By Gregory Horner, Staff Reporter.
To those feeling unsure or apathetic about their role in the world, Delta students and advocacy groups sent a powerful message last week; Change It. Students in political science classes alongside on-campus clubs and organizations hosted Delta’s “Change Your World Week”, to engage students toward a more active role in their futures, and their communities.
From Oct 28 through Oct 30, Delta’s main hallway was lined with tables showcasing a variety of important issues. From an exhibit promoting the benefits of bicycling, to discussions about racism in modern America, students were exposed to a diverse collection of ideas and opinions with which to engage.
As students shuffled to and from class, the sounds of discussion and even some argument could be heard in the hall; some interested students couldn’t resist the temptation to stop and listen. Tori VanParis, a student discussing the effects of minimum wage, was inspired by the level of participation, “A lot of people have stopped by between classes, and we’ve been debating all day.”
There were moments of tension, those passing the pro-choice and pro-life tables sometimes resorted to shouting instead of discussion, and none in the officer program seemed to accept the marijuana legalization booths offer of free hugs. But overall “Change Your World Week” went off without incident, as students engaged in civil debate.
“This is a very cool thing,” said Rachael Henning as she marched up and down with a sign supporting local congressional candidate Joan Brausch. “This hallway has been packed, and students have really gotten involved.”
Organized by Delta’s Democracy Commitment, a national initiative to promote civic involvement, “Change Your World Week” was open to any student with a topic of interest to the community. Participants included students from POL-104 as well as student clubs such as Citizens in Action, Unison and the Black Student Union.
Henning, a student of POL-114, knows “Change Your World Week” isn’t going to improve things overnight. But she and organizers are confident students will carry forth the conversations that began here, “I think by the end of the week, we’ll start to see change.”