In honor of Constitution Day, ETSU students traveled to middle schools in 10 counties of upper East Tennessee. There, they presented to eighth-grade students, speaking on how students can be civically engaged, understand the U.S. Constitution and make their voices heard in their communities.
Federal Magistrate Judge Cynthia Wyrick organized the Constitution Day series and contacted ETSU for volunteers to present. The UT Institute of American Civics also contributed extensive help in coordinating and implementing the visits. Among those volunteers was Charlie Dorset, president of ETSU’s Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) delegation. As an active participant in TISL’s mock government, Dorset is familiar with the importance of civic engagement and the value of informed citizens.
“Students don’t know the opportunities they have until they’re presented to them,” said Dorset. He emphasizes how vital it is for students transitioning to high school to be well-informed and know that their government is “accessible,” understanding how the Constitution “affects them in their everyday life.”
Many of the schools the group visited were rural with fewer outreach opportunities. For these students, the presentation allowed them to see that they don’t have to be in the “biggest city to make an impact.” Dorset connected this to ETSU students. In an Appalachian school, he said it’s important for students to realize the impact they have.
Judge Wyrick is a first-generation college student, and Dorset said her example showed both the ETSU students and eighth-graders the possibilities that exist for them.
TISL also organized a lecture series during Constitution Day Week, with a lecture last week focusing on misinformation, delivered by Dr. Michael Bufano. There are clear connections between understanding the Constitution and avoiding misinformation. Dorset said that the best thing students can do is “pay attention” using the information they have to understand how legislative decisions “affect them.”
Government representation and access can often seem far-off and unapproachable. Dorset, however, noted that the Constitution Day series demonstrated how government representatives want to hear from students and encourage them to be engaged. Both ETSU students and students from East Tennessee high schools had the opportunity to meet with government officials and know there’s a community around them that cares about their voice and future.
TISL is planning a mid-October living room-style discussion of legislative topics, which will allow for dialogue and promote student understanding. Events like the Constitution Day series enable students to better engage with their communities, understand civic discourse and become familiar with their representatives and rights.
More information on TISL can be found at etsu.edu/students/sao/organizations/civicengagement/programs/tisl.php.
