We are the most politically active students in the nation. From Capitol Hill internships, to campaign trips to nearby states with the College Democrats or College Republicans to canvass for candidates, we are deeply invested in the political process.
While our participation in politics on the national level is a great thing, it is important to get involved in politics on a local level where the decisions that are made have a more direct impact on our lives. When I say local level politics I do not mean back in the various hometowns from where we come from, but right here in Washington D.C. where we live and attend school eight months out of the year.
Last semester I threw myself into the local political process by running for a position on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, a local governing body that makes decisions regarding zoning, liquor licenses and other neighborhood issues. The campaign stirred up great anger from the surrounding neighborhood and divided the campus from the community. The goal of the campaign was never to pit students against neighbors, but rather to bring them together. Moving forward in what is a new semester that remains my goal.
On Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Ward 2, AU students will have an opportunity to get involved in local politics. The Community Service Coalition will be hosting the first ever town hall with ANC commissioners Tom Smith and Deon Jones. Both commissioners represent AU students on the ANC. They will be speaking about their involvement on the ANC and answering questions from students. I invite all AU students to come and participate in the town hall.
Whether you have a question about the campus plan, are interested in how the ANC works, or are just plain curious about politics, I strongly encourage all AU students to attend. Any questions about the event can be e-mailed to me at tyler.sadonis@ausg.org.
Tyler Sadonis Student Government director of Student-Community Relations School of Public Affairs, 2014
