BHS Students Talk Politics, Civic Responsibility and Positive Change with New Student Organization
By Trina Runner on March 13, 2016
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It’s all over Facebook. It pits friends and family against each other. It is the reason fact checking was created. It’s politics and this election is heating up to be a doozey. What is often overlooked, however, is the research needed to make educated decisions and the numbers needed at the polls to make a difference. Inspire West Virginia took on both of these issues as they addressed Bridgeport High School juniors and seniors last week.
Although Civics is a part of every high school senior’s curriculum, being an active citizen goes way beyond the classroom. Inspire West Virginia is an innovative program aimed at enhancing civic responsibility through leadership, democracy and community. Although the program has been active in the past at BHS, it was revived this year with sophomore Brook Russell. “I hear so many people complain about not having a voice or feeling like there’s nothing one person can do to make a difference,” said Russell. “When I found out about the Inspire West Virginia program. I knew I wanted to get involved.”
Although young people today are the most connected in history, much of what they read or see is inaccurate and overwhelming. “Very few teenagers know how the government works and how they can contribute,” said Russell. “We are hoping to change that by addressing issues in a nonpartisan manner and show what can be accomplished if we all work together.”
Through this program, students will develop leadership skills that will enable them to identify problems and creative solutions to issues they care about. “Voting is an act of equality,” said Russell. “Each of us has a voice and it is important to be proactive.”
Inspire West Virginia encourages students who are of legal age to not only register to vote, but to get involved on every level of civic responsibility. Russell attended Youth Day at the Legislature on January 28 along with 600 other West Virginia students who were interested in speaking with elected officials making decisions for the citizens of the state. “I am very optimistic about this organization’s influence on our student body and on getting even more involved in activities that can lead to a positive change. As a result of this assembly, nearly 60 students are now registered voters."
