Northern Illinois University’s Common Reading Experience, Orientation & First-Year Experience and the Student Association are collaborating to sponsor “This I Believe about POLITICS,” an event centered around expressing beliefs related to government, laws, rights, leadership and other issues connected to the upcoming election.
The event will take place in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, the night before Election Day.
All are invited to participate as speakers or audience members.
“This I Believe about POLITICS offers an open and friendly environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members to express their beliefs without a discussion or debate being held,” said Kelly Melvin, assistant director of Orientation & First-Year Experience.
“The idea behind this project is to offer individuals the opportunity to share their belief and be heard without repercussion. We ask that those who participate do not engage in disrespectful or negative language.”
This I Believe about POLITICS is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to express a belief in the form of a formal This I Believe essay, poem, lyrics, etc., for one to two minutes.
Nicholas Bender
Nicholas Bender, director of governmental affairs for the Student Association, will be the M.C. for the event.
“Not only are politics one of the most discussed subjects in the United States, but also one of the most important. We all have an opinion about politics, Bender said. “More important than just having an opinion is having an informed opinion. You should know why you believe what you believe. Accomplish this by writing a short essay about your beliefs regarding politics. Do some research, talk to others, solidify your belief, then write an essay.”
Those interested in expressing their beliefs, or who have questions about the event, should contact Teresa Bozikis at firstconn@niu.edu by Monday, Oct. 29.
This collaboration stems from Northern Illinois University’s Common Reading Experience (CRE). The CRE is an interdisciplinary initiative that promotes intellectual dialogue and a sense of community among students, faculty, staff and citizens of the DeKalb/Sycamore area.
