How can Gen Z turn passion into political action?
The two youngest members of the PA State House, Alec Ryncavage (R, center) and Andre Carroll (D, right) take part in a nonpartisan discussion on campus. Photo by Riley Heffron '26.
Event connects students with young leaders, gives tips for sparking change
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
In a recent survey, nearly 60% of Gen Z adults agreed that the country’s biggest problems won’t be solved until a new generation takes the reins of power, but only 16% said that American democracy was working for them (Tufts University CIRCLE, 2025). This disconnect points to a gap between passion and meaningful action. A recent symposium at Dickinson helped students discover how to create the change they wish to see.
Channeling Passion Into Politics was a daylong, nonpartisan event that included interactive workshops and opportunities to connect with changemakers across the political aisle. It was sponsored by Hank Sorett ’68 and coordinated by Say Burgin, associate professor of history.
The presenters included nonprofit leaders, educators, subject experts and political pros:
- Kathleen Weldon of Cornell University’s Roper Center for Public Opinion Research provided a historical view of political polling.
- Sarah Niebler, professor of political science, discussed contemporary issues related to polling and strategies for effective survey design.
- Kyle Cundy and Timothy Goddard of the nonpartisan organization BallotReady explained best practices in voter education and discussed Gen Z’s contributions to those efforts.
- Kate Donaghue, a representative in the Massachusetts State House who worked on the campaigns of Elizabeth Warren and Deval Patrick, talked about canvassing and the need to support voter registration and turnout.
- Andre Carroll (D-Philadelphia) and Alec Ryncavage (R-Luzerne County) illuminated their experiences as the two youngest members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The day's final discussion provided students with powerful demonstrations of passion channeled into productive action. Ryncavage was elected as councilman in Plymouth, Pa., when he was 18. Before representing Pennsylvania’s 119th Legislative District, he led downtown-revitalization efforts, served on a COVID-19 crisis-management team and founded a cybersecurity startup. Carroll, born in 1991, is a state representative for his home district in Philadelphia. He also sits on the board of The Brothahood Foundation, serving incarcerated juveniles facing adult criminal charges, and on the Philadelphia District Attorney Youth Aid Panel.
“It’s inspiring to see what they’ve been able to accomplish at a young age,” said Ariel Martz ’28, a political science major with a minor in sociology who attended all of the symposium's events. Martz, who's involved with the American Association of University Women and Sustainability Collective, particularly enjoyed learning about canvassing techniques.
The symposium also generated optimism for Samuel Pimental ’28 (political science, economics), who’s treasurer of Dickinson Democrats and an intern in the Office of Pa. Rep. Nate Davidson. “It made me remember that the core of politics is people, and without passionate people, our political system won’t work as it should. It gave me hope that the new generation of elected officials truly want to serve their community,” Pimental said.
Ryncavage shared that the inspiration was mutual. “It was good to be there, meeting critical thinkers who are thoughtful about politics,” he explained.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published April 2, 2026