Lauren RabainoWith only three days remaining to register to vote, students scrambling to have a voice in the upcoming election will have a final opportunity at The Last Chance Dance, this Saturday. The event starts at 7 .m. at Odd Fellow’s Hall on Dana Street and will allow students to register as well as dance the night away.
Students and community members will have a chance to get involved in local issues Sunday nifht at Chumash Auditorium. The New American Revival, which will take place at 7 p.m., will feature author and renowned environmental activist Diane Wilson, as well as a variety of bands.
Both events are being coordinated by a coalition of several local organizations who aim to bring social and political awareness to Cal Poly students and the community at large. CodePink, an international group for peace and social justice, along with Cal Poly’s Progressive Student Alliance, the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility and the Earth Day Alliance are all working to inform San Luis Obispo residents about ways to get involved in their communities.
“We are hoping people will connect the dots and understand that this is a crucial election,” said Dian Sousa, coordinator of CodePink. “People need to vote, especially young people. Their vote does count,” she said of the Last Chance Dance.
“It’s an opportunity to learn more about their community and participate,” said event music coordinator Jan Allenspach, of the Last Chance Dance. “It’s a really good opportunity for (students) to be a part of the change that we need to happen.”
“It’s a fun way to entice people to vote,” Sousa said.
“The world is in a scary place right now and we hope that the event will bring everyone together,” Allenspach added.
At The New American Revival, author Diane Wilson will speak about her new book “Holy Roller,” which recounts her childhood in Texas and speaks of the dangers facing the environment. Wilson began her environmental activism after discovering that Calhoun County, where she once lived , was the primary toxic polluter in the nation.
As she tried to uncover exactly what the chemical plants were putting into the bays, she found a passion as an environmentalist.
“She has this southern accent and she just speaks from her heart,” Sousa said of Wilson. “You get inspired to go out and change the world. I think we can do so much for our planet and each other if (we are) wide awake.”
“I think it’ll be a great turnout. We’re going to get people from different walks of life,” Sousa said.
Lizzie West and Baba Buffalo of the all-girl punk band, “The Dirty Pink Slips” will perform their reggae and funk sound at both events, along with musician Jill Knight.
Their song entitled “19 Miles to Baghdad” has been featured on NPR’s Democracy Now! For an introduction to the duo, tune in for an appearance tonight on KCPR’s “Miles Ahead” at 8 p.m.
Tickets to the Last Chance Dance are $8 for students with a valid student I.D.
The New American Revival will be held Sunday at 7 p.m.in Cal Poly’s Chumash Auditorium. Students get in free with I.D. and adult tickets cost $20. They can be purchased at Boo Boo Records; a limited amount will be available at the door.