A bipartisan panel of distinguished UNC Charlotte alumni working in public service at the federal, state and local levels advised students on how to get involved in the democratic process during a forum Wednesday afternoon to kick off the 49er Democracy Experience.
“Whether you decide to go straight to Raleigh or straight to Washington or you want to stay here, the biggest thing is don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to network and meet folks that can help you achieve your goals,” said Jordan Barnes ’09, Western Regional representative for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, during the forum held in the Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room.
The Republican National Convention will be held next summer in Charlotte. Wednesday’s panel, titled “Where Are They Now?” was part of the 49er Democracy Experience, which initially launched prior to the 2012 Democratic National Convention, also held in Charlotte. The Democracy Experience will provide opportunities for students to get engaged in the voting and election process.
Rep. Jake Johnson ’16, the youngest member of the North Carolina General Assembly, told the students that now is the time for them to get involved.
“All eyes are on North Carolina,” Johnson said. “So if you make a name for yourself here, it’s going to go national. It’s really the center of attention in 2020.”
Rep. Mary Belk ’06 said patience is key when working in public service, particularly when you are a member of the minority party. The second term representative said while the job can be frustrating, it’s also a rewarding one that she would recommend to anyone.
“You have to have patience and know that ‘I plant this seed’ and it might not come to fruition this year or next year,” Belk said. She cited, as an example, HB 29: “Standing Up for Rape Victims Act of 2019” (an act to establish processes and protocols for testing untested sexual assault exam kits) – a bill which she began working on with her colleagues in both parties more than three years ago, which finally became law this year.
Rodney Harris ’06 ’08 MPA, deputy county manager for Cabarrus County, told students that serving the public in local government means putting aside their political passions and adopting a nonpartisan viewpoint.
Volunteering for a political campaign is a great way for students to get their foot in the door, said Addison McDowell ’16, grassroots associate with the N.C. League of Municipalities.
“When a chief of staff gets 10,000 resumes for a job that doesn’t pay well and you’re working 15 hours a day, the person that worked for free and did it already is going to stick out way above the thousand resumes that look the same,” McDowell said.
Tracy Montross ’10 MPA, the regional director of government affairs for American Airlines, said beyond volunteering with a campaign, students should become acquainted with their local politicians on social media to find out where they are hosting meetings and other events.
“Most politicians are on social media,” Montross said. “If you are not following your local delegations on Facebook, on Twitter, friend them today.”
The 49er Democracy Experience connects the campus community to voter registration information, election news and volunteer opportunities, while supporting UNC Charlotte’s goal to foster leadership and citizenship among students. Once again, Charlotte is on the national stage and the 2020 Republican National Convention provides students, faculty, staff and alumni with opportunities to interact with the democratic process. Additionally, higher education institutions are required by the federal Higher Education Act and the National Voter Registration Act to make a “good faith effort” to provide voter registration information to all enrolled students.
Photo (l to r): Addison McDowell, '16; Jordan Barnes, '09; Tracy Montross, '10 MPA; Rodney Harris, '06, '08 MPA; Rep. Jake Johnson, '16; Rep. Mary Belk, '06; John Waugh, current student, panel moderator