day 11 politics

Good morning, Monks!

A week from today, our first wave of first-year students will hit the campus - the Class of 2024.  It's exciting, and terrifying.   Exciting, because, this is what we do.  Terrifying because, for me personally, I'm just never quite as prepared as I'd like to be when move-in day hits for our new and returning students.  But...we've covered that, (see Day 12).

As if we all weren't already terrified and excited enough - 2020 is an election year!  For many of our students, not just the incoming class of 2024, but for all of our students, this is likely the first national election they've had the opportunity to participate in.  That's a big deal.

At Saint Joe's, we're proud of being a place that is voter-conscious.  We've been named a Voter-Friendly campus by the All In Democracy Challenge, and if you haven't registered to vote yet, we can show you how to do it, or, we can provide a contactless option here.

But, you've probably heard enough of all the "vote!" and "civic responsibility" and "I'm not political" so I'm calling in some extra help to move this narrative along (to that last point, I say, well, you may not be, but there are people who are, and their vote will dramatically alter your life, in every corner of it, so let's just call it even and cast your vote, ok?)

I mentioned my colleague Kimberly Post in an earlier.....ummm....post....about sustainability and pollinator gardens.  I'm back with some information from her about change-making, voting, and getting involved (yes, she's that talented).  I asked her to give us some details about where to start.....if you're political, if you're not, if you're curious, and everywhere in between.

Here she is:

"It’s time to be a Changemaker.  Life is complex, and we are living in complicated times that call for all of us to be co-creators of our collective future — for ourselves, for each other, and for the environment. College is the perfect time to become a changemaker by practicing engaged citizenship and community participation.
  • Check out this Maine student podcast on Spotify: Your Vote Matters.
  • Go to vote.org to check your voter registration status, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and request voting reminders.
  • Join the Political Science club on campus this year.  Nope, you don't have to be a Political Science major to join.
  • And finally, did you know that Maine is ranked as one of the top 10 states where young people can influence the elections? Top 10 States/Districts by Youth Electoral Significance.
A recent poll found that young people believe they can lead the change in this unprecedented election cycle — this is YOU! You ARE the change."
I'm feeling inspired.  If you are, and want to become more involved, contact KP. (she gave me permission to say that) - while she's on-campus, start off with an email, she'd love to hear from you.  kpost@sjcme.edu.
Have a great day, everyone.  See you real soon.
Matt

Matt Goodwin is the Dean of Students at Saint Joseph’s College.

Along with a team of change-making Campus Life professionals in the areas of Student Engagement & Residential Living, Counseling Center, Health & Wellness Center, Campus Safety, and the Mercy Center, Campus Life supports students’ holistic personal development, learning, and empowerment in service to a global community.