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< Back Electoral College: How It Started Written By: Laura Ruzicka Publishing Date: August 15, 2022 The Electoral College is an integral part of how we elect our President, yet many Americans are not aware of how it came to be. According to the National Archives , the Electoral College was established as “a compromise between the election of a President by a vote in Congress and an election of the President by popular vote of qualified citizens.” It began during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 where delegates gathered from every state to discuss a better way to establish a more functional government than the Articles of Confederation. This led to two proposals: The Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan. Virginia argued for three branches of government, as well as a bicameral legislature where a state’s representation would be proportional to its population. Whereas New Jersey argued to keep a unicameral legislature, where each state would get one representative regardless of population. States with higher populations favored the Virginia Plan, while smaller states preferred the New Jersey Plan. After an intense debate, the majority sided with Virginia, but the smaller states who opposed this plan threatened to withdraw from the union, which threatened to derail the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. To stop the Convention from spiraling out of control, Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth put together the Connecticut Compromise , also known as –"The Great Compromise." This created two legislative bodies in Congress: The House of Representatives and the Senate. The number of members each state could have in the House would be based on each state’s population while in the Senate, each state would have two representatives regardless of population. The population and resulting congressional districts each state would have would be updated every ten years according to the national census. The number of electors each state has is the sum of its Congressional districts plus the number of senators. For instance, Colorado currently has been divided into seven congressional districts, and each state is granted two senators no matter what, giving Colorado a total of nine electors. Today, the Electoral College has 538 electors, with 270 being necessary to elect the President. However, back when there were only thirteen states the Electoral College had only sixty-nine electors with a minimum of thirty-five electoral votes needed to win the presidency. However, in the 18th century slavery was still legal in most of the states, and with the creation of The Great Compromise most states worried that slave-owning states would get increased influence and overwhelm the other smaller states that chose to ban it. This is apparent in the 1790 census where it showed Virginia’s total population had risen to 747,610 but 292,627 of its residents were slaves. Such states wanted to find a way to make use of their slave population to gain congressional representation in accordance with the state’s total population. Thus The 3/5th Compromise was established between the northern and southern Convention delegates as a way of determining how much the slave population would be represented as part of the state’s total population. For every five slaves in a state would then count as three free citizens to determine how many congressional districts each state would be allotted. Sources National Archives and Records Administration. (2019, December 17). “Electoral College History.” National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/history Onion, A. (2019, March 21). “How the Great Compromise and the Electoral College Affects Politics Today.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC. https://www.history.com/news/how-the-great-compromise-affects-politics-today “What Is the 3/5 Compromise?”. (n.d.). ConstitutionUS.com. Retrieved August 5, 2022. https://constitutionus.com/constitution/what-is-the-3-5-compromise/ “Virginia Plan vs New Jersey Plan.” (n.d.). ConstitutionUS.com. Retrieved August 5, 2022. https://constitutionus.com/constitution/the-virginia-plan-vs-new-jersey-plan/ “What Is the New Jersey Plan.” (n.d.). ConstitutionUS.com. Retrieved August 5, 2022. https://constitutionus.com/constitution/what-was-the-new-jersey-plan/ U.S Census Bureau. (2021, December 16). 1790 Census: Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790. census.gov. Retrieved August 5, 2022. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1907/dec/heads-of-families.html Berggren, J. (n.d.). Presidential Election of 1789. www.mountvernon.org . Retrieved August 5, 2022. https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/presidential-election-of-1789/ Previous Next

< Back COVID 19: Misinformation and How to Stop Its Spread Written By: Kaitlin Nguyen Publishing Date: December 5, 2021 You may have come across claims online of COVID-19 being a government-run hoax, vaccines being able to change your DNA, masks being ineffective at preventing the spread of disease, or anti-parasitic medicine meant for horses being an effective miracle cure for humans. The excessive spread of misinformation, what WHO refers to as part of an “infodemic” has spread rapidly alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, and has greatly exacerbated its consequences (WHO, 2021). With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, information relating to COVID-19 has dominated headlines and spread rapidly across various media. Unfortunately, with this massive information exchange comes misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation about COVID-19 and its related topics. Misinformation refers to false information that is unintentionally spread, due to confusion about current evidence, news, etc. or otherwise (CDC, 2021). Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, public health measures such as mask mandates and social distancing, and the efficacy of unapproved treatments, in particular, have become dangerous to public health and has stymied efforts to prevent the spread and deadly consequences of the pandemic. Along with discouraging people from getting vaccines and dissuading people from complying with public health mandates, leading to more deaths, misinformation about public health measures has encouraged harassment against healthcare workers, restaurant staff, service professionals, etc (HHS, 2021). Why the uptick in misinformation? Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have long been exposed to a rapidly changing information environment, as seen by the 24 hr news cycle and the spread of and the increase of activity within social media platforms. With a wealth of information easily accessible yet limited by one’s interests and how social media and search engine algorithms operate, misinformation spreads easier, faster, and on a much larger scale than ever before. Health recommendations are frequently updated as we learn more about COVID-19, but without a reliable and clear translator that can communicate new information to the wider general public, many people are left confused about what sources to check, who to trust, what to believe, and how to act (HHS, 2021). Add in the alternative, and frequently misleading, wealth of information online that often try to compete for your attention through sensationalism, and you have a good portion of the population left confused and susceptible to various types of misinformation. News media and social media are large contributors to the spread of misinformation - content reach is most successful when it is designed to exploit all those loopholes in your brain - with emotional appeals, alignment to cognitive biases, dramatic headlines, etc. Social media platforms incentivize sharing content with others and users can engage content by liking, commenting, etc.. Information, whether accurate or not, can reach wider audiences faster than ever before, and requires no scrutiny from the average person deeper than glancing at images and headlines. Online media site algorithms are built to continually prioritize upwards-trending content and to promote content based on your prior enjoyment and those shared by people in your circle, creating information bubbles effective at cementing misinformation (HHS, 2021). One study found that most articles about COVID-19 prevention on social media platforms were accurate, but that inaccurate content was more likely to be shared than accurate content (Obiala et al, 2021). Misinformation flourishes in environments isolated from credible sources of information, and with “significant societal division, animosity, and distrust” (HHS, 2021). A way to prevent the spread of misinformation is to have easily accessible and reliable sources of information consistently available and widely known. Media, government, officials, and the public should work together to promote the dissemination and proliferation of factual information and intervene against content and sources spreading dangerous misinformation (JHBSPH, n.d.). Individual ways to help combat misinformation include learning to identity health misinformation by checking the validity of sources you come across before sharing information, engaging with friends and family on the topic of health misinformation, patiently correcting misconceptions when they come up during conversations, providing reassurance and accurate information instead of lecturing, and addressing misinformation in your community through volunteer work and activism (Strazewski, 2021; HHS, 2021; CDC, 2021). Youth can get involved in fighting against misinformation on a broader level by working to convince government officials to create more accessible sources of information, promote trust in science, provide the public with more tools to identify misinformation, expand research on understanding health misinformation, and pushing for policy changes on social media platforms, etc. (Roozenbeek 2020; HHS, 2021). Consider volunteering your time to help combat health misinformation - since the COVID-19 pandemic, the international community has found a growing increase in youth activity and participation (UN, n.d.). Youth volunteers are working on aiding vulnerable groups, helping with education programs, supporting healthcare workers, etc. Organizations such as UNICEF , Youth Against Misinformation , the GW Health Communication Volunteer Corps , and STRONGER are examples of organizations recruiting youth volunteers to proactively fight health misinformation and promote vaccinations. Check out the United States Youth Forum’s Community Resource Column for advice on how to get more involved and inspire political change. Read more about how to address the infodemic and fight COVID-19 misinformation through UNICEF’s Vaccine Misinformation Management Field Guide here . Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). How to address COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/addressing-vaccine-misinformation.html. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (n.d.). Meeting Covid-19 Misinformation and Disinformation Dead-on. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/meeting-covid-19-misinformation-and-disinformation-head-on Obiała, J., Obiała, K., Mańczak, M., Owoc, J., & Olszewski, R. (2021). COVID-19 misinformation: Accuracy of articles about coronavirus prevention mostly shared on social media. Health policy and technology, 10(1), 182–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.10.007 Previous Next

Gas Prices: Green Energy and Alternative Transportation Written By: Jenna Reiber Publishing Date: November 13, 2022 Since early spring of this year, gas prices have steadily been rising, even reaching a record high of $5 per gallon in certain states in June. Many factors lead to this spike in gas prices including multiple oil pipelines being shut down in 2021 due to spills or cyber attacks, as well as the war between Russia and Ukraine in 2022. The increase at the pumps has certainly caused a bit of distress for many consumers. Due to the outcry from many Americans, the government has taken steps to decrease these prices through tax suspensions and holidays. This, along with the decrease in oil prices themselves, has led to a steady decline in gas prices and an average below $4 . Still, as NBC and others have noted, gas prices can easily spike again – leaving the common American with feelings of unease. A look to green energy and alternative transportation will provide a solution to these gas price woes. In fact, President Biden’s administration has set out in their new infrastructure bill to promote green energy and electric vehicles with a promising tax credit for buyers. Green energy, as defined by the EPA , is “ renewable energy resources and technologies that provide the greatest environmental benefit.” This refers to electricity that is produced by solar, wind, or small hydroelectric sources. Investing in green energy can aid in the climate crisis by limiting our carbon dioxide emissions. This definition of green energy also means that there is an alternative to these rising gas prices. Alternative transportation is another avenue in supporting green energy that provides an answer to the problem of gas price volatility. Examples of alternative transportation include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and public transportation. Developing and utilizing these alternatives over the next five years can have a positive impact on reducing oil prices and lowering carbon dioxide emissions, which will help in fighting the climate crisis. Saving costs on fuel is not the only benefit of alternative transportation. They also create more jobs, “ improve accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation, and enhance energy security and independence with less reliance on foreign sources for fuel’. The current administration has also promoted the purchase of EVs by creating a tax credit for those who own EVs. Alternative transportation could allow for multiple solutions by addressing the climate crisis and wean the American people off of their reliance on fossil fuels. However, sustainable vehicles can be expensive to lease or buy outright. For this reason, consideration of alternative modes of transportation must also include public transportation, such as trains, buses, ferries, and subways. One benefit of public transportation is that it “saves the US the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gas a year”. It also mainly supports minority individuals including women, people with disabilities, and people of color to be able to access employment and other necessities. Additionally, usage of public transportation systems instead of individual travel could save 30% of carbon emissions . Public transportation can also save residents money, especially as gas prices fluctuate. Despite the potential utility of public transportation, the United States lacks the proper infrastructure to maintain access for all individuals. Unlike other countries, the United States is not as accessible as it should be in providing public transportation. The Washington Post evaluated public transportation in multiple cities in 2020, detailing how many modes of transportation are not compliant in accordance with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA). Over 30 buses in Jackson, Mississippi did not have functional wheelchair lifts, while only 492 stations of the New York City subway are accessible for all passengers. Chicago and Boston both present barriers as well with elevators being out of order at least 50% of the time, requiring wheelchair bound individuals to create back-up plans that lead to longer travel times. The best solution to align with the ADA regulations, and establish effortless traveling for all, would be for the United States government to invest in renovating public infrastructure, which is exactly what Biden is looking to do. Investing in public infrastructure also has its benefits for not just the environment, but the economy as well. Lin Taylor of World Economic Forum states, “Every $1 dollar invested in public transportation could generate $5 in economic returns”. It also allows for safe and reliable transportation. This dream was recently made possible with the signing of the infrastructure bill, we are one step closer to having reliable, green transportation. As noted in the White House briefing , “ The deal will invest $66 billion to provide healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans by modernizing and expanding transit and rail networks across the country. It will replace thousands of transit vehicles, including buses, with clean, zero emission vehicles.” America is making progress towards more sustainable transportation, but room for improvement still remains. Turning to green energy and alternative transportation can be a great way to combat ever fluctuating gas prices. It is important to always consider what is the right fit for you. Examining the various options that are accessible in your area is a great way to start. Sources (2021) Fact sheet: the bipartisan infrastructure deal boosts clean energy jobs, strengthens resilience and advances environmental justice. Retrieved August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/08/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal-boosts-clean-energy-jobs-strengthens-resilience-and-advances-environmental-justice/ (2022) President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Retrieved September 6th, 2022 from: https://www.whitehouse.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/ (2022) What is Green Power? Retrieved August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/what-green-power Environmental Benefits of Public Transit. Retrieved: August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.kcata.org/about_kcata/entries/environmental_benefits_of_public_transit Koji Omi (2009). Alternative Energy for Transportation. Retrieved: August 25th, 2022 from: https://issues.org/omi/ Lin Taylor (2021) Want to create 5 million green jobs? Invest in public transport in cities. Retrieved August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/here-s-why-cities-should-invest-in-public-transport Matt Alderton (2020). Nearly 30 Years After the ADA, the Nation’s Transit Agency Report Success and Shortfalls. Retrieved: September 6th, 2022 from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/nearly-30-years-after-ada-nations-transit-agencies-report-successes-and-shortfalls/2020/06/25/76e102d8-af22-11ea-8758-bfd1d045525a_story.html Shaun Pettypiece (2022). Gas Prices are down, but Biden’s problems are not going away. Retrieved: August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/gas-prices-are-bidens-problem-pump-isnt-going-away-rcna43810 Sustainable Transportation. Retrieved: August 25th, 2022 from: https://www.energy.gov/eere/sustainable-transportation#:~:text=Sustainable%20transportation%20refers%20to%20low,savings%20on%20fuel%20and%20vehicles Previous Next

< Back Transgender Ban in Women’s Sports Written By: Brianna H. Vanderstelt Publishing Date: June 18, 2023 On April 20th, 2023, House Republicans passed a bill entitled “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023.” This bill prohibits schools and universities from allowing biologically born males to participate in programs that are designated for women and girls, regardless of gender identity. In other words, this bill would ban transgender women from participating in women's and girls' sports. The Republicans argue that allowing individuals who are born male to participate in women’s and girls’ sports is a violation of Title IX, which is designed to protect against discrimination on the basis of sex in academia (Congressional Research Service, 2023). The bill was passed in the Republican House on a vote of 219 to 203 (Office of the Clerk, 2023). However, the bill is unlikely to pass in the democratic-controlled sensate, and it was stated in a Statement of Administration Policy that President Biden would veto the bill, were it to end up on his desk (Executive Office of the President, 2023; Karni, 2023). In the U.S., 1.6 million individuals outwardly identify as trans, 300,000 of which are youth. Hence, this bill would impact a significant population of school-aged youth, with nearly 1 in 5 trans individuals being between the ages of 13 and 17. This bill contributes to the Republicans’ nationwide push to restrict transgender rights, a population of individuals who already face disproportionately higher rates of bullying, depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts (Karni, 2023; UCLA School of Law, 2022). Sources Congressional Research Service. (2023, April 25). H.R.734 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Protection of Women and girls in Sports Act of 2023. Congress.gov . https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/734?s=2&r=7 Executive Office of the President. (2023, April 17). Statement of administration policy - whitehouse.gov . https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SAP-HR-734.pdf Karni, A. (2023, April 20). House passes bill to bar transgender athletes from female sports teams . The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/us/politics/transgender-athlete-ban-bill.html Office of the Clerk. (2023, April 20). Roll call 192, bill number: H. R. 734, 118th Congress, 1st session . Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023192 UCLA School of Law. (2022, September 27). How many adults and youth identify as transgender in the United States? Williams Institute. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/ Previous Next

The GOP's New Immigration Plan Written By: Emily Eames Publishing Date: June 25, 2023 Three US governors have made headlines recently as they try a new tactic designed to curb President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. Specifically, Governors Ducey of Arizona, DeSantis of Florida, and Abbott of Texas have been very outspoken about their opposition to Biden's new policies. Since the beginning of 2021, President Biden and Vice President Harris have made an effort to reform the United States immigration system. The goal is to create an “orderly, secure, and well-managed border while treating people fairly and humanely” (White House, 2021). Biden’s ‘open-border’ policies have been heavily criticized by southern border states as they view the administration's immigration policies as negligent, dangerous, and enabling further illegal immigration. "Our supposed Border Czar, Vice President Kamala Harris, has yet to even visit the border to see firsthand the impact of the open border policies she has helped implement, even going so far as to claim the border is ‘secure.’ Texas will continue sending migrants to sanctuary cities like Washington, D.C. until President Biden and Border Czar Harris step up and do their jobs to secure the border” (Abbott, 2022). Beginning in early April 2022, the three Republican governors started sending what would become thousands of migrants to predominantly blue U.S. cities. DeSantis and Abbott have stated that this new tactic is meant to demonstrate the effects that Biden’s immigration policies have on border states, and whilethese programs are reported to be voluntary to migrants as they enter the United States across the southern border, the degree of voluntariness is currently debated. New York, D.C., Chicago, and most recently, Martha’s Vineyard, have been the cities l picked for these new immigration ‘programs’ thus far. This led to the designated cities to be unprepared to provide instruction and services to arriving migrants. Fortunately, these cities have been able to quickly accommodate their new residents with food, medical attention, and shelter so far. State governments, churches, communities centers, and members have come to welcome and assist their new neighbors. Last week migrants arrived in Massachusetts without the state’s or local’s prior knowledge. This led to 50 people arriving in Martha’s Vineyard without a place to stay, food to eat, or any other resources. Thankfully, the local community in Martha’s Vineyard quickly responded to the needs of their new community members. Even going as far as to set up a play area for kids. Massachusetts Representative Dylan Fernandes commented on the actions taken by the residents of Martha’s Vineyard. "Our island jumped into action putting together 50 beds, giving everyone a good meal, providing a play area for the children, making sure people have the healthcare and support they need." Martha Vineyards is the newest city to receive migrants from the South. Previously, Abbott and Ducey sent buses to other major cities in sanctuary states and cities in an attempt to Protest Biden and Harris’s policies. Governor Abbott even went as far as to send a couple buses of migrants directly to VP Harris’s home. Photo from TheHill.com 2022 While Abbott, DeSantis, and Ducey have supporters for their new immigration tactic, they are also receiving backlash. Many are criticizing the governors for using innocent migrants (who entered the country legally) as pawns for their “political stunt”. A White House official condemned August the three governors' actions as both “shameful” and “wrong”. Others fault these programs due to the cost of funding them. DeSantis is reported to have used $12 million of the state budget to fly 50 migrants up to Massachusetts. Abbott spent a little less than $13 million funding his buses. Unlike Florida however, Texas doesn't just use taxpayer dollars, they also utilize private donations. This influx in new immigration programs developed by GOP governors has left many to shift from debates on immigration to instead focus on the ethics and efficacy of the governors' programs. Many argue that the governors are using migrants as political pawns in an attempt to refute Biden and Harris’s claims on immigration. Others see the governors' actions as contradictory to their previous efforts. For decades the GOP has been adamant about keeping ‘closed borders’ and limiting immigration into the US. However, their new programs are embracing ‘open borders’ and transporting migrants further into the United States. Sources Governor Abbott announces migrant bus arrivals at Border Czar Harris' residence in Washington D.C. Office of the Governor | Greg Abbott. (15AD). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-migrant-bus-arrivals-at-border-czar-harris-residence-in-washington-d.c Governor Abbott: Texas will continue surging state resources to secure the border . Office of the Governor | Greg Abbott. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-texas-will-continue-surging-state-resources-to-secure-the-border Governor Ducey signs the most meaningful border security legislation in state history . Office of the Arizona Governor. (2022, June 30). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2022/06/governor-ducey-signs-most-meaningful-border-security-legislation-state-history Governor Ron DeSantis takes additional actions to protect Floridians from Biden's border crisis . Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.flgov.com/2022/06/17/governor-ron-desantis-takes-additional-actions-to-protect-floridians-from-bidens-border-crisis/ Griffith, B. (2021, March 22). Map: Sanctuary cities, counties, and States . CIS.org . Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://cis.org/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States Mueller, J., & Shapero, J. (2022, September 19). Here's where GOP governors have sent nearly 13,000 migrants . The Hill. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://thehill.com/homenews/3647988-heres-where-gop-governors-have-sent-nearly-13000-migrants/ Murphy, P. P., Santiago, L., Contorno, S., Santana, M., & Marquez, M. (2022, September 17). Florida budget language that created Migrant Relocation Program would not permit desantis' Massachusetts Flights Stunt . CNN. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/us/marthas-vineyard-migrants-florida-budget-language/index.html Simonson, A., Alvarez, P., & Cole, D. (2022, September 16). DeSantis claims credit for sending 2 planes carrying migrants to Martha's vineyard in Massachusetts | CNN politics . CNN. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/14/politics/marthas-vineyard-massachusetts-migrants-planes/index.html The United States Government. (2021, July 29). Fact sheet: The biden administration blueprint for a fair, orderly and humane immigration system . The White House. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/27/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-blueprint-for-a-fair-orderly-and-humane-immigration-system/ Previous Next

History of the Pride Flag Written By: Kaitlin Nguyen Publishing Date: August 15, 2022 The widely recognizable Rainbow Pride Flag , representing the LGBTQA+ community, encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, asexual, and other LGBTQA+ identities. Youth associate the rainbow with positive feelings, the the flag is a useful navigation device for LGBTQA+ youth to navigate physical and social spaces. The Rainbow Flag was created as a symbol for the gay community by Gilbert Baker in 1978 at the request of San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politican to hold public office in California. Baker was a openly gay community activist, drag queen, and later accomplished vexillographer that worked magic with a sewing machine and was at the time co-chair of the Decorations Committee for the city (The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 2022; About Gilbert Baker: Creator of the LBTG Rainbow Flag; The Rainbow Flag: The Original 1978 Flag). The original iteration of the Rainbow Pride Flag displayed eight horizontal stripes: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo, and violet, the colors symbolizing sexuality, life, healing, sunlight, nature, magic and art, serenity, and spirit (The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 2022; EqualityMaine “History of the Pride Flag”; Grovier 2016). This eight-striped version was first produced by a team of 30 volunteers and friends , including Lynn Segerblom (Faerie Argyle Rainbow), James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran, and Paul Langlotz. They rinsed dyes at a public laundromat and stitched in the attic of a gay community center to create a massive 30x60 ft flag . According to Baker, the idea for the flag’s design came in 1976, the bicentenary anniversary of the United States’ day of independence as a republic, after the US withdrawal from the Vietnam War in 1973 and the resignation of Nixon in 1974 after the Watergate scandal left the American populace unsettled and in need of patriotic reassurance. Baker was impressed by the way in which the US flag was easily propagated, symbolically dense, emotional, and capable of inspiring great fervor even though the flag itself is simplistic in design. At the same time, he was aware of the competition his design would have with the pink triangle, a Nazi tool used to mark homosexuality in concentration camps (that was later co-opted by gay communities as a symbol of pride and reclamation). As flags “are about claiming power,” Baker wanted to distance his design from the negative historical connotations of the pink triangle, and believed that the gay community should have a positive emblem that was from and entirely theirs (Grovier 2016; Baker 2019). It’s been theorized that Baker’s flag was inspired by either gay icon Judy Garland’s song “Over the Rainbow,” the Stonewall Riots, the bright colors have often been used to imply homosexuality, and/or from the various historical instances of a rainbow flag being used as symbol for world peace, hope, social change, neutrality, faith, etc. (The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 2022; Grovier 2016; Baker 2019). In an interview with the Museum of Modern Art, Baker confirmed that his reasoning for using a rainbow as a flag was because “It’s a natural flag.. It’s from the sky” (Grovier 2016). In his memoir , Baker saw the gay community, with its glamour and diversity, a “like a rainbow.” The rainbow aptly shows both the beauty and natural genuineness of the gay community. The eight-colored Rainbow Flag was first flown on June 25, 1978 , during the SF Gay Freedom Day parade at the United Nations Plaza, cementing its status as a symbol of the LGBTQA+ community (The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 2022; Grovier 2016). The pink stripe was later removed due to a fabric shortage that made pink dye difficult to source and the turquoise stripe was removed in order make the flag more symmetrical and easier to display after the omission of the pink stripe (EqualityMaine “History of the Pride Flag”; Grovier 2016; The Rainbow Flag: The Original 1978 Flag). The revised flag , or the currently Rainbow Flag as we commonly recognize it as, is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, representing life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony and peace, and spirit respectively. The now six-color flag rose to prominency following the assasination of Harvey Milk and the San Francisco mayor George Moscone in November 27, 1978 . Since its appearance, the Rainbow Flag has grown tremendously and spread wildly as the well-recognized symbol for the gay community, commonly displayed in pride parades and LGBTQA+ conventions and in general - as a common symbol for individual and community use. Other flags created that entered into popular use include the bisexual pride flag designed by Michael Page (pink stripe representing same-sex attraction, blue as opposite-sex attraction, and the purple overlap representing both attractions), the transgender pride flag designed by Monica Helms (light pink and light blue representing girls and boys respectively, and the white to represent transitioning, neutral, intersex, or undefined genders), the Philadelphia pride flag created by PR agency Tierney which added brown and black stripes to represent the QPOC community, and the progress flag designed by Daniel Quasar which mashed designs from the Baker rainbow, transgender, and Philadelphia pride flags to make a pride flag that was more broadly inclusive (The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 2022; EqualityMaine “History of the Pride Flag”). “Flags,” as Baker puts it, “are torn from the soul of the people” (About Gilbert Baker: Creator of the LBTG Rainbow Flag; Grovier 2016). Resilience and passionate determination sewn in every patch of the banner. No doubt, these flags were made and will continue to push progress in the face of continued adversity for the LGBTQA+ community. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The crowd was as much a part of the show as the band. Everyone was there: North Beach beatniks and barrio zoots, the bored bikers in black leather, teenagers in the back row kissing. There were long-haired, lithe girls in belly-dance get-ups, pink-haired punks safety-pinned together, hippie suburbanites, movie stars so beautiful they left you dumbstruck, muscle gayboys with perfect mustaches, butch dykes in blue jeans, and fairies of all genders in thrift-store dresses. We rode the mirrored ball on glittering LSD and love power. Dance fused us, magical and cleansing. We were all in a swirl of color and light. It was like a rainbow.” - Gilbert Baker. To read up on more, check out the following links and resources: https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx for images and short descriptions of various pride flags compiled by UNCO’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. https://gilbertbaker.com/ for everything Gilbert Baker. https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag to contribute to their 1978 Rainbow Flag History Project, an archival project that will “document the origin, creation, public display and legacy of the two original, eight-stripe rainbow flags first flown in 1978 in San Francisco” Sources About Gilbert Baker: Creator of the LBTG Rainbow Flag. The Gilbert Baker Foundation. https://gilbertbaker.com/biography/ Baker, G. (2019). Stitching A Rainbow. In Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color. Chicago Review Press. https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/rainbow-warrior-products-9781641601504.php EqualityMaine. History of the Pride Flag. EQME EqualityMaine. https://www.equalitymaine.org/history-pride-flags Grovier, K. (2016). The history of the rainbow flag. BBC Culture. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160615-the-history-of-the-rainbow-flag The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. (2022). Pride Flags. University of Northern Colorado. https://www.unco.edu/gender-sexuality-resource-center/resources/pride-flags.aspx The Rainbow Flag: The Original 1978 Flag. GLBT Historical Society. https://www.glbthistory.org/rainbow-flag Wolowic, J. M., Heston, L. V., Saewyc, E. M., Porta, C. and Eisenberg, M. E. (2016). Chasing the rainbow: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth and pride semiotics. Culture, Health & Sexuality. 19(5), 557-571. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2016.1251613 Previous Next

Join the conversation on racial justice and its effects on people, including youth, in the United States. < Back Racial Justice People often define racism as disliking or mistreating someone due to their race. Roberts, who directs the Social Concepts Lab in the School of Humanities and Sciences, says that definition is false. Instead, “Racism is a system of advantage based on race. It is a hierarchy. It is a pandemic. Racism is so deeply embedded within U.S. minds and U.S. society that it is virtually impossible to escape.” Despite the advances of the civil rights movement nearly fifty years ago, and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and recognition of police brutality today, racism remains a very real issue. This remains evident in the criminal justice system where despite only making up 13.4 percent of the population, black people experience 22 percent of fatal police shootings, 47 percent of wrongful conviction exonerations, and 35 percent of individuals executed by the death penalty. Black juveniles are also subject to higher rates of incarceration. It does not end there, as racial injustice also extends to the education system. There, black youth are more likely to be suspended or expelled, less likely to be placed in gifted programs, and subject to lower expectations from their teachers. However, they are three times more likely to be referred for gifted programs if their teacher was black, pointing to biases some white educators may harbor. Historically, black colleges have also experienced a lack of funding. Despite how deeply ingrained racism is in American society, it does not mean that the fight against it is a hopeless battle. The public must educate themselves about their biases to recognize and alter their behaviors. They also need to learn the effects and spread of racism to make improvements to institutions where it is concentrated (e.g., the education system, the criminal justice system, the healthcare system, etc.). Activists have already been successful in making some much-needed changes. One example of this is criminal legal reforms that reduce mass incarceration and expand voting rights. Joining voices with activists only adds to their influence by spreading awareness and helping change come about quicker. OTHER TOPICS Voting Rights Climate Change Environmentalism Gender Equality Healthcare Inequality Immigration LGBTQI+ Rights Labor Rights Medical Autonomy What can I do about this? 1. Take the steps to educate yourself. Try diving inwards and see if you yourself might be harboring biases that you were unaware of. It’s better to acknowledge those behaviors and take the next necessary steps to correct them, rather than ignore them. 2. Speak up about racial indifferences you see. Whether it’s joining activists and spreading awareness, or standing up for someone who you see is facing a racial injustice. Your voice may encourage others to speak up as well. USYF CONTENT Forum Chats with Lauren Payne by Melissa Ballard External Resources Racial Equity Tools: Core Concepts Racial Justice - Equal Justice Initiative Racial Equity Tools: Laws and Policies The Sentencing Project - Racial Justice Voices for Racial Justice NAACP The Civil Rights Project Fighting Systemic Racism in K-12 Education Previous Next

How Healthcare Inequality Affects Young Minorities Written By: Areionna Anthony Publishing Date: January 20, 2022 " Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane ." Martin Luther King made these remarks in 1966 at a Chicago Press Conference for the meeting of the Medical Committee for Human Rights. Fifty-five years later, this statement still holds true. It’s no secret that the healthcare system in America is unjust, and most of the system's flaws can be traced back to health disparities. Health disparities are the differences in physical and mental health and the accessibility of affordable, quality healthcare due to social, economic, or environmental factors. These disparities mainly target minorities and can have profound impacts on adolescents, yet these groups are often denied the treatment and care they deserve. Drawing on data from the Journal of Latinx Psychology, Hispanic youth are often affected by obesity at an early age. Rates are twice as high for Hispanic youth aged six to eleven when compared to non-Hispanic white children of the same age. Those aged two to five years old carry an obesity rate that is four times higher. These figures are cause for concern since adolescent obesity tends to persist into adulthood, causing problems like heart disease, type two diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, these issues often go untreated and worsen with time, as 2021 statistics reveal that Hispanics are more likely to be without health insurance than any other ethnic group at 23.6% . In fact, heart disease and cancer are some of the leading causes of Hispanic deaths . Due to these statistics, it’s vital that Hispanic youth affected by obesity have access to the care they need, yet it’s proven that most weight loss studies among youth have been conducted in non-Hispanic white populations. The Hispanic community currently has poorer health care access and a lack of utilization and preventive care when compared with their counterparts. Sadly, black adolescents feel the effects of healthcare inequality in a similar fashion. According to a report by Psychiatric Annals, they commonly face inequality in the psychiatric care system, where they are more likely to be referred to the juvenile justice system for disciplinary services while their white counterparts are referred to treatment-oriented programs. The inclination to refer black youth to juvenile justice systems rather than treatment facilities points to biases. Unfortunately, bias and stereotyping are inevitable due to the lack of representation in psychiatric services; Approximately 86% of psychologists are white , and less than 2% of American Psychological Association members are African American. Despite efforts to develop cultural competency and awareness, a lack of people of color representing mental health systems inevitably fuels the bias and stereotyping that leads to health disparities. As a result, black youth referred to the juvenile justice system with psychiatric health struggles are failed. They aren't treated in fit environments if they are helped at all. In fact, these issues often worsen in the juvenile justice system due to the overcrowding, lack of available support systems (family, friends), lack of treatment options, solitary confinement, and restrictive housing. Black parents are aware of the biases of mental health providers, and due to a fear of involvement from social services, many are unwilling to have their children psychologically assessed . But health inequalities don't just affect racial minorities; they are also seen in sexual and gender minorities. Per the CDC, LGBT youth are more likely to experience bullying, discrimination, and violence than their heterosexual counterparts, and this translates into increased health risks related to substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors, mood disorders, and can even result in suicide. In fact, attempted suicide rates for LGBT teenagers are two to seven times higher than their heterosexual peers. However, despite this alarming information, the LGBT community is often overlooked in the healthcare system. They are less likely to have health insurance and are more likely to report low quality of care and unjust treatment due to bias and stigma. There is also a lack of understanding of LGBT health risks and concerns, evidenced by the fact that lesbians are less likely to get preventive services for cancer . So, why is this happening? As mentioned previously, some issues derive from biases and stereotypes; however other concerns stem from a lack of clinical studies for minorities. Many professionals falsely believe that black people have nerve endings that are less sensitive than white peoples’, that they have thicker skin, or that their blood coagulates more quickly, and so they feel pain to a lesser extent. A study in 2016 published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science revealed that half of the medical students surveyed believed these statements. These false assumptions contribute to health disparities by miscalculating and/or downright overlooking black patients’ pain, and they can even lead to misdiagnoses. That results in setbacks in treatment and recovery. Another cause of health disparities is the affordability of healthcare. Some may point to the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, fixing this by increasing healthcare coverage for people who are uninsured and making reforms to the health insurance market. The number of Americans without health insurance fell considerably between 2010 and 2015 but rose again after 2016. One of the major issues is that health insurance premiums have gone up in the five years since the law's passing. That, and the increase in deductibles- the amount you pay before the insurance comes into play- has resulted in millions of families losing their insurance because of the costs. Unfortunately, this was the case for a dad in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His health insurance premiums cost $4,000 a month- more than his mortgage. He doesn’t get subsidies and is doubtful that he can continue to afford insurance. However, even with Medicaid, providers accept it less than any other insurance. According to a brief from Healthcare Dive, 71% of providers accept Medicaid compared to 85% who take Medicare and 90% that accept private insurance. This further demonstrates the inequalities people on the lower end of the economic spectrum face. Beyond the affordability and acceptance of healthcare, other factors of health disparities can include lower socioeconomic status, which could affect one's access to healthy foods and the violence in their community. For example, black adolescents are more likely to be exposed to violence . Exposure to violence is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, risky health-related behaviors (alcohol abuse, sexual risk-taking), chronic disease (coronary heart disease, diabetes), and premature mortality. Environmental factors can affect one's air quality and the pollution around them. For some minority groups, language barriers may also be an issue, making communication between them and their providers difficult and health literacy more of a challenge. Healthcare inequality often creates a sense of distrust between the affected groups and the healthcare system. Because these affected groups are often minorities, this creates another barrier for them in America. This is likely to have a profound impact on young minorities who are already struggling with acceptance from their peers and society as a whole, as they come to realize they can't always trust the health care that they're receiving if they have access to it at all. Increased feelings of alienation and frustration are likely, contributing to disparities linked to mental health. It's a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. To erase these disparities, it is important to be educated and accepting of people from all groups and backgrounds. Health professionals need to be aware of the existence of biases to change them, and more research and clinical studies need to be conducted for minority groups to dispel false assumptions about their health and increase awareness for common health issues they face. Young minorities can take an active role in their health by learning more about biases and policies in the healthcare system. This can help them recognize when they are being taken advantage of or aren't receiving quality care. Health literacy also leads to awareness of health benefits or treatments one may be entitled to or eligible for and help affected groups regulate aspects of their health they have control over, like substance abuse, sexual behaviors, and leading an active lifestyle. Resources to aid and inform minority groups affected by health disparities: The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association National Black Leadership Commission on Health (NBLCH) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) National Alliance for Hispanic Health (NAHH) Sources Behavioral Health | Youth.gov. (2021). Retrieved 5 December 2021, from https://youth.gov/youth-topics/lgbtq-youth/health-depression-and-suicide Breland-Noble A. M. (2004). Mental Healthcare Disparities Affect Treatment of Black Adolescents. Psychiatric Annals, 34(7), 534–538. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-20040701-14 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). FastStats- health of the Hispanic or Latino population. Retrieved 2 December 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hispanic-health.htm Isasi, C. R., Rastogi, D., & Molina, K. (2016). Health Issues in Hispanic/Latino Youth. Journal of Latina/o psychology, 4(2), 67–82. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000054 LGBTQ+ Health Disparities | Cigna. (2021). Retrieved 4 December 2021, from https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/lgbt-disparities Masterson, L. (2019). Doctors Are Less Likely to Accept Medicaid Than Other Insurance. Retrieved 2 December 2021, from https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/doctors-less-likely-to-accept-medicaid-than-other-insurance/546941/ Opportunities for Prevention. American journal of preventive medicine, 55(4), 462–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.05.017 Perez, V. H., Fang, H., Inkelas, M., Kuo, A. A., & Ortega, A. N. (2009). Access to and utilization of health care by subgroups of Latino children. Medical care, 47(6), 695–699. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0b013e318190d9e4 Perzichilli, Tahmi. (2020). “The Historical Roots of Racial Disparities in the Mental Health System.” Counseling Today, ct.counseling.org/2020/05/the-historical-roots-of-racial-disparities-in-the-mental-health-system/ . Sheats, K. J., Irving, S. M., Mercy, J. A., Simon, T. R., Crosby, A. E., Ford, D. C., Merrick, M. T., Annor, F. B., & Morgan, R. E. (2018). Violence-Related Disparities Experienced by Black Youth and Young Adults: Turner, G. (2020). Top Reasons Why Obamacare is Wrong for America. Retrieved 2 December 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/gracemarieturner/2020/01/17/top-reasons-why-obamacare-is-wrong-for-america/?sh=3c286d2b3c84 Yang, J. (2021). Percentage of Uninsured Americans by Ethnicity | Statista. Retrieved 2 December 2021, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/200970/percentage-of-americans-without-health-insurance-by-race-ethnicity/ Previous Next

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< Back Social Activism Written By: Kylie Bartz Publishing Date: February 24, 2022 When one thinks about the education received in the average Midwest public high school, what comes to mind includes Christopher Columbus, the dissection of frogs, or say “no” programs like D.A.R.E. You think about proms, homecoming kings, and crowded sports arenas. There are photos of students signing for their D2 colleges, entering the final round of a speech competition, or attending the local hometown parade. What doesn’t come to mind? The historical presence of social activism. Historically, across public schools in the United States of America students have learned about activism in small doses. This includes: The Boston Tea Party Speakeasies during Prohibition The 19th Amendment Rosa Parks Martin Luther King, Jr. These moments in history are defined as a movement with one specific element, but they’re more than just one person or one headline. These moments in history are part of a larger movement of social activism and change. Today in the 21st century, just as each generation before us - we have a social climate movement that is influenced by celebrities, world leaders, and determined and ambitious youth around the world. At first glance, headlines of social movements and activism are swept under the rug -but they do exist. Climate change, police brutality, discrimination, LGBTQIA+ rights and safety, voting rights, and workers' rights are all topics covered within today’s social activist movements. A few examples include: Little Rock Nine The Stonewall Riots The Occupation of Alcatraz The Salt March (led in India) The Tiananmen Square Protests Tamara Adrián (elected in Venezula) Malcom X Greta Thornburg Malala Yousafzai Outside of these named leaders, there are many other examples and forms of activism. Brand or store boycotts, protests, blacked-out photos with hashtags, choosing to be an upstander, and taking a moment to reflect and respond in favor of positive change and safe spaces for those who aren’t invited to speak - they’re all forms of social activism. Today, when we think of social activism, it’s painted as an extreme and radical idea, but we know history disproves that. We know that activism has existed for centuries and has been a beneficial tool to aid in positive change to meet the needs of the society at the time. Social activism is not a new way to get involved, but an essential way to engage within your community - which includes networking and giving support where it makes sense. As generations continue to witness inequities and injustices, we will continue to see more social change movements start. What we know is, this generation - the youth of America today - has experienced the unimaginable. It is this generation that is hungry for progress. This is the generation that will find empowerment in each other to continue carrying the torch of social activism. To learn more about social activism and its historical impact, check out this TEDx Talk from 17-year-old Hannah Testa and her experiences in youth activism: https://youtu.be/D2xcoDM6EWw Sources Previous Next

< Back COVID 19: Impact on K12 and Postsecondary Students Written By: Amanuel Bahru Publishing Date: December 30, 2021 Even prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people already struggled with economic and social integration (Hares & Mundy, 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on general wellbeing, the economy, and the social lives of many, with an arguably disproportionate impact on young people, especially youth in lower income nations that struggled especially with the pandemic (International Labor Organization, 2020). The pandemic has had a significant impact on young people’s education. Data from the U.S. Department of Educations shows that the pandemic has worsened pre-existing educational gaps and has limited academic growth. Social distancing requirements led schools to transition to online education and this has led to educational gaps because of that technological barriers that exist in accessing online education (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Most students experiencing these barriers tend to be students of color, students with disabilities, and those from a lower socioeconomic backgrounds (U.S. Department of Education). It is estimated that approximately 1.57 billion or 91.3% of students globally were out of school as a result of COVID-19-related school closures (Hares & Mundy, 2021). Loss of learning resulting from the pandemic is a real concern and the consequences will be felt in the years to come (Human Rights Watch, 2021). In addition, school environments commonly provide youths a sense of community. Many students have an opportunity to join school-based organizations, however, that was no longer possible due to remote learning and social distancing. Therefore, some students have missed that sense of community by not being able to interact with their peers in-person. For example, studies suggest that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) students are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and stress due to not being able to be in school in-person and participating in various activities that provide them with a sense of community and support from their fellow peers (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Learning from home has also presented extra challenges for students that are at risk of violence, sexual harassment, and abuse from intimate partners or household members, due to being confined to close quarters with abusers (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Overall, almost all K-12 and postsecondary students have faced mental health challenges related to the pandemic and its effects (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Unlike sectors such as healthcare and economic sectors, educational sectors don’t provide data on how they’ve been impacted from COVID-19 as frequently. However, one Netherlands based study, focusing on primary school students, provides some data on the impact of the pandemic on student performance. This particular study highlights that there is a decrease in the number of courses completed by students and increased variability in student test scores (Engzell et al., 2021). In addition, a survey conducted for this particular study suggests that students spent less time studying during lockdown (Engzell et al., 2021). Regarding the impact of the pandemic on student performance, the study finds that students scored three percentile points lower in reading, spelling and math post-pandemic than those pre-pandemic. In comparison, there was no significant change in test scores between the years 2017-2019 for similar tests (Engzell et al., 2021). Since disadvantaged students are most likely to have a drop in academic performance as a result of COVID-19-related school closures, addressing COVID-19-related learning loss should start by targeting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. One way to do this is by implementing accelerated learning programs (ALPs) which would help students learn more efficiently and allow them to retain information more quickly (Longden, 2013). ALPs are designed to be complementary, rather than an alternative form of education. These programs cover the same amount of information covered in a regular school curriculum, but end quicker. Meaning, ALPs have the same start point as regular school curriculum but take less time to reach the curriculum end point. Evidence suggests that “ALPs have demonstrated considerable success in meeting the needs of these underserved populations, not only in terms of access and equity but also in completion and return to schooling and, most importantly in learning outcomes” (Longden, 2013, p.5). Overall, COVID-19 has affected youth education, and disproportionately. Since all students don’t have equal access and opportunity to learn from home, some students (i.e., economically disadvantaged) were affected by COVID-19 related school closure the most. Therefore, it is important to provide more educational support (i.e., by integrating ALPs into the regular school curriculum) for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds since they experience learning loss the most. Doing so will help young people catch up with the rest of their peers when it comes to academic performance. Sources Engzell, P., Frey, A., & Verhagen, M. D. (2021). Learning loss due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(17). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2022376118 Hares, S., Mundy, K. (2021, May 19). Equity-focused approaches to learning loss during COVID-19. Center For Global Development. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.cgdev.org/blog/equity-focused-approaches-learning-loss-during-covid-19. Human Rights Watch. (2021). Pandemic's dire global impact on education. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/17/pandemics-dire-global-impact-education# International Labor Organization. (2020). Youth & Covid-19: Impacts on jobs, education, rights and mental well-being. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/youth-employment/publications/WCMS_753026/lang--en/index.htm. Longden, K. (2013). Accelerated Learning Programmes: What can we learn from them about curriculum reform? UNESCO. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.eccnetwork.net/sites/default/files/media/file/225950eng.pdf U.S Department of Education. (n.d.). Education in a Pandemic: The Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 on America’s Students. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/20210608-impacts-of-covid19.pdf Previous Next

< Back Civic Engagement: How to Register to Vote and Then Vote Written By: Emily Eames Publishing Date: October 14, 2022 America has worked hard to get where we are today with voting rights. Originally, only white male citizens over 21 could vote. Today, citizens cannot be denied the right to vote on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. Voting is not only your right but an important civic duty, it is the backbone of our country's democracy. This article serves as a resource guide on how to vote, where to vote, and what to bring when you vote. How to Register to Vote *Before we begin, if you are voting in North Dakota you do not need to register to vote. North Dakota is currently the only state that does not require its residents to register to vote. You can find where you can vote by visiting North Dakota's official website . Then all you need to vote is an ID with your full name, residential address, and date of birth The easiest way to find the voting information you need is by looking online. You can find most of, if not all, the information you need on your state or credible organization’s website. Below are some resources to help you register to vote. The first place you can check for information on how to register to vote is your state’s voting and elections page. You can either look up your state's official page through a trusted web browser or you can use one of the websites listed below to find your state's election and voting page. Most states offer online registration. If you live in a state that does not offer online voter registration, you can still use one of the resources below to register online. Other ways to register to vote are by mail or in person. Register Online If your state offers online voter registration you can find the registration form on your state's election and voting website. If you want to bypass your state’s election and voting websites you can use any of the four trusted organizations listed below to officially register quickly and safely. On your state's election and the voting page you can also find emails and phone numbers on your state's website for any additional information or assistance you may need. Mail-In Similar to registering online, you can find your voter registration application through your state's official elections page. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission can help you find your state's registration form. Once you have filled out the application you will address your form to the county's Election Administrative Office. A list of addresses will be attached to your registration form. In Person If you prefer to register to vote in person, you can check your state's official website for qualifying registration locations. These locations usually include any public higher education institution, the local department of health, the local board of elections, the local department of motor vehicles, or even public libraries. Early Voting Not all states offer early voting options. If your state offers pre-Election day voting you can find information through NCSL or by contacting the Early Voting Information Cente r to see your state's specific steps. What Do You Need to Register? When you register to vote, you will need your driver's license or state identification card, your social security number (usually just the last 4 digits), and your address. Some states may require additional documents. A good way to check if you need any extra documents is by looking at your state's election page. The National Conference of State Legislature also offers a list of Voter ID requirements for each state. Where Do I Go To Vote? Once you’ve registered to vote, you are given the location of your polling place. However, it’s easy to forget that location, especially if it is your first time going to vote. One great resource to use when you are looking up your polling location is to use your state's citizen portal or voter information website. Just like when going to register to vote, The National Association of Secretaries of State has a website that will take you directly to your state's official voting and election page. All you need to do is select which state you live in. You also have the option of bypassing your state's website by using vote.org . This website offers a quick and easy way to locate your polling place, no matter where you are. Just type the same address you used for your voter registration into the search box. You can come to this website at least 2-4 weeks before an election to find where your polling place is. If for some reason they are unable to find your specific location, they will direct you to your local resources. What Do I Need to Vote? The next step is to make sure you have the proper documents on hand when you are ready to go vote. Most states will require a photo ID (i.e driver's license or Identification card) while others do not. You can check your state's voter and election websites to find out what the voter ID requirements are for your state. You can also check what you need for your state by checking the Nation Conference of State Legislators website. You can also find out what the voter ID laws are in your states so you can be prepared for election day. Below is an example of the NCSL’s interactive voter ID map. The voting ID requirements for Oregon are shown on the right. Voting With a Disability The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 along with the ADA requires all states to ensure that all aspects of voter registration are accessible to persons with disabilities. Polling places are also required of all public entities to ensure persons with disabilities are able to access their polling places and voting facilities. If a public entity is unable to meet ADA requirements then, they must provide an alternative method of voting at the polling place. Voting is your right there are several federal laws in place to protect your right to a fair voting experience. Go Vote! I hope you feel more confident, preparing to register to vote and finding your polling place. Now all you need to do is decide which candidate you would like to vote for and head over to your polling place on November 8th or send in a ballot! Sources Everything you need to vote . Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org . (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.vote.org/ October 28, 2021 · by E. V. I. C. T. · in E., August 31, 2021 · by abbydurrant@reed.edu · in C., August 4, 2021 · by E. V. I. C. T. · in E., April 29, 2021 · by P. G. · in C., March 30, 2021 · by P. G. · in C., March 16, 2021 · by P. G. · in C., November 3, 2020 · by E. V. I. C. T. · in C., & November 3, 2020 · by P. G. · in C. (n.d.). Early Voting Information Center . Elections & voting information center. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://evic.reed.edu/ Official Guide to Government Information and services: Usagov . Official Guide to Government Information and Services | USAGov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.usa.gov/ Register to vote, find election info, and more! Rock the Vote. (2022, September 12). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.rockthevote.org/ States with online voter registration . American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.aclu.org/issues/voting-rights/promoting-access-ballot/states-online-voter-registration Underhill, W. (n.d.). Early In-Person Voting . Early in-person voting. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/early-voting-in-state-elections.aspx The United States Government. (2022, July 12). Elections and voting . The White House. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/elections-and-voting/ VOTE411. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.vote411.org/ Wendy Underhill, B. W. (n.d.). Voter ID Laws . Voter ID laws. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx#Laws%20in%20Effect Your ballot explained . Vote Informed on the Entire Ballot. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.ballotready.org/ Your ballot explained . Vote Informed on the Entire Ballot. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.ballotready.org/ec Previous Next