5 Steps to Understanding �U.S. Elections as an International Student

CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

What is Creative Citizens in Action (CCA@CCA)?

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Creative Citizens in Action (CCA@CCA) is a college-wide initiative that promotes creative activism and democratic engagement.

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Since 1907, CCA has engaged with art and design that impacts larger societal issues, and actively facilitates opportunities for community members to make powerful contributions for social good.

5 Steps to Understanding U.S. Elections as an International Student

1. Learn More
2. Be Curious
3. Vet Your Sources
4. Familiarize Yourself with Campus-based Initiatives
5. Keep Things in Perspective

Adapted from University of Michigan International Center.

Learn More

“Learn about the U.S. election systems and �why voting is a fundamental part of the U.S. democracy. Learn about the evolution of voting and continued efforts to make elections more inclusive and fair.”

Step 1

What you can do now:

• Watch the video!

Resources:

• U.S. Midterm Elections: What are they and why are they important? (BBC)
• U.S. Midterm Elections: a simple guide (BBC)
• An Overview of the Presidential Election Process (usa.gov)

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A short history of voting in the U.S. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar7r5aG_B0Y

Be Curious

“Ask your American classmates and friends about their experience with voting and views on the candidates and issues that they find most important.”

Step 2

What you can do now:

• Contact a friend from the U.S. and ask them about their voting experience.

Resources:

• What is your voting story? - Students from CCA and Georgia State University discuss their voting experiences, political and artistic strategies
• Rock the Vote - Dedicated to building the political power of young people

Elaine Moreno, Mami, Papi, y Yo Votando, 2020.

Vet Your Sources

“Seek legitimate, nonpartisan news sources. �Be sure that you are looking at the factual news—not just opinions or social media posts.”

Step 3

Stephen Radley’s studio. Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno.

What you can do now:

• Read NPR’s Article “Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts”

Resources:

• Information Literacy: Fake News, Bad News, & Vetting Information (Willamette University )
• Ballotpedia - the digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections

Familiarize Yourself with Campus-based Initiatives

Check out our Creative Citizens in Action (CCA@CCA) web page on the Portal for more information on campus-based voting efforts.

Step 4

What you can do now:

• Attend a CCA@CCA event

Resources:

• Visit the Creative Citizens in Action website
• Check out a list of current courses tagged “creative citizens” and consider registering for one

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Keep Things in Perspective

Feeling overwhelmed? It takes time to fully understand the history, current events, and politics of another country. What’s important is deepening your understanding of life in the U.S. and connecting with other students, faculty, �and staff around issues that are important to them—and to you!

Step 5

Students collaborate on an installation for the CCA@CCA Fluid Mutualism Symposium in the Nave, spring 2022. Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno.

What you can do now:

• View this video as a reminder that you’re part of a creative community.

Resources:

• Visit Counseling Services for various resources
• Visit international mental health support resources

What is a Creative Citizen?

• One who meaningfully makes oneself through the pursuit of knowledge, critical reflection, and development of an ethical framework, which are interwoven in the college’s values.
• One who understands how they are interconnected to others and willingly contributes to the social fabric of their community.
• One who positively expresses themself and impacts others through their craft by making art that matters.

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CCA believes that artists, designers, architects, and writers have the power and responsibility to change the world as good neighbors and global creative citizens.

Thank You

exhibitions@cca.edu