Tag Archives: Voting

Planning to Vote in November? Do you have the required documents?

Posted on by

Voter Suppression is an integral tool to maintain division among various socioeconomic groups. Those negatively impacted in the 2012 election will be historically underrepresented groups, people categorized as lower-income, and college students.

Per the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau there are approximately 20,779,000 to 22,342,000 college students.  In some areas, if students are attending state institutions, their college ID will be sufficient documentation to vote.  Those attending private post-secondary institutions are not as fortunate.

It is incumbent on those college students to investigate the new rulings relative to their home state.

If you have elders, who do not possess state IDs, you should encourage them to begin the process of obtaining one.

Ruthelle Frank, via ACLU:
http://www.aclu.org/blog/voting-rights/out-cold-age-84-wisconsins-ruthelle-frank-fights-her-right-vote

Ruthellen Frank, an 83 years old woman, from Brokaw, Wisconsin has voted since 1948. Born at home in 1927, she has no birth certificate and the legal fees to obtain one are cost prohibitive. This may be the first time that her political voice will be stifled.

The September 5 Interrace Forum will address the ramifications of the new voter’s registration rulings. Dr. Darren Davis, Associate Vice President for Research and Lilly Presidential Fellow, will lead the discussion. One component of Professor Davis’ research is the measurement of political and social attitudes.

Please join us for dinner, discussion and information to ensure your voice is heard in November. RSVP by calling 574-631-6841 or email: msps@nd.edu with Interrace in the subject line. Reservations are required by September 4.

Cosponsors – Center for Social Concerns Raise Your Voice Campaign

 

Changes are Inevitable

Posted on by

This summer, we have experienced enormous amounts of extremes from weather to political issues to the lack of consideration of human life. With institutions of high education serving as a microcosm of the world around us, it is not a surprise that we experience the same in some fashion.  The change in campus climate that began in February must be maintained to create the type of university we all will be proud to be a member. What role will you take in this ever changing environment? Will you focus on reducing your carbon footprint? Assist in the assurance that everyone’s voice is heard? It is time to begin considering your involvement in the upcoming academic year.

The “Call to Action” movement is not relegated only to holding ourselves and others accountable; but also taking action to institute change.  Doing the same things; will provide the same results.  Therefore we must consider new strategies to obtain the intended outcomes.  The Hall Orientation Coordinators ended the 2011 -2012 with several weeks of training covering various topics.  MSPS and CORE covered the diversity segment. The commissioners assessed current traditional orientation activities, discussed best practices and how to establish new inclusive welcoming traditions.  As the coordinators prepare for the August Hall Orientation Commissioner Training, they will challenge the 2012 commissioners to address the concerns expressed by numerous undergraduates regardless of ethnicity to make the weekend more meaningful and collegiate.

You as students are constantly giving and working with the disenfranchised. This is done unselfishly.  In the same manner, it is imperative each student ensure that their vote is counted in the 2012 election.  College students were an integral component in the 2008 elections.  Many states have made changes to their voters’ registration laws and not publicized them.  Therefore, check with your local voters’ registration office or go to http://www.thisismyvote.org/  , prior to returning to campus.

Lastly, Congratulations to those who participated in corporate summer leadership programs.  Four Notre Dame first-year students participated in PricewaterhouseCooper’s Semester of Discovery Internship. Only 56 offers were made throughout the country.  Welcome back, Stephanie Aguilera and Jasmine Shells, who have been in Mexico and Spain.  They will share their experiences on the MSPS website: http://msps.nd.edu  Mark your calendars for the first Interrace Forum on September 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the Coleman Morse Student Lounge and MSPS Welcome Back Picnic on September 13 from 4-6pm on North Quad.

Enjoy the last month of your summer vacation. See you in August!!!

Peace,

Iris L. Outlaw `90MSA
Director                                                                                                                                                                          Multicultural Student Programs and Services