Fort Lewis College’s Political Engagement Project hosted a well-attended live watch party for the president’s State of the Union Address.
It is the most recent event hosted by the long-standing registered student organization, as part of an annual tradition with every State of the Union Address, including those of previous presidents, said Jose Renteria, Treasurer of PEP.
Students watch the State of the Union Address
“We did it under Biden, we’ve done it every year we’ve been here,” said Renteria. “Every time we do anything, it’s consistent.”
The event features bingo cards prepared by the RSO members, filled with phrases or topics that the president might say during the address, said Autumn Vargas, President of PEP.
The RSO staff also handed out prizes to those who filled out a full line or the whole board. Prizes were offered to those who filled out a full line or the whole board, she added.
“You might think those answers are political, but it’s what we, the student body, might think that our president is going to say,” Vargas said.
The incorporation of humor is an important aspect of events like the State of the Union party to keep political engagement approachable and enjoyable, Vargas said.
“The humor has to be a part of it, or you get bogged down in the left versus right,” Vargas said.
Bingo card handed out to attendees
Vargas and Renteri have headed the club for about four years, always with the same goal of non-partisan engagement, said Renteria.
“Our goal is not to create an environment where we're having debates or heated conflict,” said Vargas. “It's to create an environment where people feel like they can ask questions about how to be engaged, how to advocate for themselves and other people in their communities.”
Through active tabling, campaigning and ‘get out to vote’ initiatives, PEP attempts to inspire and encourage material contributions from students to the political environment, Vargas said.
During the 2024 election, PEP saw at least 330 new voter registrations among students following that year’s initiative, Vargas said.
“We did that through events, tabling, reaching out during college hours, and we also go door to door during voting season,” she said.
PEP also provides guidance for students on how to find and fill out registration forms, Renteria said.
There also is guidance on considerations like whether certain scholarships or grants will be affected by switching party affiliations, he said.
“It’s just really educating them on the rights they have and what they can and can’t do,” Renteria said.
Students and Michael Rendon (left) watching the State of the Union Address
PEP also hosts multiple events designed for general stress relief and engagement with politics, he said.
“Big engagement events like that are meant to just kind of create a place for community to celebrate, have fun,” Renteria said. “whether that’s listening to live music, making crafts or whatever.”
PEP has hosted local bands and groups from the Navajo Nation for light-hearted events that include information about voting for those interested, he said.
Other collaborations include organizations like the League of Women Voters, and local city councils, explained Renteria
Club members are realistic about how much of an effect they can have on the student body, he said.
The lack of immediate results can be disheartening, but the effort is worthwhile in the long run, Renteria said.
“You get these really good wins, where, like, you see the big number of voter registrations, or how many people were in this room tonight,” he said.
Most recently, the club awaits a response from the school regarding a proposal for a sponsored, collaborative event between Fort Lewis College and Red Bull, the most purchased single product by students, he said.
Students gathered to watch, some enjoying refreshments