This year's inaugural Civic Engagement Fair invited students on Greene Street to engage with various political platforms.
The fair featured student organizations, nonprofit groups, political campaigns and other interest groups with the purpose of educating students on how to get involved with issues of public concern, whether it be on or off campus.
Fourth-year sport and entertainment student Lyric Swinton said she was inspired to create the event after attending the South Carolina Democratic weekend, where she felt empowered by a newfound discovery of the impact she makes within the political world.
“I want them to have those same opportunities to feel represented, to feel like their voices were heard and just to be active," Swinton said. “I want students to get involved, not just in the presidential campaigns. Like, that's great, but you can get so much more involved, even on just a local level.”
Janet Jordan, who represented the Lexington County Democratic Party, said college campuses are great places to share this important knowledge with students.
“We’re giving people a choice about the options that they have when it comes to voting, and you need to understand everybody’s platforms and make an informed decision, based on that, what’s right for you,” Jordan said.
Viktoria Ckenna from the South Carolina Republican Party said civic engagement comes in many different forms, “whether that’s utilizing your right to vote, you know, that's your responsibility; or, also, getting involved with a little campaign or just in your community."
Fourth-year political science student Adrienne Lowery is also involved with the South Carolina Republican Party. She said it is important for students to be involved because they are the upcoming generation for political leadership.
“They’re the largest population that needs to be well informed because they are the growing population that will eventually take over leadership, so I think by advertising and getting the message out now, they’re more aware,” Lowery said.
The Civic Engagement Fair was the last event for Gamecocks Engage week, which began on Sept. 23.