Jackie Bomgardner is The Office of Civic Engagement’s newest Democracy Fellow through Campus Vote Project for the Spring 2023 semester. Jackie is a 2nd semester freshman English Major. She works for the OCE in Viking Corps and America Reads tutoring youth at Davis A&M High School and Garden Valley Cleveland Public Library. She is also a member of the CSU Dems and Dungeon & Dragons Club.

Before coming to CSU, Jackie volunteered at the Cleveland Food Bank and volunteered in many of her high school's civic opportunities such as neighborhood cleanups, food drives, and fundraising.

She thinks being civically engaged is one of the most important aspects of living in America. “We can change our city and state for the better. Each Vote counts! Also, participating in volunteer work is an amazing way to participate in our local community.”

“If someone said their vote doesn't count, I would tell them they would be throwing away a great opportunity for participation in our city's decisions. I would also tell them that if they have a political opinion in the slightest, they need to act on those political beliefs. We have the ability to vote and aid our communities, and we have a duty to do so.”

When asked why she believes that it is important for young people to be civically engaged she said, “I think, with our hopes for a better environment and lifestyle, we need to aid in the change. Voting is one of the many steps toward a better tomorrow.”

If you are wondering how to get engaged civically, Jackie suggests registering to vote, signing up to volunteer at a local nonprofit, working as an election night ballot box opener, participating in beach clean ups, or other environmental opportunities.

She decided to be a Democracy Fellow because she believes in our right to vote and her generation's ability to change our nation and the world for the better.