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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/1/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
March 31, 2004 School Zone: By Cynthia Hodnett But don't tell that to a group of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
students who attended The Phoenix Forum on Tuesday on campus to discuss
ways they and other young adults can become more civically active.
"Students are so busy with their lives and college that politics gets
a back burner unless you're a political science major," said Jennifer
Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore and communications major who is a registered
voter.
"But I think there's been an increase in awareness since the primaries,"
Turner said. "When students realized that all Democratic candidates came
to our school, it made them take a step back and think more about getting
involved."
About 120 students enrolled in American government and public policy
courses participated in the event. It was planned, organized and led by
students taking a nonprofit management course taught by Denise Scheberle,
professor of public and environmental affairs at UWGB.
Students participated in one of six discussion groups:
• Why is voting so important?
• The voting of youth in America. What's Next?
• United States' role in international affairs
• What does patriotism mean to you?
• Are you liberal, conservative, or confused? What do these divisions
mean for America?
• Stereotypes and labels
Carrie Maas, a 22-year-old senior and social change and development
major, facilitated the group that discussed how stereotypes and labels
can affect whether people become involved in helping the community.
Students in the group wrote several phrases about themselves on index
cards. They had to guess which phrases described other members in the
group.
"The way it turns out, they are completely wrong and that stereotypes
don't fit," Maas said. "If you are more aware of stereotypes and labels
that you place on people or what people place on you, it will be easier
to talk to your neighbors. You become more aware of what they are going
through and you will be more open to help your community."
The forum was supported by a grant that Scheberle received from the
Wisconsin Campus Compact, an association of college and university presidents
that aims to promote student citizenship and campus/community partnerships.
"I believe when students talk to other students, it's more of a powerful
experience than when they hear something in the classroom, Scheberle said.
"I hope that this becomes an annual event where students can come together
to talk about issues that involve them as citizens."
Students brainstormed ways the university can help them become more
civically involved. Students also had the chance to register to vote.
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