The Roosevelt Institution
Group focuses on social issues
By Michael Woyton
Poughkeepsie Journal
HYDE PARK — David Felix and Joseph Kastner wrote a policy paper comparing the benefits of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge versus an increased gasoline tax.
Normally, such an effort would end up in a file cabinet.
"Unless we sent it in as an editorial," said Felix, who is studying for a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of California in Santa Barbara.
Kastner recently graduated from the school with a master's degree in public policy and environmental economics.
Instead, their paper is being published along with seven others by the Roosevelt Institution, a think tank run by college students.
Outlet for expression
The organization held its first conference Thursday and Friday at the Wallace Center of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
"The Roosevelt Institution is run entirely by and for American progressive college students," Executive Director Quinn Wilhelm said.
The Eugene, Ore., native is a junior at Stanford University, concentrating in religious studies.
He said a lot goes on in the halls of education that could be influential in public policy.
The institution is "the mechanism by which their voices can reach the public," Wilhelm said.
About 70 students from around the world gathered at the historic site to exchange ideas and find ways to recruit more college-age people to the group.
Friday's session included the presentation of Roosevelt Review, the first publication by the institution. It contained eight policy papers selected from about 300 submissions.
The topics ranged from solar energy to AIDS in South Africa.
For Kevin Hilke, a Stanford junior from O'Fallon, Mo., holding the conference at FDR's home was a special experience.
"It's extremely exciting that [the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute] offered us this space," he said. "It's really amazing."
Dartmouth College sophomore Sara Ludin, of Denver, who was attending the conference, said there is a feeling at her school that students cannot effect long-term change.
"There's no means to get into the political process," she said.
This group gives students a chance to research problems and provide solutions.
"It gives us the tools," Ludin said. "It's all about getting heard."
Michael Woyton can be reached at mwoyton@poughkeepsiejournal.com
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