Sunday, April 30, 2006

Four Years of MSUSA...and it Isn't Over Yet

Good conference this weekend. The meetings went well, and I think we had fun. It was low key, there was good discussion, and evenings were calming...the way I like it, but not the way it always goes.

It is hard to believe yet another year of conferences has come to an end. Seems like yesterday that I was attending my first conference, and that was nearly four years ago. I may not have loved every moment of every conference, but each experience, each person I have come in contact with has impacted me. Taught me. Many of them have become friends.

This morning I accepted the association's yearly MVP award. I've never really thought of myself as an MVP, but I am humbled and honored by the thank you.

And looking forward a fifth year ahead...

Saturday, April 29, 2006

From Mankato

Sitting in a hotel room and posting just because I can. Gotta love wireless internet.

More on conference to follow tomorrow.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Embarassing Moments...

You have a meeting with a faculty member about a Student Senate proposal.

You are scheduled to meet in the Union and decide to try something new...a Chai Javalanche from the food court coffee shop.

You go over to the table and set down your drink without incident.

Then your colleague from Senate arrives at the table, and in the process of sliding over to give him a place to sit, you bump the drink you just set down, and it spills all over both of you, and your papers, right in front of the person you're meeting with.

Yeah...that's how my first meeting of the day started. Luckily, it went well from there!

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Road Trip!

After my crappy day on Thursday, I decided I needed a break....from thinking about homework, classes, Senate and other stresses. So, I did something different for a change--on Friday, I packed a change of clothes and headed to Minneapolis with Cody, Bruce, Beth, Spooner, Grace and Bobbie for the STLF Spring Conference.

I called Mom Friday night, and she was quite surprised to hear I was in the Cities. I am usually not one to travel on a moment's notice. She's usually the one that calls and says "See you in 4 hours", or books tickets with old friends at the last minute. For me, when I go places, it's usually Senate/MSUSA related and planned well in advance.

I must say I think I need more spontaneous road trips. It was fun to hang out with awesome people, some of whom I had not seen since Spring Break. It was nice to relax. Saturday brought a beautiful morning for a Como Park cleanup. (Oh, how clean it was compared to our last experience cleaning a park (D.C.) ). The afternoon brought a chance to go to some different kinds of seminars.

Yesterday evening, headed to St. Cloud for the Regional Film Fest, and left proud that "Prelude," the Beaver Film Fest's first place winner, took the same prize when pitted against competition from around the state. (Congrats again, Aaron!)

Got back into town at about 1 am. Even though it was only a day long excursion, it was just what I needed to re-energize and focus on the next couple of busy weeks as the semester comes to a close.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Rough Day

Woke up late.

Got to work in the Ed Dept and realized my scooter tire was flat as a pancake. Thank goodness we (thanks to my awesome coworker for help) were able to find someone in town with the right part--and they sent a guy over to fix.

10 am lab worker a no show. Between that and the scooter, I missed Canadian Politics.

Social Stats test--hell.

At least the Senate meeting was good.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Podcasting...Only a Matter of Time

Moorhead Campus to try Podcasting for Classes

Only a matter of time till this makes it to BSU...hopefully.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Young Politicians

I saw an article recently in the Forum about young people entering politics in Minnesota and North Dakota. I found it quite interesting (partially because I know one of them), and emailed the story to the Student Senators with a note: "Those of you that enjoyed lobbying, just think...you could be there someday, as a Representative!"

Since you need a password to access archives older than a week, I'll post the text of the article below.

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Young Entering Politics

Fargo Forum, April 10, 2006

On the first day of this year’s recent North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Convention, Zachary Ista sat near the back of the hall behind three silver-haired delegates. Instead of his daily uniform of blue jeans and casual button-down shirts, he wore a pale-brown suit and navy shirt. He bought the ensemble the day before over his mom Loris’ objections that the lime-green tie was “too Starburst.”

At 20, Ista, a North Dakota State University junior, is the only endorsed Democratic House candidate from West Fargo’s District 13. If elected in November, he’ll join the exclusive club of state legislators in their 20s. They make up less than 1 percent in a group with an average age of 53, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Ista is among a spate of North Dakota and Minnesota college students and recent grads who’ve taken a crack at local and state elected offices, undercutting the cliché of the apathetic, jaded twenty-something. Their age might cause them to jut out among graying fellow politicians, but they harness it as their strongest selling point.

“Young people don’t want to sit around and debate anymore,” Ista says. “They want to get out and protest, start petitions – or run.”

The latest crop of college-age politicians has already signed on to state legislative and local races this election year.

Besides Ista, Democrats at their convention in Fargo a week ago endorsed the state House bids of Ben Vig, a 22-year-old farmer from rural Aneta, and Stuart Savelkoul, 24, of Dickinson. Across the river, 21-year-old Karl Struck of Mankato and former Laura Bush intern 22-year-old Austin Bleess of Long Prairie are seeking Republican nominations to the Minnesota Legislature, where members’ average age is 49.

In Bismarck, recent Dickinson State University graduate Ian Karvo, who turns 25 in June, sought the GOP green light to vie for Earl Pomeroy’s congressional seat, but pulled out in March.

And in Fargo, 22-year-old JJ Gordon is preparing to launch his bid for mayor.

Jim Danielson, Minnesota State University Moorhead political science professor, says that in recent years about half a dozen students sought his advice about running for office. He says this is a recent phenomenon.

No agency appears to keep track of candidate ages, but party veterans and academic experts say student political involvement has spiked since 2000.

Jim Fuglie, North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party chairman, says his generation of Vietnam War protesters gave way in the late ’80s and ’90s to “the generation that wasn’t paying attention. What I’m sensing now is people of college age are starting to engage again.”

Fuglie says College Democrats, virtually non-existent during the ’90s, is now a vibrant organization with chapters on almost every state campus. A March membership drive by College Republicans enlisted more than 200 on three campuses – Minot, Dickinson and Mayville – where the organization didn’t have a presence before.

What’s making elected offices increasingly alluring to candidates in their early 20s?

In spring 2004, Amy Warnke, then a Republican North Dakota House member, urged University of North Dakota student senator Stacey Horter to run for her Grand Forks seat. Horter parried the pitch, saying jokingly, “I thought you had to be 65 to run.”

Horter was graduating that year and on track to attend law school. Taking a two-year detour to Bismarck didn’t tempt her.

But the idea haunted her over the next two months. As a lobbyist for the North Dakota Student Association, Horter campaigned to ease tuition increases, which averaged 16 percent a year at her school.

“Higher education is one of the most crucial issues in my district, and I thought, ‘What a great way to be involved and have a hand in it,’ ” Horter says. She now serves on the House Education Committee and sponsored a bill that would have forced colleges to stick with a flat-rate rather than per-credit tuition plan.

Many college-age candidates enter politics eager to address tuition increases and student loan cuts, issues that directly affect them. But experts say there’s more to their sense of purpose.

Today’s polarized political landscape sucks young people into the clash of ideas more readily than the generation before the contested 2000 Bush-Gore standoff. In 2004, more people ages 18 to 24 voted than in any presidential election since 1972, though at a 47 percent turnout, they still were the least active age group on Election Day.

In the buildup to the last presidential election, everyone on campus seemed to have strong opinions on abortion, gay marriage, taxes and the Iraq war, says MSUM College Democrats Chairwoman Jolene Thorne. “I don’t think that’s a good thing for our country,” she says of the stark political divide, “but it woke a lot of young people up.”

At the same time, both parties seem to be more receptive to college-age candidates. Like Horter, Bismarck native and 2004 North Dakota House candidate Matt Maslowski – 19 at the time – was lured to the campaign trail by a party invitation, from then-DFL chairman Tom Dickson. Both young politicians say they wouldn’t have made the leap otherwise.

“I don’t think young people are apathetic,” says Horter. “It’s a matter of asking people to be involved and planting that seed.”

When Danielson advises would-be student officeholders, he warns them their chances are slim because of what he calls “anti-young person bias” on the part of voters who equate youth with inexperience.

In 2004, the year 24-year-old Democrat Andy Welti of Plainview became the youngest member of the Minnesota Legislature, four other twenty-something Democratic challengers lost.

To compound issues with credibility, student candidates also need to squeeze campaigning into their hectic schedules.

Besides his full-time load as a secondary education student, Ista puts in 20 hours a week working at West Fargo’s Faith Lutheran Church, 25 hours into his internship at Byron Dorgan’s Fargo office, 10 hours into his basketball coaching gig and about five hours into sleep each night. And if he doesn’t keep up with house chores, his mom threatens not to vote for him.

But instead of downplaying their youth to gain credibility, student politicians strive to make it work in their favor.

A 2003 study by Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics found today’s young leaders aren’t demographically much different from the older generation of decision-makers. Of the 814 elected officials younger than 35 in 48 states polled, almost 90 percent were male, 80 percent were Caucasian, and the great majority were middle or upper-middle class. Fifty percent identified themselves as Democrats and 41 percent as Republicans.

But college-age politicians say their unique vantage point gives them an edge over older colleagues.

If elected, MSUM student and Fargo Park Board candidate Ben Hanson would be the youngest among the board’s five members, all older than 40. “I don’t have the experience a 40- or 50-year-old would have,” says Hanson, 19. “What I have is the experience of using the parks.”

Hanson is an alum of the Fargo Trollwood Performing Arts School video production program and loves to bike down park trails. On his platform: more park events steering youth away from drinking (inspired by his own recent experience as a restless high schooler) and advance notice on mosquito spraying (inspired by a chat with the mom of an asthmatic toddler).

A forte of youthful candidates is their idealism, says Elizabeth Beaumont, a University of Minnesota political science professor in charge of the Carnegie Foundation’s Political Engagement Project targeting college youth.

“On the one hand, they’re young, naļve, politically inexperienced. The double edge of this is that they aren’t cynical yet. They’re not owned by anyone yet.”

And in the wake of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, younger candidates might be an easier sell to newly skeptical voters.

Instead of using his spring break to schmooze with fellow politicians, Ista regaled nursing home residents in Madison, Wis., and spruced up a rundown YMCA in Chicago as part of a weeklong student community action trip. “With my age come fresh ideas and fresh experience,” he says.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Mila Koumpilova at (701) 241-5529

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If you live in these districts, go vote for these young people in November! They are proof positive...students are far from apathetic!

Friday, April 14, 2006

The Time of Year for Marathon Meetings

Long Senate meeting last night. A total of six bills introduced. It has been a strange year...we can go weeks without one, and then BAM! a whole bunch. It likely has something to do with the fact we have only 2 meetings left this year.

In case you're curious, the bill Jessica speaks of in this post passed 10-3-1. The passed bill is similar, although not identical to, the one she pasted into her post...students can get a copy in the office, and it will be online eventually at our website. (The authors need to forward the final to me, so I can send it to the webmaster with the next batch of updates)

Additionally, we took action on the Res Life budget and a couple of technology items. And finally, the introduction of a bill supporting the creation of a Public Service Center, an idea born in the minds of students on a spring break trip, and one of the most exciting initiatives I've been able to lend help and support to in my "career". If it comes to fruition, it will be a great thing for BSU and a huge, tangible victory for STLF-BSU and Senate alike.

Even after four years, I still love this job.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Long, But Great

It may have lasted 16 hours, but today was a great day. The sun was shining, the weather warm, and I had fun.

The Scholarship Conference went well. The keynote and closing were enjoyable, and all 5 presentations I went to were interesting and informative. I still have to do the write up for Analysis though, and it's almost midnight...did not return here till 11.

Beaver Film Fest was awesome! We estimate 350 people attended...it really is one of the biggest events of the year, Beaux Arts was certainly pretty filled up. Overall, the films were good. They're all online, check them out! Big Congrats go to Mr. Reini and his crew for their first place finish.

All around, today was a day that proved just how talented so many BSU students are.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

16 Hour Wednesday Approaching

Yeah, tomorrow is going to bring new meaning to the words "long day"

Here's what's on tap:

7:30 AM: Need to be in M100 to get ready for the Scholarship Conference
9:00: Listen to Keynote
10:30: Watch Student Presentations
12:00 PM: Committee Luncheon
1:00: More Presentations
2:30: Closing Ceremony
4:30: Be in Beaux Arts to prep for the Film Fest
7:00: Doors open for Film Fest
10:30: Res Life Sign Up Celebration/Drawing
11:30: Back in room (I hope!)

Yeah...I better go to bed!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Weekend

Busy weekend for me. Attended the Senate 4 DFL convention Saturday, where we endorsed Mary Olson.

Saturday evening, attended the Festival of Nations, along with Mom, who paid me a surprise visit. It was fun and we ate lots of interesting foods.

Today, attended the Who's Who reception.

Boy, it seems as though I've had some short, rather boring entries lately.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Feeling Charitable?

If so, here's a public service announcement--consider donating to one of these GREAT causes!

North Star Red Cross
Chapter serving northern and central Minnesota and they need help!
http://www.northstar-redcross.org

Relay for Life
Help combat cancer by participating in, or donating to this event sponsored by the American Cancer Society
BSU Relay Web Site

STLF
As of last week, STLF is a 501c3 non-profit and any donations to the great student cause are tax-deductible.
http://www.stlf.net

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Reflecting on Another MSUSA Weekend

This past weekend, we had MSUSA Spring Delegates and Lobby Day.

As far as Delegates went, it was the first time in three years we got all the work done without a walkout or anything. MSUSA has an FY 07 budget, revised bylaws, revised policies, officers for next year, and at-large board members for next year as well. It was long as always, and the budget did take a while, but we got it done. Surprisingly, the longest, most contentious thing was probably the treasurer election...in the end, the right candidate prevailed.

Had some fun evenings while there...Friday was the "night out", Saturday was laid back...just hung out in the hotel and chatted with people. Also had the chance to have dinner with Mom on Sunday, which was nice as I had not seen her since Christmas. Took Sam and Cody along, and I know she enjoyed meeting a few more of the "crew".

Also, later Sunday evening, several of us went to see V for Vendetta at Imax...quite a good movie, although not for the squeamish...a fair amount of death and blood.

Monday brought the annual Lobby Day. For the most part, my well laid plan and schedule worked out. We did have a handful of meetings that were cancelled or had the times changed, but I suppose that is to be expected at the Capitol, especially in such a busy year with a condensed session. Made a stop at the U before we came back to Bemidji to see their student union and visit a couple of guys from STLF, which was nice...we told them they have to come north some time.

This was probably my favorite Delegates Weekend in four years. As usual, our delegation did very well, brought up smart points in the assembly, and had fun together. And with such a large number along, I was able to step back a bit and give newer people some experience at the table while I answered questions and helped keep everyone organized. The good day lobbying was an added bonus--icing on the cake. I left tired but able to take pride in being a member of the BSUSA.