Module 6: Case Study Part A
1. How has Jeremiah benefited from civic engagement? How might you expect him to
benefit in the future?
Since Jeremiah is volunteering young, he is more likely to continue in his adulthood. It
will be very beneficial to him in the future for college or whatever work he chooses to do.
He also has that experience of talking in front of people and activating what he believes
in. This also helps him in his education and income. Volunteering with his family also
helped their relationship His civic engagement also improves his connections with the
community and school. I also think it has helped his mental health because since he lost
his friend freshman year it probably distracted him and also helped him understand the
situation more by helping others in that situation. Also, he may or may not have acted out
after losing a friend, but instead used his power for a good cause.
2. What supported Jeremiah’s interest in civic engagement?
The suicide of Jeremiah’s friend during his freshman year played a part in supporting his
interest in civic engagement. He said he felt lost and helpless and that is when his parents
encouraged him to volunteer. I also think that having the memory of his friend motivates
him to want to help teens so that they do not end up like his friend. I also think that his
friend being involved in it as well really convinced him further to participate.
3. Why is Jeremiah more interested in volunteering and youth activism than political
participation? How might this be expected to change?
Jeremiah is more interested in volunteering and youth activism than political participation
because he feels that politics are more out of touch for him. He thinks that the volunteer
work he does is in his grasp and is attainable, while political participation seems harder to
be really involved with. This might be expected to change the older he gets because he
could intern or volunteer for a campaign. Also, seeing as he is good at speaking in front
of his peers and adults, it seems like he would be good and speech and debate. Jeremiah
also seems very passionate about the work he is doing which could drive him to have a
career in political science so that he can really be hands-on in making a change.
4. What other activities could have Jeremiah’s afterschool group engaged in that are
typical of youth activism?
A social media page would probably help raise awareness for an event or a cause that
they stand for. They could also set up a fundraising event for the cause which would not
only spread awareness and promote it, but also raise money for the cause which is always
helpful.
