Mercideze VanBruggen, a social work major from Anoka, Minn., is Bemidji State University’s campus organizing intern for Students United.

VanBruggen chose to become involved with Students United after learning that the organization advocates on behalf of the 65,000 students attending the Minnesota State system’s seven state universities.

As Students United is entirely student-run, VanBruggen feels the organization plays a critical role in empowering students and making their voices matter.

“I felt it was important to get behind this organization because it is working on advocating for issues such as diversity and inclusion, health and wellness and affordability,” she said. “These topics affect many students, and I want to hear them out so I can be a voice for my peers when advocating for these different issues.”

Last year, VanBruggen and other members of BSU’s Student Senate partnered with Students United for a Get Out the Vote initiative. She felt the initiative pushed her to be more aware of the politics around her.

“It taught me the value of my civil rights and they importance of voting,” she said. “Since Get Out the Vote I have been more aware of my political surroundings and how they will affect me and others.”

This year, Students United is planning three delegate conferences that will bring together student representatives from each of the system’s seven state universities and an Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

“We hope to bring some legislative representatives to the BSU campus to speak with students,” VanBruggen said. “We are also planning events that support Students United issue campaigns focusing around health and wellness, diversity and inclusion and affordability.”

Students interested in participating in Students United can opt in to receive monthly email updates from the organization, which include general information, alumni updates, scholarship information and action alerts. Students can also join BSU’s campus action team for Students United by volunteering at events and completing action-alert items. Learn more by contacting Merci at mvanbruggen@studentsunited.org.