Bridging the divide: SEMO’s Gen Z leaders rewrite political playbook

In the midst of a divided political landscape where divisions often overshadow cooperation, an alliance is taking shape at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), signaling a shift in the traditional playbook of politics.

In an event set to rewrite the norms of campus engagement, the College Democrats and College Republicans have set aside their ideological differences to forge a path of unity and civic responsibility.

Scheduled alongside the upcoming election, their joint effort focuses on a common goal: to promote voter registration and civic participation among their peers.

At the head of this partnership are Brock Freeman, President of the College Democrats, and Bailee Cairel, President of the College Republicans. Both leaders share a passion and commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and understanding on campus.

Camille Shoals, secretary of the College Democrats and fellow student leader spoke on the groups’ similarities and differences.

“When we have these discussions with Bailey [Cairel] and with the College Republicans, our main priority is where do we overlap and what can we do in our own student organizations to make campus better. Our main priority is educating people with informed, relevant, and truthful, accurate information,” she said.

The two groups wanted to establish an event that would help everyone. Eventually, they narrowed it down to one idea: voter registration.

“The majority of young people don’t vote,” Shoals said. “And so it’s really finding what mobilizes our population, as well as how do we educate them correctly.”

Misinformation, she noted, poses a significant hurdle, particularly in such a digitally connected world.

From noon to 2 p.m. on March 20 in the third floor of the University Center Lobby, both groups will put on a joint voter registration event.

Interactive booths, informational materials, and volunteer assistance from both organizations will facilitate the registration process and provide valuable resources for informed decision-making.

Bailey Cairel, president of the College Republicans noted that, “The main goal is just about educating students and talking to both parties to see what they identify more with. It’s not about getting more people to be Republican or more people to be Democrat. It’s just getting college students to actually have an opinion so they can go out and vote.”

This event marks history for SEMO as the first event the two groups have come together for the greater good for students at Southeast Missouri State University. No debates, no arguing —just informing the students on what is happening in the U.S. and what students can do to help.

Shoals delivered a message to her Gen Z peers: “Nobody is coming to save you. If you want something done, you have to do it.” She emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps towards change, even when faced with adversity.

“Either we’re going to deal with it and inspire change while we’re here, or we’re going to complain the whole time and not make any impact,” she said.

Echoing Shoals’ sentiments, Freeman added, “We have to learn how to be a part of a community. The time is now.”

As Cape Girardeau leans primarily conservative, the collaboration between these two student organizations takes on added significance. It challenges stereotypes and demonstrates the potential for individuals of differing beliefs to come together for the greater good.

In a world where political divisions often seem insurmountable, this new partnership between SEMO leaders offers a glimmer of hope.

As this upcoming event unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration and the vital role that young leaders play in shaping the future of our democracy.

In bridging the divide, SEMO’s Gen Z leaders are paving the way for a more united political landscape.