Alex Myers was first inspired to get civically involved as a student in Ann Marie Robinson’s Political Science class during his first semester at Georgia Perimeter College.

“We would get involved in some spirited debates; she invites you to have your own opinion, share it and defend it,” Myers says.

He enjoyed the give-and-take of those debates so much that he sought out other opportunities to get involved on campus. “It’s just the way I’m wired,” the business student says. “If I’m going to be a part of something, I will put my best foot forward.”

Myers was elected president of the Decatur Campus Civic and Political Awareness Club, and through the encouragement of Barbara Robertson, the club’s advisor, has worked to get other students on campus engaged as well.

“The club is trying to get an ‘all lives matter’ pep rally organized," Myers says. The group also sponsored the recent visit of U.S. Representative  Hank Johnson to Decatur Campus. Johnson spoke to about 75 students about the importance of following their dreams, but did not address any specific bill he is sponsoring. Members of the political club met with Johnson earlier in the year in his Lithonia office to talk about the militarization of police and other issues of concern in the community.

“This has been a very exciting opportunity ... I wanted to show him that [our] students have an interest in events and that there were ways to influence your local community,” Myers says. “I’m excited, and I want to make a difference.”