On August 26, nonpartisan civic youth organization GenerationEngage held a discussion between two Florida politicians vying for a seat in the House of Representatives. Politicians, volunteers, community leaders, and, most importantly, young people came out to see Mario Diaz-Balart, the incumbent in Florida's 25th Congressional district, take on challenger Joe Garcia in what was the first meeting between the two as opponents.
"We are more interested in the process by which one goes about voting, not simply getting young people out to vote," said Ali Ingersoll, South Florida outreach coordinator for GenerationEngage, who planned the event.
The organization seeks to not only raise awareness, but to also educate the youth of the nation through participation in discussions with leaders both local and national, and through community activism. Ambassadors for the group did prior research on the issues at hand and were given the opportunity to pose five questions of their choice to both candidates.
Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami, Mayor Julio Robaina of Hialeah, and Florida state Representative Oscar Braynon were among those in attendance. The event was set up with one politician seated at each of table of 10 so that guests could interact with their elected representatives.
The event took place at Shake-A-Leg Miami in Coconut Grove, a base of operation for programs offering sailing and swimming experiences on Biscayne Bay for children and adults with special needs that was converted out of an old U.S. Coast Guard hangar.
GenerationEngage operates in New York City; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; South Florida; and San Jose, Texas. It has plans to add three more territories next year. The group will be hosting monthly events throughout this election season.
