For many years, WVU Potomac State College celebrated Constitution Day by reading the Constitution, tying themes related to the historical document within class instruction, and even handing out travel-sized versions.
Last year, Behavioral Health Therapist Michelle House and Program Coordinator Trina Runner expanded those efforts and awareness surrounding our nation’s most sacred script by creating an event they dubbed “Democracy Rocks!” The student-friendly event was held in connection with Constitution Day.
“Many students have yet to realize the importance of their voice, and actively participating in our democracy affords them opportunities to create change, defend principles, and contribute to the future of society,” Runner said. “Being part of something bigger than oneself is vital in a functioning society. It provides a sense of belonging, gives action to initiatives that are catalysts for change, and elevates the voices of the citizens in an organized way.”
That event was so well received that it’s making a comeback this year – with a few subtle improvements and a retooled name: Rocking the Red, White, and Blue.
Stephen Settimi’s Political Science class helped organize the first event last year, which produced creative ways to engage students while learning about the Constitution. His class is assisting with the event this year as well.
“For our Political Science class, the event ties in neatly with the current chapters we are exploring in the textbook, specifically State Constitutions and Citizen Participation and Elections,” Settimi said. “Critical to understanding state and local government, the course that these students are currently taking seeks ways to actively engage in processes and events in which they can play an integral part. This is their world becoming, and ours leaving,” Settimi said.
For the inaugural event last year, the Office of Student Life and Student Engagement under the direction of Kara Hotchkiss provided USA-themed food, a DJ, and prizes for the activities. The Mineral County Clerk set up a voter registration booth, and volunteers provided a large Constitution for students to sign. Activities included trivia, rock painting, games, and an opportunity for students to identify key concerns about our democracy.
“Last year, the students were very excited to participate in the activities and seemed to enjoy having a safe space to learn about democracy,” said Michelle House. “This year, we are once again working with Political Science class to create an engaging event that will educate students about the Constitution, provide civil discussions about current issues, and include many activities that will be hosted by various clubs and organizations on campus. Additionally, the trivia and DJ will return, as well as a food truck, yard games, and much more.”
“The voter registration booth will return; we have Constitution trivia, America-themed rock painting, an interactive quiz that shows political alignment, a news fact-checking station, one-on-one civil conversations, a collective ‘What does democracy mean to you?’ display, an opportunity to share issues that are important to the students, a USA tie-dying station, and more,” Runner added.
As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the College commemorates its 125th birthday, and the country reflects on 25 years since September 11, reworking Democracy Rocks into a more patriotic celebration seemed appropriate. While the day promises a festival atmosphere, the planning carries a serious purpose: honoring a contract the government has with its citizens.
“Students in attendance can also identify harmful patterns and find ways to change them; they can see possibilities for future generations and help make them happen, and they can be reminded of the importance of humanity, empathy, and compassion,” said Runner.
“The Constitution is all we got. It is the ‘Bible’ of a Republic form of government,” Settimi said. “It’s a guiding document. It explicitly sets out the role and functions of the federal government with an important exception: everything else is left in the providence of the states.
Settimi said events like this one on campus bring awareness to the permanency and vitality of the United States Constitution while also preparing generations of potential future political leaders for the future.
“At its core, the U.S. Constitution is the foundational framework which permits states to run as their citizens permit. In fact, the Constitution drew its tenets from the constitutions of the colonial states, then refashioned it in an open and interpretive architecture, explicitly allowing people and the states to conduct business in any way not specifically forbidden by the U.S. Constitution,” he said. “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Runner said the observation is also a day to reflect on the rights afforded to citizens of this nation which are not granted elsewhere.
“This event allows us to listen and find new ways to be good citizens, uphold beliefs, and celebrate our rights,” Runner said.
Rocking the Red, White, and Blue will be held on Thursday, September 17 from 6-8 p.m. on the Quad. Students are encouraged to get in on the fun, celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and learn about why the Constitution is so vital to our democracy.