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WAKE UP PEOPLE!
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“A different world can’t be built by indifferent people.”
-Horace Mann
Civic engagement is defined by the New York Times as, “Working to make a difference in the civil life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make
that difference.”
Participating in civil engagement is how we ensure that the values written in the United States Constitution are upheld. In a representative-based system, civic engagement is paramount to the success
of democracy.
Throughout the history of the United States, civic engagement and direct action have brought about many monumental changes. Legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the Civil Rights Act of 1946 would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the hard work of many dedicated citizens.
As we all know, there are many challenges facing Americans today and the need for participation has never been greater. Lawmakers in Washington continue to debate legislation that will impact all our lives for generations to come, and if we don’t stand up and plead our case, many important decisions will be made for us.
This week students will have the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our country and how to get involved.
Boise State will host the Direct Democracy tour April 14. Direct Democracy, a performance tour and workshop series, features performance artists Jared Paul and
B. Dolan.
Paul and Dolan are both long-time grassroots organizers who are well known in the spoken word circuit. Their performance is a dynamic combination of poems, songs, monologues and essays that, according to their promotional flyer, seek to examine, “the rising encroachment on civil liberties in America and the role of responsible citizens in a functioning Democracy.”
Charlie Varland, assistant director of Student Activities at Boise State, is responsible for coordinating this event.
“Direct Democracy is a show that examines the importance of civic engagement for all people living in a democracy,” Varland said. “Promoting civic engagement amongst BSU students is a part of the mission of the university, so bringing the performance to campus made a lot of sense.”
Students who are concerned with the direction our nation is headed are strongly encouraged to attend this performance.
“I’d like students to walk away from the event feeling charged up challenged and informed,” Dolan said. “I’m excited about the potential for people to become involved in their local governments and effect positive change in their communities.”
Tuesday’s performance aims to address a number of issues including civil liberties, workers rights and responsible consumerism.
“We just want to live in a normal life like everyone else,” Paul said. “But we want to do it in a world where our goods are made by ethical labor and with an environmentally responsible use of resources, means of production and distribution.”
Tension continues to rise about the challenges that lay ahead for all of us in this nation and around the world. It is critical that we use this momentum to bring about the kind of change that we can be proud of for generations to come.
“I think we’re facing enough crises on all fronts to wake people up in this moment,” Dolan said. “People are ready for change and action. A progressive president is in the White House, and it’s time for responsible citizens to up the pressure on the Obama administration and stay on the battlefield."
TRAVIS MURPHY
Arbiter Journalist