ASCC Update

Though the quarter will be coming to a close shortly, ASCC continues to be forward-looking in our plans concerning upcoming quarterly events and how to better serve our fellow scholars. Staying in-tune to the challenges our students, college and state face, we have attended and held discussions with various groups to have a better understanding of the impact we, as students, can have.

Three weeks ago, ASCC was able to attend a Legislative Academy sponsored by the Council of Unions and Student Programs. During this academy, we had the ability to interact and deliberate with other student leaders within the community and technical college circuit within Washington state.

The weekend was spent planning as a collective body to focus in on what specific challenges we want to lobby for, as well as creating a unified message to legislators from state community and technical colleges. Then, it was time for our next step: actually facing our legislators.

A team of ASCC officers visited Olympia's Capitol Building steps Nov. 28 to participate in civic engagement at its finest. While in Olympia, we were able to rally with other student government leaders, 99-percent rally participants, and concerned citizens to vouch on behalf of the students of this state. Signs in tow, we all shared a common message: Don't cut the answer to the future.

Recognizing our importance as citizens and students, Washington State Sen. Craig Pridemore took time out of his busy schedule to discuss with us the outlook on our future. Meeting with us in his office on Capitol Hill, Pridemore sympathized with our concerns of probable higher education tuition hikes and assured us he would fight for our student rights.

Though budget cuts are bleak, Pridemore's desire to attain protected funding for higher education will always remain, as will his support for our rights as students in these harsh economic times.

This experience showed us that we are not alone in this fight; many people, including our legislators, are there to advocate for us and protect us as best they can. Now it's our turn to stand up for our rights.

One way you can become directly involved in the political process is to call our local legislators and tell them how important it is to protect funding for higher education. Call 1-800-562-6000 for any legislative input, in order to have your voice heard.

Another avenue of input is to keep your eyes open for ASCC events focused on civic engagement. We will be organizing a rally in Olympia on Feb. 1 that is open to students, as well as holding a series of civic engagement events on-campus during spring quarter. A great way to become involved is to join with your fellow students and friends to come together for causes you believe in.

As a final note, ASCC believes it is beneficial to your success as a student to become involved in your campus community. That being said, we strongly urge students to apply for the remaining committee positions, join us for events and band together to experience great fun while being active on our campus.