Twenty-three Ohio University students will join 100 like-minded students from 14 different universities throughout Ohio in Columbus this weekend to take part in the Ohio Youth Congress.
The congress is being held to set the agenda for the soon-to-be-formed Ohio Student Association, which will represent students in the legislature.
Will Klatt, a 2009 OU alumnus who majored in media studies is an organizer for the association.
“We will have discussions about core issues that affect Ohio’s youth and figure out how to tackle them,” Klatt said.
The conference will feature brainstorming sessions and discussions that will help students develop a campaign plan for the association. Gabe Gonzalez, national campaign director of the Center for Community Change, and Tiffany Loftin, vice president of the United States Student Association, will be guest speakers at the conference.
“The conference helps us all share ideas and express concerns to see what we want to change,” Klatt said. “We want to create an institution that transforms universities and keeps the needs and desires of students known.”
Jared Henderson, a junior studying philosophy, said he is looking forward to attending the conference.
“I think the idea that we are forming an Ohio Student Association is amazing,” Henderson said. “College students are missing a voice and don’t really have anybody who cares about their issues.”
Klatt said the association will try to make college education a right to all families in Ohio without the burden of debt.
Paul Leduc a junior studying civil engineering is also attending the conference.
“I think the OSA has a great chance at making change throughout Ohio,” Leduc said. “We want to have a voice more through our universities.”
The Ohio Student Association plans to debate about the Enterprise University Proposal, House Bill 194 and fracking.
“There is a lot of concern about the Enterprise University Proposal because it would decrease in-state funding,” Klatt said. “House Bill 194 is also an issue that would limit participation of elections from young people and there is a lot of concern about fracking.”
bc822010@ohiou.edu
