Engaging Young Adults in Politics: Insights from Delta College Professors at League of Women Voters Event
The League of Women Voters gathered at Creative 360 on Wednesday night to tackle the pressing issue of young adults’ disinterest in politics. The event featured guest speakers Dr. Lisa Lawrason and Dr. Kimberly Klein, both professors at Delta College, who shed light on the challenges of engaging the younger generation in political matters.
According to Lawrason, there are numerous reasons why young adults are not interested in politics, ranging from confusion and corruption in the political system to feeling like their voices don’t matter. Many young people also lack basic knowledge about the election process, which further contributes to their disengagement.
One key issue highlighted by Lawrason and Klein is the lack of sustained engagement from politicians with young adults. While candidates may court millennials during election campaigns, they often neglect them once the votes are cast. This cycle perpetuates the feeling of alienation among young voters.
To address this issue, Lawrason and Klein proposed the “Head, Heart, and Hands” theory as a potential solution. This approach emphasizes the importance of thought, empathy, and action in engaging young adults in politics. By creating an environment where young people feel empowered to voice their opinions and take action, the professors believe that the younger generation can become a powerful force for change.
Audience members at the event echoed the need for improved civics education in schools, with some suggesting the reintroduction of mock elections to teach students about the voting process. At Delta College, students pursuing certain degrees are required to earn a civic engagement credit, encouraging them to take an active role in politics.
Overall, Lawrason and Klein emphasized the importance of young adults participating in politics and voting to ensure that their voices are heard. By empowering the younger generation to become informed and engaged citizens, the professors believe that they have the potential to make a significant impact on the political landscape.
Isabelle Pasciolla, a politics/government reporter at the Midland Daily News, covered the event. For more information, contact Isabelle.Pasciolla@hearst.com.
