“An Honest Campaign”
Flock Forward on meeting students where they are at
Elevating Student Voices: An Inside Look at the ASUO Election Campaign with Flock Forward
In the heart of the University of Oregon's buzzing campus, the air anticipates the upcoming ASUO (Associated Students of the University of Oregon) elections. As students prepare to make their voices heard, I had the privilege of sitting with dynamic candidates Cash Kowalski and Maria Soto of the Flock Forward slate. These driven individuals aim to embody the change they wish to see within the student government and, by extension, the broader university community. Through a candid conversation, they shared their insights, aspirations, and the concrete steps they intend to take if elected.
A Vision for Inclusion and Engagement
The Flock Forward campaign's primary goal is to create an ASUO that is more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the student body's needs. Both Kowalski and Soto bring not only their passion but a wealth of experience within ASUO that they believe can drive the organization towards more impactful and inclusive student governance.
Training and Orientation: The Foundation of Effective Leadership
One of the first initiatives that Kowalski and Soto plan to implement if elected revolves around the training and onboarding processes for ASUO officers. Soto shared her concern about the lack of comprehensive onboarding, which she believes handicaps new officers. Echoing this sentiment, Kowalski pointed out the stark gap between the expectations placed on student leaders and the support and resources provided to them. They propose a more structured and robust orientation program to ensure every elected student leader is well-prepared to serve the student body effectively from day one.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Both candidates emphasized the importance of engaging with students directly and making the ASUO more accessible and relevant to their lives. They shared their experiences with initiatives such as the ASUO Coffee Hours and moving events outside the office to meet students in spaces where they're most comfortable. They hope to bridge the gap between the student government and the university's diverse student population by continuing and expanding such engagement efforts.
Elevating Cultural and Marginalized Voices
Another critical component of the Flock Forward platform involves strengthening the relationship between ASUO and cultural organizations on campus. They plan to ensure that student organizations, especially those representing marginalized communities, have the financial support and visibility they deserve. Soto highlighted her extensive involvement with cultural organizations and her commitment to using her position to advocate for increased funding and support for these groups.
Making Elections More Equitable and Inclusive
Addressing the issue of voter engagement and fairness in ASUO elections, Kowalski detailed plans to reform the election process. They aim to create a more inclusive and equitable system that encourages a broader range of students to participate as candidates and voters. This includes proposals to make campaign funding more accessible and to implement ranked choice voting to ensure that election outcomes reflect the valid will of the student body.
Forward Together
Our conversation with Cash Kowalski and Maria Soto of the Flock Forward slate revealed a campaign deeply rooted in a desire to serve and elevate the voices of all students at the University of Oregon. Their commitment to creating a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive student government shone brightly throughout our discussion. As the election approaches, it's clear that Flock Forward is not just a campaign slogan but a rallying cry for a more engaged and empowered student body.
Whether improving the onboarding process for new ASUO officers, increasing engagement with the student population, supporting cultural organizations, or reforming the election process, Kowalski and Soto are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
