​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is your major and class standing?
I am majoring in Health Sciences on a Pre-Dental track. I am a senior graduating in May 2021.

In addition to this CEEP Democracy Fellowship, how else are you involved on CSU's campus?
At CSU, I am involved in positions of leadership among a few of our student organizations on campus. These include serving as the President of the Pre-Dental Society, President of the Arab Student Union, and President of the Lebanese Student Organization. I have been an active member of these organizations since I began my undergraduate studies at CSU, and I continue to stay engaged in the work done with these organizations.

In what ways have you been involved in your community, past and present?
As far as my involvement in civic engagement goes, I work as the Ohio Field Organizer for the Arab American Institute. This is a non-profit membership organization based in Washington D.C. that focuses on the issues and interests of Arab-Americans nationwide. My work consists of promoting our campaigns which encourages Arab-Americans to fill out their Census forms, and also to get out to vote. Through connecting and building partnerships with various local organizations, there has been effective outreach to educate and inform our Arab community about topics surrounding their civic duties which in-turn, help the Arab community as whole.

What would you say to someone who tells you their vote does not matter?
It is important to vote because the outcome of this election will determine who makes critical decisions on policies that can impact the individual, and the urgency of this reality requires every eligible voter to turn out to vote and assert their priorities at the ballot box.

Why do you believe it is important for young people to be civically engaged citizens?
We, as the younger generation, have a certain responsibility to be civically engaged citizens because we are ultimately the future of this country. In the near future, we will be the ones creating policies, making critical decisions, mobilizing ideas, etc. to create a country that benefits us, as a people. It requires collective efforts to be actively engaged to protect our public values and to make a difference in our community.

What suggestions would you give someone who is wondering how to remain or get involved in the civic process during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
I suggest that even with the limits of face-to-face interactions, civic involvement can be just as effective in a remote-type of atmosphere. It is possible to connect with your local community organizations and help to initiate efforts of civic engagement in the community you live in. Social media has a bigger impact these days and it is a great way of outreach to a larger scale of people.

What makes you optimistic about the future?
​​​​​​​I believe that nowadays, the younger generation is deeply passionate on topics about social issues, human rights, diplomacy, and political change. This makes me confident that the future of the nation is in good hands. Hopefully people continue to stay aware, educate themselves, and inform others about these topics as we progress further into the future.

Want to learn more about democracy fellowships? Contact Anita Ruf-Young, Program Coordinator and Interim Director of OCE at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu.