 Daniel Shea of the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College. |
On Thursday, Feb. 11, Dr. Daniel Shea, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Political Participation (CPP) at Allegheny College, will discuss trends, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for youth voter mobilization and political participation. The campus and community are invited to to this open discussion taking place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Fenton 105.
Dr. Shea has authored, coauthored, and edited numerous books on the topic of American politics, campaign strategy, and voter mobilization, including “The Fountain of Youth: Political Parties and the Mobilization of Young Americans.” As CPP Director, Dr. Shea has led the effort to promote multiple avenues for political awareness and participation, especially among high school and college students.
Joining the discussion are SUNY Fredonia student leaders Adam Malchoff, Chairperson of the campus chapter of the Department of Environmental Affairs; Shirley Pulawski, President of the League of Women Voters Chautauqua County; and Ryan Quinn, President of College Democrats. Each of these students has been actively involved in political mobilization and participation as part of the 2008 election and beyond.
Dr. David Rankin, Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science at SUNY Fredonia, will be moderating the event. The event is cosponsored by the Department of Political Science, the Political Science Association, and the American Democracy Project.
Dr. Rankin explained why the "young vote" has become a significant force and a topic for debate: "Young voters turned out in force during the 2008 election and played a central role in the historic election of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president. However, questions remain on how to channel such interest and engagement into ongoing political participation for the Millennial Generation."
During the 2008 presidential election, SUNY Fredonia students took first place in the SUNY Rock the Vote competition and earned an honorable mention for the nationwide Campus Votes Challenge.
For further information, please contact: David Rankin, 716-673-4715, rankin@fredonia.edu.
