Westchester Education’s Post

[New Post] Youth Vote 2024: What Afterschool Programs Can Do There is no better time for youth to be involved in making a change through the ballot box. We can frame these efforts as “meaningful participation”, “civic engagement”, “youth leadership” or “community service”. There are a number of organizations and initiatives that have designed curriculums, program tools and other materials to assist afterschool providers in their efforts to engage youth in the 2024 elections. In this blog we cite several things that afterschool programs and their youth participants can do in regards to the 2024 election. (This blog is an excerpt from our recently released briefing paper entitled, How Can Afterschool Programs Promote Civic Engagement and the Youth Vote in 2024.) https://lnkd.in/gXqDf5ht

Dissatisfied with where our country is and is heading? Elections provide you with the most direct pathway to giving/changing its direction. Be wise. This statement from the article is false: “He said the politicization of school board races is a national trend that got its start during the pandemic.” School boards have been politicized for decades. For example, textbook adoption battles have been documented over many years. Boards make the final decisions about what books our students use and board members have been replaced for not serving the interests of their communities. Books contain values that are deployed through political processes. Voting is inherently political. Attempting to ersuade voters that politics has no business in school management is an example of declaring there is no place for ideas in decision making. Today’s college students were yesterday’s school kids. You must take local elections seriously.

Read Justice + Joy National Collaborative's latest blog post where we circle back to the Fixing Democracy focus group participants for their views on the election and the candidates! #GenZ #youthadvocacy #democracy #civicengagement #genderequity #genderjustice #racialequity #racialjustice

#Voter Awareness Campaign at H. L. International School, Greater Noida On April 26, 2024, H. L. International School in Greater Noida took a proactive step in fostering civic responsibility by organizing a #voterawarenesscampaign. With the upcoming elections on the horizon, the school recognized the importance of educating students about their right to vote and the significance of active participation in the democratic process. Participating in voting is crucial for several reasons: 1. **Civic Duty**: Voting is not just a right; it's a civic duty. It is a fundamental aspect of citizenship in a democratic society. By casting your vote, you actively contribute to the functioning of the government and the decision-making process. 2. **Voice in Governance**: Voting gives you a say in who represents your interests and values in government. It allows you to choose leaders who align with your beliefs and priorities, ensuring that your voice is heard in the legislative process. 3. **Influence Policies and Laws**: Elected officials make decisions on a wide range of issues, from healthcare and education to the economy and the environment. By voting, you have the opportunity to influence the direction of these policies and laws, shaping the future of your community, your country, and even the world. 4. **Accountability**: When you vote, you hold elected officials accountable for their actions. By participating in elections, you send a message to those in power that you are actively engaged in the political process and that you expect them to represent your interests faithfully. 5. **Protect Rights and Liberties**: Voting is essential for protecting the rights and liberties that are fundamental to a democratic society. By exercising your right to vote, you help safeguard the freedoms that many have fought and sacrificed to secure. 6. **Promote Diversity and Inclusion**: Voting ensures that diverse voices are represented in government. It allows for the inclusion of perspectives from different backgrounds, experiences, and communities, leading to more equitable and inclusive policies. 7. **Shape the Future**: Every vote counts, and collectively, they can have a significant impact on the direction of a nation. By participating in elections, you contribute to shaping the future for yourself, your family, and future generations. Overall, participating in voting is not just a privilege; it's a responsibility that empowers individuals to shape their communities and contribute to the democratic process. ⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒ Follow us: ⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒ Facebook: – https://lnkd.in/eu6ETfin My Business:- https://lnkd.in/erfkDvQ5 Linkedin: – https://lnkd.in/edzUBgnn Website: – http://hlischool.in Instagram: – https://lnkd.in/e6UfgzKh Youtube: – https://lnkd.in/eYdUxYYM

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, a significant majority of Americans express concern about the future of democracy in the United States. This concern is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, many of whom question the efficacy of democracy itself. Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to foster democratic engagement and restore faith in the democratic process. This article from AACU's Liberal Education gathers insights from seven distinguished academic leaders who share their perspectives on the intersection of higher education and democracy as we enter Fall 2024. What role do you think higher education should play in addressing political disillusionment and fostering democratic engagement among young voters?

🌟 We need a critical discussion on the pursuit of equality in America! 🌟 Despite being illegal, the legacy of redlining continues to cast a long shadow, perpetuating economic, educational, and health disparities across our nation. 🏠💼 😔 The recent Supreme Court ruling against race-based affirmative action in higher education and attacks on DEI initiatives further underscore the uphill battle for equity. 📌 Let's stand united in our pursuit of a fair and inclusive future. Together, we can overcome barriers and build a nation where everyone can thrive. 🌟 As we approach the upcoming elections, let's remember the power of our vote in shaping a more just society. ✊ #RacialEquity #VoteForChange https://lnkd.in/eWDrJ8JQ

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, a significant majority of Americans express concern about the future of democracy in the United States. This concern is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, many of whom question the efficacy of democracy itself. Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to foster democratic engagement and restore faith in the democratic process. This article from AACU's Liberal Education gathers insights from seven distinguished academic leaders who share their perspectives on the intersection of higher education and democracy as we enter Fall 2024. What role do you think higher education should play in addressing political disillusionment and fostering democratic engagement among young voters?

This is so powerful.

While voting is a key component of maintaining a thriving democracy and has not always been guaranteed for all citizens in the United States, many people, especially young people not old enough to vote, often find themselves looking for other ways to express their voice and participate in our democracy. So, what else can you do beyond just voting? Professor Ian McGregor in the College of Education & Human Development discusses the importance of civic engagement. #AskTheProfessor https://bit.ly/4dYmKtp

Children are likely going to learn about politics from somewhere. Friends, social media, relatives, etc. It’s important that they hear it from a reliable source too. Here are some tips to get the conversation going about civic responsibility with kids: -Make It Relatable: Show them how it relates to their life. Use real-life examples to get them connected. -Promote Critical Thinking: There’s more than one side to every story. Teach them the different perspectives and have them research and ask questions about the viewpoints. -Keep It Reliable: Being objective is essential! It’s important to make informed decisions. Ensure they have the proper tools to form their own opinions, free from bias. -Get Them Involved: Take them to community functions, like local government meetings, to get some hands-on experience. -Stay Consistent: These conversations shouldn’t stop when the election is over. Civic responsibility is a life-long duty. Make sure you have a safe space to discuss future topics. Check out the WeVote blog for more! https://ow.ly/CCbc50Trn9R