College of the Redwoods Launches Dolores Huerta Speaker Series on Civic Engagement

Press release from the College of the Redwoods:

College of the Redwoods (CR) will present the Dolores Huerta Speaker Series: The Power of Civic Engagement and Why Your Vote Matters, a series designed to inspire civic participation among students and the larger community and emphasize the importance of voting. Running from September 18 to October 22, 2024, the series will feature speakers and events aimed at empowering individuals to be active participants in democracy.

Here is a full list of events:

• September 18, 2024 – “How I Got into Government” feat. Juan Pablo Cervantes (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Juan Pablo Cervantes, Humboldt County Clerk Recorder, will share his journey into public service. He will discuss how his rural upbringing shaped his approach to meeting voters where they are and will highlight the importance of accessibility in voting.
• September 24, 2024 – “What’s on Your Ballot?” feat. Genevieve Serna (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Genevieve Serna from the Humboldt County Office of Elections will break down key issues in the upcoming election. She will explain how ballot items are structured and emphasize the importance of informed voting. This session is ideal for voters wanting to be prepared before heading to the polls.
• October 2, 2024 – “The Road to Elections” feat. Genevieve Serna & Nicole Goldbach (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Genevieve Serna and Nicole Goldbach, Humboldt County Elections Manager, will provide an inside look at how elections are organized. They will discuss the steps taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the voting process. This talk emphasizes the importance of public trust in election systems.
• October 3, 2024 – “Is it Sketch? Verifying Social Media Posts” feat. Dr. Kintay Johnson (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Dr. Kintay Johnson, Director of Student Equity at CR, will offer tips on how to verify the accuracy of political information shared on social media. This session will address the growing problem of misinformation during election cycles and provide tools for becoming a more informed voter.
• October 7, 2024 – “Unbiased Proposition Explanations” feat. Dr. Kintay Johnson (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Dr. Johnson returns to offer a non-partisan breakdown of the local propositions on the ballot. This session is essential for voters seeking unbiased information before making decisions on important local initiatives.
• October 8, 2024 – “Project 2025” feat. Dr. Ryan Emenaker (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Dr. Ryan Emenaker, Political Science professor at CR, will discuss Project 2025, a federal policy agenda proposed by the Heritage Foundation, aiming to reshape the executive branch to promote a conservative agenda. It includes plans to limit abortion access, mass deportations, censorship in schools, restrictions on LGBTQ rights, and reduced voting access. 
• October 15, 2024 – “Marginalized Voices” feat. Mark Taylor & Matthew McKinley (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Mark Taylor, Coordinator for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Project Rebound, and Matthew McKinley, CR graduate and Academic Advisor at the Hoopa Education Center, will discuss their work with marginalized communities. Taylor, having served 21 years in prison and now an advocate for formerly incarcerated individuals, will share his journey and address barriers such as voting restrictions faced by the formerly incarcerated, while McKinley focuses on supporting Native American students.
• October 22, 2024 – “Student Voices” feat. Danny Jimenez (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
  • Danny Jimenez, ASCR Vice President of Communications, will lead a discussion on student perspectives on civic engagement. He will explore how young people can get involved in shaping their communities through voting and activism, encouraging students to use their voices to drive meaningful change.

This speaker series is named in honor of Dolores Huerta, a legendary labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. Her famous slogan, “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can), encapsulates the spirit of this series, reminding us that true democracy is achieved through active civic engagement and ensuring that all voices are heard. 

CR President Dr. Keith Flamer is excited that CR will offer this opportunity to get together before the election, stating “I am proud that part of our mission at CR is to help to create engaged and conscientious citizens that are active participants in our democracy. I believe that this speaker series is a demonstration of that, and I am looking forward to the conversations it inspires.” 

For more information on the Dolores Huerta Speaker Series, including specific locations and zoom links please visit:

https://www.redwoods.edu/speakerseries.html