BERRY INSTITUTE OF POLITICS Fall 2023 Newsletter
The past fall semester we focused on building community and deepening our impact. We welcomed new student leaders onto our staff as Vikings Vote Ambassadors. We deepened our campus collaborations to effectively engage students from a variety of athletic teams, student organizations, residence areas, and academic departments. We expanded our community partnerships by inviting organizations to join us for events on campus and by co-hosting events in the community including Candidate Forums for Salem City Councillor both in English and Spanish. With a special focus on the local elections this fall, many of our programs were focused on helping students explore the impacts they can have on their local communities by voting as well as involvements beyond the election. As we enter our fifth year as the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics, we are gearing up for the “biggest election year in history.” All of our programs focus on fulfilling our mission to engage and inspire the SSU community to be active in our democracy and to pursue careers in politics and public service. Our Vikings Vote initiative will continue to help students navigate the voting process including how to participate in the Presidential Primary Elections. Our Alternative Spring Break to the Massachusetts State House will expose students to challenges facing the Commonwealth and the behind the scenes work of an elected official. Our Running for Office Workshop Series will prepare students interested in working on a campaign during this major election year. And last, but not least, our IOP Fellows program will continue to provide students opportunities to learn, network, and engage with national leaders and change-makers. We are proud of all that our small team has accomplished and grateful for the support from our IOP Advisory Board, generous donors, and the Salem State community! Wishing you a bright new year! Samantha Giffen, Assistant Director