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Oct. 22 Student Issues Convention welcomes voices from across the nation

Release Date
Event Date
-
Location
Virtual - Zoom
National Student Issues Virtual Convention graphic

T he 18th Annual Michigan Student Political Issues Convention, which is usually held at HFC, will be accessible on Zoom on Friday, Oct. 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST (noon to 3:00 p.m. CST).

HFC and the University of Illinois at Chicago are coordinating the event.

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, HFC President Russell Kavalhuna, and other VIPs will speak to the students.

Register here to attend this free event

Fostering a stronger, more vibrant democratic society

This convention will bring together college and high school students from several states to discuss, debate, and vote on what issues they deem the most pressing concerns for our elected officials to address. The convention is non-partisan.

“HFC has hosted this political issues convention since 2004,” said Dr. Anthony Perry, HFC political science professor and convention coordinator. “This continues as higher education institutions are instrumental in providing citizens with experiences essential for empowering the next generation of Americans with the essential tools to foster a stronger, more vibrant democratic society that represents all citizens.”

Non-partisan convention divided into 4 parts

This convention is non-partisan and does not include lobbying or information about politicians or campaigns. It gives students a venue to share what issues they think our elected officials should make a priority. The event is designed to provide a deliberative space to develop a student agenda and to have candidates and public officials respond to student concerns.

The convention is divided into four parts:
1. Students meet in small groups to discuss the most important items for a Student Issues Agenda.
2. A plenary of all students vote on items based upon small group reports.
3. Candidates and public officials respond to the issue agenda presented by students to them.
4. After the convention, students on each campus mobilize to register students to vote, turn out the vote, and meet with public officials to push for solutions to the problems highlighted in the agenda.

“The purpose of this convention is to get younger Americans to better understand their democratic responsibilities, including voting,” said Perry.

For questions or more information about this free convention, contact Perry at adperry1@hfcc.edu.