Office of Civic Engagement

Meet Jenna Thomas

Jenna Thomas​​​​​​​What is your major and class standing?
This is my last semester for my undergraduate degree. I am studying Nonprofit Administration. Next semester, I’ll be working towards my Master’s of Public Administration.

In addition to this CEEP Democracy Fellowship, how else are you involved on CSU's campus? 
I am Treasurer for the Ohio Student Association, a student organization I co-founded a year ago along with another CSU student. I am also an editor of the campus publication called The Cauldron. 

In what ways have you been involved in your community, past and present? 
I have interned with a handful of organizations across Cleveland including Ingenuity Cleveland, Esperanza Inc., and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. I am an organizer with the Ohio Student Association, helping them with various campaigns in the city of Cleveland and on CSU’s campus.

What would you say to someone who tells you their vote does not matter?
I would say, I understand why you feel that way. Elected officials often feel tied to their constituents and voters, and when young people on the large do not vote, it’s very easy for politicians to ignore us―and that’s exactly why we need to vote! If young people start building some independent political power, then our voice will matter more. Legislators will start to legislate in a way that benefits young people. I know it’s also easy to feel like your vote doesn’t matter on the national level because your vote, singularly, will not likely decide any national election. However, your vote―singularly―can decide local elections. Plenty of local elections are decided by just a couple of votes, and ties can even be decided by a coin flip! Your vote could make the difference. 

Why do you believe it is important for young people to be civically engaged citizens?
As I mentioned, some politicians have no problem ignoring young people because we, on the large, have low voter-turnout. I think that there are tons of ways for us to be seen and heard, and voting is one of the easiest. 

What suggestions would you give someone who is wondering how to remain or get involved in the civic process during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
If you’re interested in getting politically involved, candidates that you care about are in need of support now more than ever. Lots of local candidates could use help writing postcards, making phone calls, doing no-contact literature drops, and more. Take a look at your sample ballot and do some digging on what local candidates have remote volunteer opportunities. Poll workers will also be in high demand this year. If you’re comfortable, you should seriously consider this (paid!) opportunity to help make sure our elections happen safely and smoothly. Hopefully, the state will implement strict safety measures to protect its poll workers. There are also tons of organizations that are also doing socially distanced outreach around voting. Cleveland Votes, the League of Women Voters, Northeast Ohio Voter Advocates are just a few locally that could use more young energy. You might be able to lend a hand with digital strategy and virtual outreach!

What makes you optimistic about the future?
So many things. There is momentum, energy, power, and strategy in this movement towards a just democracy. There is solidarity and sustained action. I also love seeing young people running for office―not “waiting their turn” but taking up space, using their voice, and demanding a role in public policy. 

Want to learn more about democracy fellowships? Contact Anita Ruf-Young, Program Coordinator and Interim Director of OCE at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu.