As students return to campus across Ohio this month, I am continuously reminded of how much excitement and anticipation this time of year brings. Students beginning their new schedules and discovering what they want to participate in makes me feel hopeful for the future of the state – there is a palpable energy in the air for action and involvement. It helps me reflect on how my own journey in advocacy and organizing began.
Throughout my life, I have been dedicated to the values of justice and equality. Growing up in Muskingum County, I saw from an early age how injustice and an uneven distribution of power have deeply affected the lives of those in my hometown of Zanesville. These experiences are what formed my passion for helping people my age use their voices to take action.
As an incoming fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati, I have been able to expand my work of fighting for equality and justice to a larger city. During these past few years at UC, I have met many strong students who have organized to drive change on campus. They have used their voices and shared values to create movements that are powerful and sustainable in our campus community.
These experiences inspired me to work with the ACLU of Ohio to bring a Campus Action Team to UC.
Campus Action Teams
The ACLU of Ohio’s Campus Action Teams (CATs) are an extension of our regional, statewide Action Teams. They focus on creating true social justice on college campuses through organizing, mobilizing, and power-building. CATs are open to any student committed to protecting and expanding civil rights and liberties in their campus communities. These student groups meet regularly, hold various programming events, and raise awareness about various issues that impact students across the state.
When I set out to form the Campus Action Team at UC, I had a very broad vision of what I hoped to create. I wanted to connect a base of students grounded in traditional ACLU values, but was not clear as to the final shape and feel of the group. I did not realize that it could be a robust and lively team that of students dedicated to advocacy and true social change. Now, as the school year begins, my hope for UC’s Campus Action Team is that it will provide students with the base and political community they should have.
Students across the state of Ohio need to be able to utilize a vehicle to build their shared power and take action as a whole. With continued attacks on free speech, voting rights, what can be taught in the classroom, and LGBTQ+ rights, young people have many obstacles to face and challenges to overcome, especially in an election year. And yet, despite a tough climate for civil liberties and civil rights, students continue to rise above and push back through their shared communities to advocate for change together. Through the work of our ACLU Campus Action Teams, a better future for students and younger generations can be envisioned.
During the start of school, I am hopeful that this excitement will generate further mobilization and advocacy on college campuses. I look forward to seeing what Campus Action Teams across the state will accomplish over the coming year, and how they work toward an Ohio that we all deserve.
Get involved with our Campus Action Teams!
Please join the Statewide Campus Action Team for our first 2024-2025 school year meeting on Monday, September 9th at 6 pm. Register here.
