Civic Engagement
ASU Civic Engagement Task Force strives to be at the helm of all initiatives and issues of public concern on and off campus that affect the students of Albany State University.
WHAT IS CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Civic engagement means cultivating a combination of knowledge, resources, and relationships to advance the economic, environmental, and human well-being of our communities, through both political and non-political processes. Civic engagement is a commitment to active collaboration wherein individuals participate in transformational learning that is both life enriching and socially beneficial in the context of the global community.
(Adapted from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000, Preface, page vi).
WAYS TO ENGAGE
Albany State University provides opportunities to engage directly with the challenges facing Albany/Dougherty and the southwest Georgia region. There are many ways that students and faculty can make a significant impact on the lives of others. If you're a community member looking to partner with us, we want to hear from you.
Through academic courses and programs, along with co-curricular experiences, ASU students can become active participants in making positive change. Overtime, our students build skills that will serve them well in their lives as professionals and as members of communities beyond this region.
Through research, teaching, and collaborative projects, faculty and staff from across the campus play a vital role in advancing civic engagement. ASU supports its faculty and staff in all aspects of civic engagement—conceiving courses, projects, and programs; connecting with community partners; locating resources; and meeting logistical challenges.
As a result of all the above efforts we can leverage support through community-based collaborations on a variety of levels, from recruiting students in volunteerism, to providing long-term service internships, to engaging faculty in applying their expertise and experience to civic engagement.
Say YES to engagement!!!
GOALS OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Civic engagement is central to the historical foundation set forth by our illustrious founder, Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley in 1903. The goals of this task force are to:
- Establish relationships surrounding initiatives so that ASU students, faculty, staff and alumni can join in an intentional and progressive educational process that promotes responsible and continuous citizenship
- Assists members in recognizing their responsibility, as part of the larger community, to actively address social conditions through mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationships with community partners.
- Offers opportunities and programs that deepen students’ awareness and understanding of social and political issues and challenges students to develop a framework for responsible citizenship.
- Provides increasingly complex learning experiences that enhance the development of the skills needed to be effective citizens, including communication, collaboration, critical analysis, problem solving and leadership.
- Celebrates and rewards the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.
ASUVotes
Strives to increase campus voter engagement and turnout by organizing voter registration efforts, directing voter outreach and education, and facilitating other initiatives.
Students are the most crucial voting group for the country’s future.
Nationwide, young adults (including students) comprise nearly a quarter of the electorate and will soon replace Baby Boomers as the single largest voting cohort in the country. However, students vote at lower rates than nearly every other demographic, diluting their ability to act on the most important issues of our time.
Though ASU students have traditionally followed the nationwide trend of voter disengagement, the dynamic is beginning to change. Your voice matters and one vote can make a difference in many of the local elections.
IMPORTANT VOTER DEADLINES BY STATES. Read Here.
WHat's happening..
COMMUNITY/NATIONAL EVENTS
- Conversations for the Common Good on Constitution Day: Speaking Truth to Power—Election
2020 | Thursday, September 17, 11:45 a.m. PT
In honor of Constitution Day, the University of San Francisco and USF's Andrew Goodman Campus Team (USF Votes) are hosting a free online webinar about the importance of youth leadership, voter accessibility, and social justice initiatives in anticipation of the 2020 Election. USF Votes student leaders will speak, alongside special guests David Goodman, Andy's brother and the Vice Chairman of AGF's Board of Directors, and Clarence Jones, a civil rights icon. Register here.
- Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook | Tuesday, September 22, 5:45 p.m. ET
In partnership with Rutgers University Libraries, AGF is participating in a panel discussion about the film Rigged, which exposes today's voter suppression tactics and what we need to do to protect our democracy. The film screening begins at 5:45 p.m. ET, to be followed at 7:00 p.m. ET by a panel, including David Goodman, Christabel Cruz (Eagleton Institute at Rutgers), David Greenberg (Professor at Rutgers), Chenjerai Kumanyika (Assistant Professor at Rutgers) and Lorraine Minnite (Associate Professor at Rutgers). Register here.
- Capturing the Flag | Thursday, September 24, 8:00 p.m. ET
Presented by Ms. Magazine, Feminist Majority, Girls Learn International, Common Cause, and AGF, Capturing the Flag is a film about what's in store for the fast approaching 2020 Election and American democracy at its most vulnerable point. After the screening, I will participate on a panel, alongside Sylvia Albert (Common Cause) and Courtney Cardin (Power the Polls). Register here.
- Let the People Decide | Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 p.m. ET
AGF is offering a free link to view Let the People Decide, a film that explores the history of the voting rights struggle from the 1960s to today. Watch the film separately and then tune in at 7:00 p.m. ET on October 7 for a panel—including David Goodman, Clarence Jones, and Dave Dennis, who are featured in the film, and Gavin Guerra, the film's producer—discussing the film's major themes of voter suppression, racial injustice, and the significance of youth-led movements. Register here.
CAMPUS EVENTS
- Leveraging the Millenial and Gen Z Vote Among Collegiate Women of Color | Friday, Stepmber 18, 7:00 p.m. ET
- As women across the country celebrate the centennial anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement and the right to vote, there is still a group of marginalized women that we mustn’t ignore. Although Washington, DC was considered the headquarters of the fight for a constitutional solution to women's suffrage, women across the United States rallied, protested, organized, fundraised, and lobbied for local suffrage, state suffrage, and the passage of the 19th amendment. Our collegiate women of color now represent the new movement in the continuous fight for women’s rights. Rights that were overtly admitted from the constitution of these “United” State of America. This year, Gen Z and millennial voters will account for 37 percent of eligible voters. But political strategists wonder whether young people will show up to vote, given the challenges in voting during a pandemic and possible disenchantment with the political process. Hosted by: Leadership For Women. View Live
NEWS & NOTES
ASU does not necessarily agree nor disagree with the views expressed within the below articles, however, it important that our students are exposed all sides in order to make the best informed decision for them.
The Student Vote Is Surging. So Are Efforts to Suppress It. Read Here.
Wonder why student voting matters? Read this!
The fight for the right to vote in the United States - Nicki Beaman Griffin. Watch now!
What to expect from Gen Z voters in 2020 elections-PBS News Hour. Watch now!
Student Governent Association
Will be providing free shuttle transportation for those that wish to early vote. You must sign up in advance via the above link. As like other face to face events, you must have a valid Ram ID, the proper face covering and be on time. You will reciceve a confirmation and reminder email regarding your appointment. For more information regarding this initiative you may contact SGA@ASURAMS.EDU
EARLY VOTING SHUTTLE SIGN UP HERE
VOTER RESOURCES
- Register to vote
- Triple your vote by encouraging 3 friends to register
- ASU Campus Portal via The Andrew Goodman Foundation
VOTER FAQs
Q: When is the last day for students to register to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3?
A: The last day to register to vote in Georgia is Monday, Oct. 5. This deadline is
an important one for students who are permanent residents of Georgia, as well as those
students who call Georgia home while pursuing a degree at ASU. Voter registration
deadlines for all other states may be found at https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/.
Q: What about students who want to confirm they are already registered to vote?
A: Students can confirm their voter registration status by visiting https://www.vote411.org/.
Q: Where can students register to vote?
A: Students from Georgia and any other state can register to vote by visiting https://www.vote411.org/. It takes about two minutes to complete the process. Forty-one states, including
Georgia, offer online voter registration. Voter registration may also be completed
by mail.
Q: Where can students cast their ballots on Election Day?
A: Students who live in one of ASU’s eleven residence halls and are registered to
vote in Dougherty County can cast their ballots in person at the on-campus polling
location on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It is located in Lovett Hall East Campus.
Students who live off campus and are registered to vote in Dougherty County can find
their polling location at https://c97e0599-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/7kdohtso8-City_of_Albany-Dougherty_County_Precincts.pdf .
Students from other counties in Georgia can find their polling location at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do.
Students from other states can find their polling place at https://www.vote411.org/.
Q: Are students able to cast their ballots in person before Election Tuesday?
A: Students who are registered to vote in Dougherty County may cast their ballots
at the Dougherty County Board of Elections, located at, 222 Pine Ave, Albany, GA 31701,
between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 12-30.
Students from other counties in Georgia can find their advanced voting information
at https://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/advancedVotingInfo.do.
Students from other states can find their advanced voting information at https://www.vote411.org/.
Q: For those out-of-town students who are unable to return home to vote in person,
how can they cast a ballot?
A: Information about requesting an absentee ballot can be found at https://www.vote411.org/.
Q: Are students allowed to work at the polling locations?
A: Georgia students who are interested in serving as a polling location staff member
should visit https://securevotega.com/pollworker-signup/ to sign up. To serve as a poll worker students must be at least 16 years of age;
a resident or employee of the county where they wish to serve as a poll worker; and
able to read, write, and speak English. Poll workers are paid for their service.
Students from other states who are interested in serving as a polling location staff
member should contact their county elections official for more information.
Committee Members
| Terry Lindsay | Vice President for Student Affairs |
| Kenyatta Johnson | Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success |
| Dedta Williams | Associate Dean for Student Engagement |
| Frank Malinowski | Registrar |
| Antonio Leroy | Director, MALES Mentors |
| Octavia Parker | Manager, Ram Central |
| Anthony Morman | Greek Life & Diversity Engagement |
| Venessa McKinney | Student Leadership & Development |
| Rachel Lawrence | Social Media and Marketing Specialist |
| Jabari Ben | Area Coordinator, HRL |
| Jwana Washington | Center For Community Engagement |
| Aliyah Johnson | Studen Government Association, President |
| TyJa Barnes | Student Government Association, Vice-President |
| Ketrah Butler-Reed | NAACP, President & Student Government Association, Political Action Committee Director |
| Shelbi Ham | Student Activities Advisory Board |
| Danielle Prier | Velma Fudge Honors Council |
| Gerald Green | Greek Life & Diversity Engagement, Intern |
| Brianna Collins | Leadership For Women, Intern |
| Erica Boykin | Housing & Residence Life, Resident Assistant President |