service and volunteering everywhere but specifically I have been going to the YWCA which has allowed me to engage in social action through the food bank and learning about food security and has allowed me to work with members of the surrounding community. In my personal life, I have had tough conversations about relevant topics in todays political climate with my family. To be actively civically engaged is not always easy but is is very necessary today and always.

    • Alexis D'Aloia says:

      I’m glad to hear you have had positive experiences that have helped you learn and grow at YWCA! I can’t wait to see all that you do moving forward. I also hear you on having difficult conversations with family. I have had these conversations as well, and as hard as they may be, it is so important to keep the conversation going to help educate ourselves and others!

  33. Abigail Hoekman says:

    Civic Engagement is a crucial part of entering the adult world in this country. Recently, I myself have registered to vote. Although I am 21 and could have done this years ago, I felt I finally had enough education to pursue this level of civic engagement through voting. I do not take this decision lightly and know that it is a privilege to be able to engage in voting and have my voice heard. It is a privilege I do not ever want to take for granted and am still always trying to educate myself to leverage this privilege for those whose voices are not being heard by means of voting, such as prisoners, immigrants, and many children who do not have a say in the formation of their future. I engage in issues of social action and policies through discussions with family and friends, and sometimes even strangers at club meetings on campus. It is vital that we all take the time to listen to one another. I find it is so easy for people to share their opinion without asking the other in the conversation what their perspectives are and why. I think exploring opposing or similar views by asking meaningful questions is one of the best ways we can learn and develop a more well-rounded and accurate perspective of how the democratic process influences all people.

  34. Samantha Gisleson says:

    2020 has been a year full of surprises and challenges, but it has also been a year of civic engagement. People, especially young people, have taken to social media to demand social change; to demand change to the institutions in America that have been designed to help the few and harm the many. Not only did people come together to demand justice for people like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, but we also came together to demand change to a system that has been broken since the beginning. Now, more than ever, people have taken to social media to express the importance of voting. No change will ever happen in this country unless we vote the people into office that actually want to make these changes. The time is now to change the world, and we can do that by exercising our right to vote. It is inspiring to see this amount of civic engagement -related work on social media, but I can only hope that the poles are as filled with votes as my Instagram feed is filled with “register to vote” posts.

  35. Michael Averill says:

    Although 2020 has presented us with its fair share of challenges, one positive that has come out of this year is an increase in civic engagement. This year, it has been impossible to look away from what is happening in our country. While the coronavirus pandemic has woven its way throughout every aspect of American life, a summer of social unrest put nationwide inequities at the forefront of every news cycle. 2020 has been a year offering the personal reflection time that is needed for each and every American citizen to question their own civic duties and role in our people-led government.

    Democracy is fragile. It is important that we never forget this. If we do not participate in our elections, if we do not unionize over the mistreatment of our workers, and if we do not demand action in the face of injustice, then we are remaining complicit to government ruled by the few, rather than the many. It is absolutely essential that we as Americans recognize the power that we hold, not only as voters, but as socially conscious people. We must vote not only for the fate of our federal government, but also for our states, counties, cities, and towns. Up and down the ballot, we can call for change by casting votes for legislators who will determine our laws, district attorneys who will decide how to prosecute crime, and county sheriffs that shape our methods of policing. So please vote, and convince those close to you to vote as well. Our institutions of democracy depend on it.

  36. Ava Bibisi says:

    Throughout society, especially during today’s time, civic engagement is clearly visible. There are several unhappy people coping with the way our society has shifted and trying to act in ways to address these concerns. Personally, over the last few months because of my takeaways from Bonner Seminars and the discussions throughout the Siena campus, I’ve become more engaged in taking action when it comes to voting. Voting is a privilege and pertaining to my vote, it is an opportunity to have my voice heard. Being a woman it is important to continue the incline for woman’s rights and to not feel undermined by alternate opinions. I’ve grown in feeling more comfortable becoming engaged in greater realms to protect the values of the public and to make a difference in the community.

  37. Cody Romani says:

    Civic engagement is a super important aspect of society. During the last few months especially, I have engaged in conversations concerning social justice issues with my family as well as my peers. There are lots of examples of injustice occurring in our communities today which needs to be addressed. I want to continue to have uncomfortable conversations about race and other social justice issues so that I can become more inclusive and understand my white male privileges. I enjoy learning from the experiences of my peers and determining ways I can be better. Pertaining to voting, I just received my absentee ballot in the mail a few days ago. I am excited to use my right to vote in this upcoming election and to have my voice heard. I am lucky to have opportunities to discuss social justice issues at Bonner meetings while engaging in civic engagement.

    • Alexis D'Aloia says:

      Woohoo! Excited to hear that you are voting!! It’s also cool to hear that you have been engaging in these important conversations with friends and family. I like that you said you enjoy learning too, because there’s always more for us to learn!

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