Student-Founded Org Seeks to End Political Polarization
Sophomore Julia Birdwell is launching a new organization as part of her participation in Citizen University’s ‘Youth Collab' program for emerging civic leaders
From creating podcasts for a national audience to Zooming live presentations to mock elections and more, a bipartisan group of Sacred Heart Prep students have been admirably preparing the Sacred Heart high school community for today's historic election by covering the issues, the people, the platforms, and the processes that make up our national election system. And though most are not old enough to cast a ballot this time around, they are focused on helping ensure their fellow SHP students are "all in" on tonight's historic election as well as future participation in America's democracy. Taking it to the "next level," the following students are capitalizing on their burgeoning activism and political interests, securing even greater opportunities to make a difference for this and future generations. This is story two of three.
Julia Birdwell (SHP ’23) has been active in student government since middle school—in 7th grade she served as publicity manager, and 8th grade as student body president. These early experiences at SHS helped her become an effective leader, and ultimately secure a spot in the competitive nationwide Citizen University Youth Collaboratory program.
In the year-long “Youth Collab” group designed to train emerging civic leaders, Birdwell joins 23 other high school students from across the country who are each working on a project to further an issue they’re passionate about. Birdwell is working to launch an organization committed to ending political polarization, through encouraging “non-threatening and open-minded conversations about critical issues.”
“This is pertinent to the election, as the United States is arguably the most polarized it has ever been,” says Birdwell. “My hope is that we can inspire Americans to align less with being ‘left,’ or ‘right,’ and vote in a more informed and open-minded way.”
The program brings together a diverse group of high school students with different political views, who meet virtually for intensive workshops with politicians and changemakers, while growing skills to effect change in their own communities.
Though the students aren’t yet of voting age, they’re learning how to leverage leadership skills effectively to advocate for issues important to them, which Birdwell notes is her generations’ “right and responsibility.”
“Being politically engaged is important for me as democracy is up for debate. It is up to each and every citizen to ensure their voice is heard and that our government truly represents who we are,” she adds. “Without continually [and] peacefully asserting our presence, our rights and freedoms can become up for grabs.”
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12
