The Biden Institute is excited to announce our new Make It Count civic engagement initiative. The divisiveness of politics often leaves young people disenchanted, disillusioned, and disengaged. Our nation faces challenges, and the influence of money in politics leaves many doubting that their voice or their vote counts. But there is no reason whynow that we are more connected than ever through the internet and social mediawe should be disconnected from the political system.
Make It Count takes its directive from the life and work of Vice President Joe Biden, his belief that apathy is not an option, and his faith in the younger generation ability to improve our democracy.
We want to Make It Count. Make our voices, our votes, and our time count. We spend too much time keeping up with the incessant headlines in the news and avoiding difficult conversations that force us to grow and make us stronger. Through the Make It Count initiative, we will engage students, wherever they are, in the conversation.
On April 11, Make It Count Hosted its first Living Room Conversation, during which students from around campus met up to discuss how they are (or are not) talking politics with their friends and families. In the comfort of a friends living room, students shared their struggles and their successes navigating uncomfortable discussions about the pressing issues facing our country. Make It Count plans to hold our next Living Room Conversation on May 5 (location TBD).
It is our hope that the Make It Count initiative will restore faith in good government and individual power to affect change where you live. In addition to engaging students in thoughtful conversations, Make It Count has partnered with Democracy Works to bring TurboVote to the University of Delaware. TurboVote makes voting easy by helping students to register to vote, change their registration address, request an absentee ballot, or simply receive reminders about upcoming elections.
Look for the Make It Count Team this Friday, April 27, outside of the Perkins Student Center from 1-4 pm, for our first TurboVote Registration Drive. Well show you around the site and help you find information about how to get involved.
We want you to make it count. Whatever you feel It is. The world is looking to students like us to lead and shape the 21st Century. Lets make what we say and do today count towards progress for tomorrow. #UDMakeItCount
For more information about Make It Count, TurboVote, our Living Room Conversations series, or any future events, visit us at https://www.sppa.udel.edu/bideninstitute. And dont forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or online at https://www.sppa.udel.edu/bideninstitute/engage/turbovote and tag us at #UDMakeItCount.
