Mandatory Day Off on Election Day, Civic Engagement Conversations on Tap
BOSTON – Less than three months from Election Day, the America East Conference is prioritizing civic engagement by making November 3, 2020 a mandatory day off for all America East student-athletes. The conference will also provide voter education resources to several groups, including student-athletes, as it kicks off its Civic Engagement Conversations series, in partnership with RISE, this month.
The league’s Administration Group recently approved a recommendation from America East’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to institute a conference-wide mandatory day off for all student-athletes on the day of the general election. America East was the first conference to collectively have its men’s and women’s basketball coaches commit to make Election Day a mandatory day off for its student-athletes.
In an effort to provide voter education resources to student-athletes, coaches and administrators, America East announced last month the activation of a civic engagement initiative. The three-part America East Civic Engagement Conversations series kicks off on Wednesday and will continue each of the next three weeks in August.
"Civic engagement and voter education are crucial aspects of promoting social justice and enacting measurable change," said America East Commissioner, Amy Huchthausen. "Partnering with RISE for our Civic Engagement Conversations will provide key resources to America East student-athletes, coaches and administrators ahead of the upcoming election cycle. Additionally, I commend our student-athletes, led by SAAC, and our entire membership for providing leadership by instilling a mandatory day off from athletic activities for student-athletes on Election Day."
“America East SAAC recognizes the power of civic engagement, something that is two-fold, encompassing both education and active voting,” said University of Vermont field hockey student-athletic and America East SAAC chair, Kailyn Myshrall. “America East Civic Engagement Conversations, in partnership with RISE to Vote, will educate student-athletes on everything from how to register to vote to what means to be civically engaged. On Election Day, America East student-athletes will use this knowledge of civic engagement to be educated voters. As student-athletes, we are proud to know our athletic administrators also recognize the power of civic engagement and the importance of being an educated and active voter.”
The conference will leverage its partnership with RISE to coordinate a series of workshops geared to educate student-athletes specifically about voting, but more broadly their responsibility to be more civically engaged in their communities and circles of influence.
“America East student-athletes, coaches and administrators have embraced their roles as campus and community leaders with long-term action, and RISE is excited to enhance our partnership and continue educating and empowering them to spark the change they want to see,” said RISE CEO Diahann Billings-Burford. “Through voter education, civic education and community engagement, we’re supporting the America East to have a powerful impact and inspire others to be civically active.”
The intention of the workshops is to equip student-athletes with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities to engage in meaningful conversation that will result in more inclusive communications and empower them as leaders on this important topic. The latter workshops will include in depth education on the history and significance of voting and voter registration.
- August 12 – What is Civic Engagement?
The focus will be on defining and providing tangible examples of civic engagement in sport and address the impact that civic engagement can have through sport as a platform.
- August 19 – Significance and History of Voting
The discussion will focus on the significance and history of voting in the U.S. and the sacrifices that many have endured to ensure that all citizens can enjoy this responsibility and duty as well as the general voting process.
This workshop will inform and assist participants with voter registration processes, including absentee balloting and state regulations as well as encourage participants to become informed on the topics and issues.
RISE and America East will also provide a RISE to Spread Respect Action Framework document to each workshop participant to assist them in identifying takeaways and action steps.
In 2019, America East teamed up with RISE to expand the scope of its Spread Respect initiative and broaden the conversation on race. Activations have included campus conversations on race at both UMBC and Stony Brook in addition to RISE providing insight on member institution’s current practices as it relates to diversity and inclusion. RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
America East is steadfast in its commitment to ending racial inequality. The conference’s Spread Respect initiative, launched several years ago, raises awareness to ensure equality and safety for all student-athletes, coaches and fans without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.AmericaEast.com or follow the America East Conference on Twitter @AmericaEast.
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