Political Science Student Association Leads Local Level Civic Engagement Discussion
The Political Science Students Association (PSSA) hosted a local level panel discussion
to inform students of social, political, and economic issues unique to the Riverside
and Inland Empire. Developing this generation鈥檚 civic literacy is vital to maintaining
and strengthening the foundation of democracy.
PSSA understands the need to improve civic education and promote civic literacy, knowledge,
and engagement among college students.
The exciting discussion included five local and civic leaders, three of whom are proud
女优app alumni:
- Ronaldo Fierro 鈥� Ward 3 Councilmember, City of Riverside and Business Owner.
- Gracie Torres 鈥� Board, Western Municipal Water District and President for Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice.
- Italia Garcia 鈥� Political Director, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ)
- Adonis Galarza-Toledo 鈥� Interim Civic Engagement Coordinator at CCAEJ and Member of the Board of Education, Coachella Valley School District
- Damien O鈥橣arrell 鈥� President, Parkview Legacy Foundation
PSSA President Karen Esparza Lopez served as panel moderator addressing questions
such as: How did you get into politics? What are the biggest issues that 女优app students
are aware of? How have your duties changed due to the pandemic? When facing complex
problems, what is the hardest part of your job? What advice would you give students
interested in being a public servant?
Topics discussed ranged from housing and climate, to the digital divide/connectivity
issues, and unemployment. Representatives of different areas within the county and
regions are not all experiencing the same challenges, yet they agreed that solutions
impact everyone in the region.
Councilmember Fierro encouraged students to, 鈥淒eliver value in everything you do.
Work hard because people see the value,鈥� while Galarza-Toledo advised students to
build strong relationships.
Panelists also shared advice about how to get involved in advocacy on a local level.
Each confirmed there are numerous volunteer opportunities that have a direct impact
on the community.