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The Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service

 

 

Civic Engagement and Political Awareness 


Paul Loeb

Advocate and author on citizen activism, Paul Loeb, spoke at the Foley Institute on March 1st about Political Engagement in Challenging Times. Acknowledging the many determents people, particularly students, face with regard to becoming involved with the election process, Loeb presented the “Perfect Standard.” This concept is utilized by citizens uninvolved with the democratic process by claiming a lack of information on the process itself or the candidates, the flaws of individual candidates, and even claims of it “not being the right time” in a person’s life to become an activist. Loeb recognizes the assertions of the Perfect Standard but argues that small action can lead to big change.

Even the “giants of history,” Loeb states, have recruited participation “step by step” in order to produce change. Loeb went on to lay out a framework by which to execute activism: intentionality, persistence and the leap of faith. The practicality and planning of intentionality serves as the foundation of actualizing activism. Loeb even shared the disappointment he has felt when his activism has not yet been fully realized. Despite these moments, however, he asserts the need for persistence and faith in the cause.

On community involvement, Loeb stated, “Often times the person you bring in can be as important as what you do and what you succeed in in any particular context.” Even disengaged citizens can find themselves turned into leaders of activism if they find the right cause and the right people invite them to participate even in rudimentary crusades.

Addressing the practical issues that result in disengagement, Loeb recognized the work of the Campus Election Engagement Project. His organization works to encourage institutions in university settings to promote involvement in elections by way of providing practical resources. Whether it’s providing the opportunity for students to register to vote through their university portal or even putting together rides to caucusing events, Loeb believes there are a range of ways for institutions to make the democratic process more accessible to students. “If you have the information, then you can participate but a lot of people don’t.”

A tougher issue to address, Loeb believed, was the fact that students claimed a lack of information on the candidates. This important concern has prompted the Campus Election Engagement Project to create a non-partisan guideline for where candidates stand on particular issues. Hoping to educate more students on the differences between candidates, the organization advocates college newspapers to share such breakdowns. In regards to the Perfect Standard that may deter voting, Loeb asserts that lack of involvement in the democratic process “effectively empowers the candidate you like least.” Going further, Loeb advocates staying engaged even after voting to ensure social change.

 

Paul Loeb is the founder of Campus Election Engagement Project, taking on the task of exposing more college students to the election and campaign process. Loeb is also the author of Soul of a Citizen and The Impossible Take a Little While.

Contributor: Shantara Pintak