JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura will be joining forces with WTTW to host an event designed to get young people informed and engaged with the democratic process.
“Engaging the youth in our democratic process is one of the most important things we can do as a society, and I am thrilled to be partnering with WTTW’s Firsthand series to accomplish this,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “WTTW puts a human face on pressing issues and they are positioned perfectly to tell these stories throughout the Chicagoland region.”
This event will be on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bicentennial Park in Joliet. The program will consist of brief introductions, a showing of a 34-minute film on the importance of getting young people involved in democratic efforts and a panel and Q&A session.
The video will focus on Milton Patel’s story, an AP United States Government and Politics teacher at Evanston Township High School. Patel teaches his students that democracy is a verb – a process requiring ongoing participation from citizens. A British-born Indian immigrant, Patel teaches his students to take an active role in American democracy by registering to vote, questioning political candidates, and meeting with a federal judge. The goal is to teach the next generation that democracy is not an abstract principle, but a participatory sport.
Following the film, there will be a discussion with the following panelists:
- Rachel Ventura, Illinois State Senator
- Barbara Parker, DuPage Township Clerk
- Annette Parker, Will County Clerk
- Pamela Fort, Speak Up and Vote
- Jane Rubies, President of the League of Women Voters
You can learn more here or call Ventura’s district office at 331-290-0443.
This is not a political or electioneering event. This event is not sponsored or affiliated with a political party, candidate, or ballot question. This event is solely about the importance of voting as a right and not for any candidate, party, or ballot question.
