Rutgers–Camden Event Encourages Students to Engage in Local Politics

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Rutgers University–Camden will host an event next month aimed at helping students better understand the importance of local and state politics.

The “Listen, Learn, Act” series will take place on Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in the Campus Center’s South Conference Room BC. The program is designed to show students how policies enacted close to home can often impact their lives more directly than national politics.

The event is organized by Dr. Simanti Lahirir, program coordinator for Public Engagement at Rutgers–Camden. Lahirir said the goal is to create space for conversations that are often overlooked: “We want students to not only hear about these issues but to reflect on what they mean in their own lives and communities.”

Graduate student Allison Truax said she hopes the event will help her gain a stronger understanding of Camden politics. “As I’ve gotten older, I have started to care more about politics,” Truax said. “I follow it on social media and talk about it with friends, but I don’t really know much about what goes on in Camden, which is something I’m hoping to change.”

The program will feature policy experts and local practitioners who plan to break down complex issues into accessible information. Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions and discuss how to turn political awareness into action.

The timing of the event coincides with New Jersey’s upcoming state and local elections. Organizers say they hope it will encourage students to stay informed, participate in civic life, and recognize the impact of politics beyond the national stage.

More information about the series is available on the Rutgers–Camden events calendar.