Foot Soldiers Park grows events, adds hundreds of teen registered voters

The Community Engagement Corps of Foot Soldiers Park has grown its efforts since January with a new leader and more visits to area high schools to register students to vote.

The Corps’ new manager Frances Cleveland gained at least seven more members in April and seen an uptick in voter registration adding 200 high school students.

The Corps. has visited Selma, Southside and now Keith high schools since their restart in January of this year. Voter registration efforts, surrounding students who are 18, or turning 18 this year, is a constant revolving door. Being that it is an age range that is ever growing, consistent voter registration efforts or “drives” are in constant need, especially when and where there are transportation obstacles and needs, like in rural areas, such as Keith High School in Orrville.

Keith High School Principal Tommy Tisdale said, “It’s giving us the opportunity where our students don’t have to travel; registration can take place here. It gives them the importance of their vote, and an understanding that every vote matters — every vote counts.” 

Cleveland said students are excited about receiving their cards. The next school is Ellwood Christian Academy.

Foot Soldiers Park has enlisted the Corps. to provide rides to polls for students and other registered members of the Dallas County community and opportunities to be educated on Voting Rights and the legal Acts that have affected Voting Rights throughout American history. This educative effort hasn’t just stopped at young and older either. The CEC continues to empower primary school aged children also, through civic education and other community support efforts.