Students engage with local leaders
From the fentanyl crisis to environmental concerns, Delta students empower themselves and their communities by presenting pressing topics with candidates and officials.
By: Mikaila Bluew
Last week, young voters flooded Delta College’s main campus to share their voice with Michigan’s local government.
Candidates and current officials including Rudy Howard (Candidate for State Representative), Amos O’Neal (State Representative), Jim Barcia (Bay County Executive), and Kevin Shark (Candidate for Bay County Executive) joined to hear what issues are top of mind for Delta students in this year’s election.
Some of the unique topics showcased to officials included the fentanyl crisis, harsher punishment for sex offenders, regenerative soil practices, and water remediation. These, among many other important issues, were presented as government officials, faculty and fellow students mingled prior to the discussion panel.
“Students feel empowered and also (feel) that the decision makers really felt like they got a chance to get a handle on what this important constituency group thinks,” Political Science Professor and event organizer Lisa Lawrason said.
Delta student Carter Mason poses in front of his presentation about enacting harsher punishments for sex crimes at the Backyard Issues Forum held at Delta’s main campus, Oct. 18, 2024; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Delta students discuss regenerative soil practices with peers at the Backyard Issues Forum held at Delta’s main campus, Oct. 18, 2024; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Delta students present concerns to local officials at the Backyard Issues Forum held at Delta’s main campus, Oct. 18, 2024; photo credit Onnie Stone
Getting students and young voters engaged in politics and the future of our county and communities is essential. Now more than ever, it is important for students to know they have an impact. If they are unhappy with how things are going, they have a say and resources to reach out to leaders and lawmakers.
“It really gives them the sense that, ‘hey, my voice matters; they want to hear from me,’” Lawrason said. “And I can’t tell you how surprising that is for students, but also really empowering for them moving forward to know that they can advocate for their interests and create positive change in their communities.”
Advocacy does not just extend to the election cycle; these community changes are something students are encouraged to have continuous participation in.
Resources like Future Coalition, the League of Women Voters, Nextgen America, and Young Invincibles aim to highlight the importance of young voices in our democracy.
“Just show up, because that communicates a lot about your desire to be a part of our democracy and make your voice heard,” Lawrason said.
The growing use of resources and the effort of showing up both in and out of election seasons will help shape the nation the younger generation will someday lead.
