Oklahoma Governor's Office Declaration proclaiming February 16-22, 2003 Civic Engagement Week, A Week of Action

"Whereas; indifference can erode the social fabric of our communities and nation.

Whereas; college students are among the least politically engaged by traditional standards of political participation (only 28% of 18-24 year olds voted in the 2000 election).

Whereas; college students know less about formal government and politics than their predecessors did at the same age and this lack of knowledge serves as a barrier to student involvement in civic activities.

Whereas; college students must take advantage of formal and informal civic education opportunities as a way to develop their opinions and translate them into political action.

Whereas; civic engagement can generate social consciousness, cohesiveness, and responsiveness to issues important to students and society.

Whereas; VOICE- Vocal Oklahomans in Civic Engagement- is part of the Raise Your Voice campaign; a national effort involving 600 campuses to increase student involvement in public life and create solutions for the challenges facing our democracy.

Whereas; the Collegiate VOICE Committee is an organization of college students from across the state that will participate in Raise Your Voice- A Week of Action by sponsoring activities that support all of the above.

Therefore; now be it resolved that February 16-22 is declared Civic Engagement Week- A Week of Action."