Turning Conviction Into Action: GW Students Take Political Passions Off Campus

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By Davis Burton

As the 2020 General Elections begin to heat up, students at GW have a unique opportunity to turn their political convictions into meaningful action. GW, like many schools in the D.C.area, is known for its politically active student body. There is a high concentration of students studying Political Science, International Affairs and other politically focused majors, and student organizations staging demonstrations in Kogan Plaza is a common sight. But in the coming months, students living in the nation’s capital will have the chance to take up opportunities that extend beyond the confines of a traditional academic community. This upcoming year Colonials of all political stripes can work to identify opportunities to make an impact in their community, or even in our country’s larger political process.

For those who came to D.C. determined to learn the ins and outs of electoral politics; campaigns at all levels are seeking well-qualified students to serve in part time and volunteer positions. From D.C. City Council all the way up to the presidency, many organizations are more willing than ever to offer young adults meaningful work experience for those willing to roll up their sleeves and answer phones, collect signatures, and spread the messages of their candidates.

Senior Will D’Angelo had the opportunity to experience such an opportunity after arriving at George Washington University his freshman year and observing the events of the 2016 election, and many of the protests and demonstrations that followed in its wake. Although D’Angelo had “always had an interest in politics… sparked by history, movies, and books, and a lifelong dream of working in the government,” it was his first semesters at GW, and the conversations he had with professors and peers that led him to apply to the personal office of Senator Joe Biden in August of 2018. Now with the campaign in full swing, D’Angelo is able to gain a full sense of what it takes to work in national politics, while taking on tasks for the Biden Team

“My biggest resource I’ve utilized to make impacts were the people I’ve met at school and Washington… For example, I have been inspired by and sought advice from friends, classmates, professors, and co-workers which has taught me skills and knowledge that can’t be found in a textbook.”

Of course, taking a position with a campaign, or in the office of an elected official, isn’t every student’s first choice. Whether it is a disillusionment with electoral politics as a whole, or simply a preference for a more stable work environment, students can work to advocate for issues that are important to them. This is especially true in DC, as many special interest groups with headquarters in the area gear up political spending and activity in the months preceding the elections.

Consider Sophomore Adam Friedman, who is now working full time with the Brady Campaign to “advocate for gun control and against gun violence.” Like D’Angelo, Friedman’s desire to make a change in government began before he arrived at GW. His interest in preventing gun violence came after a close member of his family died from an incident of gun violence when Friendman was young. But from high school onwards, he has exercised the opportunity to turn tragedy into progress, working with the Brady Campaign and its headquarters located in Washington.

“The organization went from a single branch to having chapters all across the country. It served as an opportunity for me to help enact political change amongst the youth of America through walk-outs, marches, and demonstrations, and rally high schoolers personally affected by gun violence to advocate for reform.” Since coming to Washginton, Freidman has transitioned to full time work with the Brady Campaign, and hopes to spread its message nationally.

Such are examples of how GW students have seized the opportunity to take our political opinions beyond the internet, out of the classroom, and far beyond campus, by taking advantage of the resources we are provided as students in Washington. Though not everybody may agree on a particular political issue, or know what steps to take to improve our nation’s democracy, the student body as a whole is better served with engaged, and politically active citizens. With the election cycle approaching full swing, now more than ever is a chance to set that example.