What is ActDefy and why did you start a chapter in Carmel?

ActDefy is a youth-led international non-profit that is empowering young women and minorities to pursue careers in law and politics, (and) also get involved in their government. It’s all about youth civic action, specifically, empowering those young women and minorities because we don’t see diversity in government and Congress. I am the founder of the whole non-profit, (and) we have chapters in different countries and U.S. states. In Carmel, we interview different legislators so we get insights on what their day-to-day looks like and inspire youth to maybe be interested in pursuing those kinds of careers. We also do a literacy series where we give students volunteer hours in exchange for a piece for writing. They write about something they’re passionate about that is meant for a legislator. So we’re just uplifting their voices. 

What projects does ActDefy typically work on, and what events do you host or attend?

We work on a multitude of different things, mostly our service online since we’re international. We have a research intern program where we are giving students opportunities to do research on topics of women empowerment and minority empowerment. Also, we have a literacy series where you write pieces that you’re writing to your legislator to create change in your community. Also our connect series that is virtual interviews with different influential figures and legislators to help inspire youth to get involved. We give them a bunch of resources to help them create and get involved in their local governments. 

How did you get the opportunity to attend state senator J.D. Ford’s launch party?

I originally met J.D. Ford for the first time through ActDefy interviews. He was the first person we ever interviewed for our connect series. After that, I had the opportunity to go and page for him, which is interning and working for him. Through that, he invited me to his launch party for Congress. We went there and met a lot of cool people that we can interview in the future. 

What did you learn from the experience?

I really learned about how important it is for youth to get involved in civics and government. ActDefy Club members were the only young people there. I think it is really important for youth to go and participate in government. Influence legislation because oftentimes people in government are really old or really don’t represent you, so you need to go to the government or local legislators to speak up for yourselves and your community.

Are you looking to pursue a career in civic engagement or public policy? If so, how did this experience change your perception of the field?

I always wanted to become a lawyer and study political science in college. Part time (I might) get involved in Congress or local legislatures or legislation in Indiana.

What should people know about J.D. Ford’s bid for the U.S. House? What does this mean for the future of Indiana politics?

J.D. Ford’s whole campaign that I know of is making politics affordable and representing the community of Indiana. Also representing every single person (who) would like more affordable housing and all these amazing policies that he is working on. He wants the best for everyone in Indiana 

What can students gain from participating in ActDefy here at Carmel?

Students can really just gain insights into (the) legislation processes through government-related positions. We can help inspire legislation because, right now in Carmel, there are the youth progressive clubs. Through ActDefy, we were able to inspire more change in students and give them opportunities to explore as lawyers or legislators how to create change. 

What future events can we see from ActDefy during the rest of the semester?

Right now we are planning a global summer civic program. We are basically cooperating with other nonprofits and we are doing a virtual online workshop. That we hope to reach more people about civic engagement and women empowerment. Whoever wants to come and join, it is free of cost. It is a global thing, (and) we are going to have different perspectives around the world. We are planning a civic engagement gala here in Indiana where we will gather legislators and influential figures and high school students to have dinner ,(and) talk about the importance of civic engagement and give awards out to those who gave out excellence to their communities. 

Is there anything else I haven’t asked that readers should know?

The only thing is, ActDefy is really important for everyone at Carmel and everyone in Indiana. To get involved in local legislation. A lot of these policies and bills impact you. I listened to a House session about phone policies in schools (and all of the participants were) above the age of 50 debating this. (They) didn’t have technologies and phones back then like we did. It is important for youth to go to legislation and put your opinion in because it is directly impacting you.