On Election Day, motorists traveling in high traffic areas noticed teens standing on corners dancing, cheering and holding signs to promote the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce GO Vote campaign. The teens are part of the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center’s Statesmanship Academy whose goal is to educate young people on cooperation, civility, and compromise or “the 3 C’s”.
“It is always a Ford Center Election Day tradition to have our students take to the streets to encourage the citizens of Owensboro to GO Vote,” said Elizabeth Griffith, Executive Director of the Wendell H. Ford Government Education. “Regardless of which party or candidate someone is voting for, we can all take part in our democracy together by voting on Election Day.”
The academy hopes that educating teens on these “3 C’s” will allow them to be a good example for friends, family, and even politicians. There are currently 161 local high school students in this program, and the Ford center is working to create a program for middle school students in the future.
“Throughout this election season, our students have been sharing the Ford Center mission of practicing civility,” said Griffith. “At a time when our country is politically divided, they have all worked hard on trying to encourage their fellow citizens to remember to respect one another even when someone else’s opinion may differ from your own.”
Students say that being a part of this program has made them better at seeing each side of political issues, and it has also taught them how to have a civil conversation about issues that not everyone can agree on.
Leading up to the election, each grade met separately and discussed the candidates in the election, what offices they were running seeking and what position each took on popular issues. Students also promoted voting by changing their profile picture on their social media accounts to the GO Vote logo.
The students hoped their efforts to encourage people to go vote made an impact on the voter turnout in Owensboro.
About the writer: Julia Kimbrell is a senior at Owensboro High School. Being student body vice president, cheerleader, yearbook editor, and an involved member of her community is what keeps her on her toes. She thrives on Jesus, dogs, fall weather and power naps.
