Could you name one right protected by the First Amendment? Do you know how many U.S. senators there are?
SUNY Fredonia students will have a chance to put their civic knowledge to the test with free pizza, friends and prizes on the line during the American Democracy Project’s inaugural “Slice of Civics: Trivia Night,” on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Blue Lounge of the Williams Center.
The American Democracy Project free event is being planned by Fredonia students Alexander Bucknam, Keira Norton and Paige Nosenchuck, who wanted to create a different kind of civic engagement program: one that feels social, welcoming and fun.
Teams will compete through rounds of questions about American government, history, elections and civic life. Some may sound familiar from high school government classes. Others may leave teams debating their answers at the table.
And students do not need to be Political Science majors or civics experts to play.
“We really wanted this to be the kind of ADP event where students can bring their friends, eat some pizza, laugh, compete and see what they know,” Keira said. “Civic engagement can sometimes sound intimidating or overly serious. This is a chance to approach it in a completely different way. Students should have fun and leave with a better sense of what civic engagement can mean for them.” Keira, a senior Political Science major with a History minor, has been working with ADP on event planning, social media and student engagement.
Alexander, a senior Communication and Political Science double major, said the trivia format gives students a chance to engage with civic topics without feeling as though they are walking into a classroom or lecture. “We want students to come because it sounds like a fun night — not because they think they have to know everything about the government,” Alexander said. “The goal is to get students talking, working together and maybe learning a few things along the way.” Paige, a senior Political Science major, agreed that making the event student-led was important.
The highest-scoring teams will take home prizes including Starbucks gift cards and Fredonia swag. Pizza, cookies and refreshments will be provided for free to participants.
Students can arrive with their own team or come on their own and join one at the event. No studying or preparation is necessary.
The event is sponsored by SUNY Fredonia’s American Democracy Project, which creates opportunities for students to learn about and participate in civic life. The event is made possible through funding from the Faculty Student Association and the Carnahan Jackson Humanities Fund established through the Fredonia College Foundation.
