Free the Facts ambassadors at Ohio State are pictured at their recent event Nov. 13. Credit: Courtesy of Ella Magaw
Amid the bustling corridors of Ohio State University, a palpable challenge loomed for Melina Kopczewski, a second-year advocate immersed in environmental policy and decision-making. Where could she seek out a refuge—albeit a moderate one—for nuanced discussions around the intricate world of policies?
This search found resolution, she asserts, upon her induction as an ambassador for Free the Facts—a national nonprofit organization that has deftly woven a tapestry of dialogue among students, regardless of their political inclinations. “Our most pressing issues are not bound by party lines; they touch the lives of every individual. We must come together to tackle them,” she emphasizes, shining a light on the universality of challenges like Social Security and Medicaid.
Since its inception at Ohio State in the autumn of 2022, the local chapter of Free the Facts has burgeoned, steadily bringing in a new generation of ambassadors to bolster its outreach. Charle Schindler, a fourth-year public policy analyst and fellow ambassador, elaborates on the organization’s mission, declaring it a bastion of reliable information set against the backdrop of convoluted political landscapes.
“With each passing semester, we’re earning the trust of more students, who now look to us for nonpartisan perspectives and respectful dialogue,” Schindler reveals.
To join this movement, aspiring ambassadors navigate an application process, securing a place within their university’s chapter upon selection. Ella Magaw, also in her second year, elucidates the group’s composition—eight dedicated individuals harmonizing their efforts towards enlightening their peers about pivotal government programs like Medicare and Social Security.
“Equipping individuals with the facts empowers them to devise their own solutions,” Magaw states with conviction.
Yet, the mission extends beyond mere education; it aspires to re-establish the art of civil discourse—a crucial skill that many in the group recognize as essential in today’s politically charged campus environments. “Civil discourse transcends mere discussion; it hinges on respecting diverse viewpoints, regardless of their contentious nature,” asserts Vaidehi More, a second-year public policy analyst.
However, the path toward fostering constructive dialogue is riddled with hurdles. Skepticism pervades the discussion, as Magaw notes, pointing to a pervasive mistrust in nonpartisan initiatives exacerbated by rampant political division. “Some students are reluctant to accept that we hold no hidden agenda. Trust is fraying, and mutual skepticism grows,” she admits.
To dismantle these barriers, ambassadors actively engage their peers through lively policy presentations, tabling events, and study breaks—all designed to educate and cultivate a climate of open, respectful dialogue. “Our intent is to foster understanding, to help others appreciate an alternative perspective and engage thoughtfully,” Schindler articulates.
Their latest endeavor, a thought-provoking event held on November 13, delved deep into the intricacies surrounding Social Security—its past, present, and future. The occasion hosted esteemed policy experts Thomas Fodor and Taylor Hourigan from the national organization, enhancing the scholarly discourse.
Plans for a subsequent policy presentation are already brewing for the spring semester, inviting students to stay tuned through their Instagram and website for further details.
In this vibrant landscape of Ohio State—not merely a locality but a microcosm of broader societal dynamics—the Ohio State chapter of Free the Facts, alongside its national affiliate, perseveres. They’re dedicated to nurturing understanding and cultivating discourse that bridges the often-challenging political chasms. “We bear a civil responsibility to listen and respond with grace, albeit intolerance has no place in this dialogue. Civil discourse must remain grounded in respect,” Magaw concludes, encapsulating the essence of their mission.
