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October - Civic Engagement

So here we are sliding directly into next month's Presidential election with a sure bet it'll live up to 2020's reputation thus far. You may feel a growing desire to brace yourself. It may be a good idea. But in truth, we have the power to fight our fears and find common ground among policital discourse. How do we do such a thing when society severely lacks etiquette? When we can no longer trust images and videos to be real and not deepfakes created by Artificial Intelligence? It's actually quite simple. We can do this by following one of Gandhi's great quotes, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". Be. the. change. No matter who you are or where you come from, every single one of us has the ability to make postive, impactful deposits into society, especially when it comes to civic engagement. 

Let's magnify some of what that looks like:

  • Raise the bar with what's acceptable on social media by choosing to post politely, and not encourage those who don't. 
  • Recognize that perfect doesn't exist, and that every hot-topic solution has both positve & negative angles.
  • Take a stand & refuse to participate in trashing other's opinions & beliefs, even if that's the current example. 
It really is time to rise up. The alternative will leave us brokenhearted for the people, our future family members, of generations yet to come. The excellent news is that change is already evident. Registering to vote and taking part in political discourse is on the upswing with young people. The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School states, "A national poll of America’s 18- to 29- year-olds  found significant interest in the upcoming election with the likelihood of turning out to vote at levels not seen since the 2008 presidential election."

So maybe we don't have to slide at all. Maybe we can all march together with a purpose and see the change, because we've been the change. 

We invite you to join the Must-Have Monthly Convo: Civic Engagement Webinar at 8PM on Monday, October 19th as we delve deeper into this important conversation. 

In the meantime, we leave you with voter registration information, exceptional thoughts about the upcoming election from KHS students,  and civic engagement related book recs. :-)

Register to vote and get additional information at https://www.rockthevote.org/

"America is more divided than ever and this election will decide the future well-being of our democracy. Get out and vote, if you can!" - Sanjay Patel, KHS Student Council Officer

“I actually recently had my voters registration card come in the mail, and was quite excited when I came home after school to see it lying on my desk. I believe it’s important that everyone not only goes out and regularly votes, but also stays informed on political, social, and economic issues. Everyone should freely develop their own stances on these issues and elect people who will take actions that align with their beliefs.” - Lucas Bush, KHS Student Body Vice President

“Voting is important to ensure that every voice is heard. No matter one’s background, race, ethnicity, or standards, it’s important that everyone’s values are represented in our government to create change where needed, and implement the needs of the people.” - Erin Doyle, KHS Band President

"Voting is a privilege and a right that, unfortunately, not everyone has. Do not take it for granted. Let your voice be heard. Go vote!" - Samantha McConnell, KHS Student Council Officer




We are better together,
Your KHS Librarians


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