AGENCY TESTIMONY
Strategies for engaging diverse student populations in political education
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88 sec
Nasser outlines strategies for engaging Kingsborough's diverse student population in political education and civic engagement. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging the diverse experiences of students.
- Students are engaged and care about issues that impact them daily
- The college acknowledges that not all students are eligible to vote (e.g., international, DACA, undocumented students)
- Experiences of students from countries with different political systems are valued in developing appreciation for U.S. political rights
Helen-Margaret Nasser
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Nonetheless, students are paying attention and they do care.
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They are not apathetic.
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Students are able to engage in conversations about the issues that impact them on a daily basis, ask the hard questions, and model dialogue across differences.
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There is so much power in the lived experiences of our students.
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Whether they are born and raised in Brooklyn, 1st generation immigrants, DACA, or undocumented, or international students, they all have something to contribute to the conversation about political education and our classrooms and campuses are enriched by this diversity and nuance.
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We help our students make the connection between what they observe and experience and the involvement in political processes and structures.
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We are also aware that not everyone at KCC is eligible to vote with a high number of international students in DACA and undocumented students.
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We also have to be very explicit in who we and who and how we engage in voter registration.
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Not everyone can register to vote or vote, but they can become informed on the issues that impact their lives and become effective advocates to their friends and family who can vote.
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There is also a richness in the that is held from our students who have experiences living in countries with autocratic or totalitarian regimes.
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By sharing their experiences, they can help develop a greater appreciation for the political rights that exist and have been fought for in the United States.