Stories of Civic Engagement From SG-UNO

Tuesday, Nov. 6, marks "Election Day" for the U.S. and across the country citizens will have the opportunity to vote for candidates, propositions and policies that they support, both locally and nationally.

A number of resources exist at UNO, as well as events to engage the campus community.

Throughout the year, however, the UNO student body are represented through Student Government (SG-UNO), an elected body made up entirely of fellow students across UNO's six colleges, graduate programs and campus housing.

While many in student government have been civically engaged prior, many others have not. However, regardless of their previous experiences, the experience of being a UNO student representative has impacted the way those students' views on the electoral process, government and being involved in their communities.

"The idea of being a public servant drives many individuals in our Student Government," explains Renata Valquier-Chavez, UNO student body president and student regent. "While many in student government have been civically engaged prior, SG-UNO has been an avenue for members to become more invested in the people that are around them."

These UNO students are not only prepared to vote on Election Day, but remain engaged in the years to come.

Jabin Moore - Business Administration

Mikayla Dyell - Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Cade Wolcott - Information Science and Technology

Brooke Beckius - Arts and Sciences

Jabin Moore

Sophomore
Business Administration
External Relations Liaison
Also Involved With: UNO Sustained Dialogue, Black Student Union, Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)

How involved have you been with civic engagement throughout your life?
I have been involved with civic engagement throughout my whole life. I was involved with student council throughout high school, and I also held a senior class officer position. Though I have only been a registered voter for a short period of time, I have always been involved in the discussion. I also volunteer throughout the year. I have wrapped gifts at the Micah House; I have pulled weeds at the North Omaha community gardens and the Malcolm X foundation; I have also been involved with helping to register people to vote through tabling efforts within the Milo Bail Student Center.

Prior to Student Government, had you ever serve for any sort of office?
In high school I served on the student Council, the Principals Advisory Board, I was a senior class officer, I was a tutor for the Omaha North Star Foundation and I now serve as a mentor for the 100 Black Men of Omaha, as well as a Student Mentor for the Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative.

All of these things have given me the opportunity to give back and serve my community, as well as connect me to a lot of different people that have contributed to helping develop my leadership skills. My involvement throughout high school also opened doors for many opportunities that I probably would have never had if I wasn't involved. One of those opportunities was being able to witness the opening of the National Museum for African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

What do you say to those who don't take college students, and young people in general, seriously as a group who can impact policy at the local, state or federal level?
I would say, a lot of people underestimate young people, but maybe they don't remember who led the civil rights movement, and who sets the tone for pop culture and social media engagement. I believe young people would have the greatest influence in politics if we were more engaged and valued. We are more than capable of impacting policy if we all rally together.

How has your involvement with Student Government changed your views on civic engagement and the importance of the electoral process?
I have been a part of selection committees where I have recognized the value of diverse perspectives. One person's perspective that is different than your own causes you to think more critically and make more informed decisions. I can now see how important the electoral process is in connecting candidates to the people that they intend to serve. This allows the candidate to better represent people from all backgrounds, and this is why I think it is so important to be connected to the candidates, whether it's through working on the campaign, canvasing or just attending meet and greets or informational sessions. Any chance that is available to connect to the candidate will be beneficial to take advantage of, so that your voice can truly be hear.

Mikayla Dyell

Sophomore
Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Public Relations Officer
Also Involved With: Chi Omega

What made you want to participate in Student Government at UNO?
I knew I wanted to become involved once I came to college. When I found out the impact that Student Government makes on the campus, I knew I wanted in. I wanted to work with like-minded individuals who have a passion to make change on our campus.

How has your involvement with Student Government impacted your views on civic engagement and the importance of the electoral process?
With the various speakers we have had come and getting to learn about the issues going on with the city and our campus first hand, for example budget cuts, it's opened my eyes to the importance of getting involved and being knowledgeable. I can't sit and do nothing, and then complain later when I had the chance to make a difference. Student Government has taught me to fight for what you believe in, get involved as much as you can and learn about those in office who affect you.

Prior to Student Government, had you ever serve for any sort of office?
In high school I was a class officer every year, serving as president my senior year. I was also president of student council and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Those experiences have changed my life for the better. They taught me how to work with others, grow as a leader and find my interest in a possible career path.

Once you graduate, do you hope to remain engaged and continue your civic participation?
Yes! This is only my second year of college and my civic engagement has skyrocketed. I can only imagine what it will be like by the time I graduate. By that time, I believe I will have the momentum to stay involved and informed. I hope to do this because I want to do my part in making change. Making change for my campus, my city and my state.

Cade Wolcott

Junior, Computer Science
Information Science and Technology
Academic Excellence Committee Chair
Also Involved With: Scott Scholars

How involved have you been with civic engagement throughout your life?
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of civic engagement is education. In high school, I had the opportunity to attend Nebraska County Government Day and Nebraska Capital Forum. These two events were extremely beneficial and educational for me.

Here at UNO, I was able to attend the Omaha Ambassadors Forum. This experience was also extremely interesting and educational for me. It was amazing to hear former U.S. ambassadors present their expert opinions on foreign diplomacy.

After joining Student Government, I have definitely been more involved and educated with civic engagement on the campus and city level. As a senator in SG-UNO, one of my most important roles is to be in touch with the issues that are impacting UNO students on a daily basis. While the national issues receive the most attention, the problems and debates on the campus, local and state levels are more pertinent and influential to students here.

What made you want to participate in Student Government at UNO?
Student Government is an amazing way to make an impact on campus. Throughout my time here at UNO, I have discussed with my fellow students a lot about potential improvements or ideas that could benefit our university and academic experience. Student government gives students a chance to turn some of those great ideas into reality. In addition, I joined student government because it is an organization filled with ambitious and hard-working students. Everyone is here to help UNO and support our students.

How has your involvement with Student Government impacted your views on civic engagement and the importance of the electoral process?
My involvement in student government has strengthened my view that everyone can make a difference. The impact that students can have is incredible, especially on the campus and local level. In my opinion, the most important role students and young people can have in the electoral process is communicating. Not only is it important to communicate our opinions through voting, but it is essential to communicate our ideas and concerns directly to our elected officials.

What is a message you would like to share with your fellow students about getting involved - either on campus or in their communities?
Everyone's voice and vote matters. Here at UNO, there are so many opportunities for students to make a real impact on our campus. If we want to effect change on campus or in our communities we must make our voices heard. We have to vote and we have to communicate our ideas and concerns. In my time in student government, I have heard several fantastic ideas from students. The impact these ideas can make is amazing!

Brooke Beckius

Junior
Arts and Sciences
Sergeant at Arms
Also Involved With: Thompson Learning Community

How involved have you been with civic engagement throughout your life?
I believe I have been very civically engaged throughout my life in high school and college. I have voted in every election I could since I turned 18 years of age and have run for and been involved in Student Government since my freshman year of high school and in college as well as an Arts and Sciences Senator. In addition, I have volunteered in a variety of ways including mentorships, food pantries and supporting natural disaster recovery.

What made you want to participate in Student Government at UNO?
I came to Omaha and to UNO from a tiny town in Western Nebraska called Paxton. I did not know anyone here and I really wanted to become more integrated into the Omaha and UNO communities. I noticed other freshmen dealing with the same issues I was and I wanted to have the ability to make UNO more welcoming and inclusive for a variety of students here. I saw the application for Freshman Leadership Council and was interested immediately. I believed, and still do, that Student Government holds the potential for a better version of UNO that will create a more community-minded campus.

How has your involvement with Student Government changed your views on civic engagement and the importance of the electoral process?
I think running for my position as Arts and Sciences senator really highlighted the importance of engagement and the electoral process. I talked to constituents every day of the week leading up to voting day my freshman and sophomore year and was able to hear their ideas for UNO.

Holding a position that requires trust from your constituents to let their voices be heard and their ideas not overlooked is extremely valuable. I believe that seeing how the process works has also increased my engagement with the local, state and federal government as well as I can see the potential my voice and ideas have.

What is a message you would like to share with your fellow students about getting involved - either on campus or in their communities?
Getting involved in your community and campus can just make your overall life experience a lot more worthwhile and meaningful. The potential you have to make a positive impact that will last for years and make the experiences of future students better is priceless. No matter what route you take to becoming involved, you can make a lasting imprint on your community which will promote growth and improvement for years to come.