The CAPITAL Conference

Campuses Advancing Public Investment Through Active Learning

The vision

Imagine a group of college students coming from all corners of the state, some even cycling in true Oregon style.

They gather to bring attention to the power of young voices and actions in their communities and the nation.

They educate themselves about key issues for their generation and those most relevant to this year’s election.

They listen to how the passion and engagement of their peers have influenced individual lives and communities.

They leave with a plan to connect more students to community matters and the political process.

They register to vote.

They revive young voices in the political process.

The Importance

Today’s college students need an opportunity like this. A May 2008 commentary in the Oregonian gave Oregon a “last-place dishonorable mention” for having the largest gap in 2004 voter turnout between younger and older voters. 28% of older voters cast ballots in Oregon that year than younger ones. While Oregon took the prize, an apparent loss of faith in the American political process among 18-25 year-olds is an unfortunate national trend.

According to a Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) 2006 nation-wide survey, 74% of 18-25 year-old college students volunteer to help other people, while only 11% volunteer to address a social or political problem. Young people today are likely to participate in a neighborhood clean-up, but they hesitate to shape legislation that increase homeownership which in turn creates cleaner, stronger communities.

Thanks to efforts by many grassroots organizations, voter trends are looking up. Still, democracy does not end at the polls. In that same May 2008 Oregonian article, Oregon’s own Bus Project hoped that the political engagement of this “millennial generation [will not] begin and end with a frenzied presidential contest.” Our students must be motivated to look past the current election. Civic engagement must be deeper and wider than voter turn-out, it must include commitment to community and action.

Students have to believe that individual voices are heard, and individual hands are needed, especially when they are joined with like-minded others.