By Jesse Dolojan, Staff Writer

Last Thursday, Take It On hosted a post-election debrief to give students, faculty and staff a place to reflect on the 2024 presidential results and encouraged Xavier students and faculty to engage in civic dialogue regarding the outcome. 

The debrief was moderated by former Take It On Director Dr. Mack Mariani and Program Director of the political communication minor Dr. Leslie Rasmussen. Take It On Fellow Christian Geary initiated conversations with Mariani and Rasmussen and asked them to moderate the post-election debrief. 

“I think there were definitely quite a few moments in which it was a little tense, but I think that it was a great ground for people to speak their beliefs,” Geary said. “And if there were points of contention, I think there was a healthy discussion to be able to have people voice their opinions in a respectful manner in which everyone was heard.”

Mariani stressed how proud he was of the students who organized the event and for everyone who attended the event to discuss the election. 

“It’s important to have spaces to listen to one another and to learn from one another and try to understand ‘Why did half the country vote in a different way than I did?,’” Mariani said. “It was challenging, but important to not leave that space empty when so many people have so much to say and so much to think through,” he added. 

“I think the best way to approach these dialogues is not to try to win a debate–it’s not to try to convince somebody that they’re wrong, but really just to listen and try to understand each other,” Mariani said. 

Geary spoke on being open and willing to have hard conversations with people who may not share your viewpoints. 

“One of the key points is making sure you’re being respectful of the other opinions that are being said around you. You have to come in with this extremely open mindset,” Geary said. “I think we should be more open to other people’s thoughts and try to open up our world for you just a little bit more to understand the perspective of other people.”

Mariani believes that students who feel passionately about their beliefs should get involved, whether that is through volunteering on a campaign or working with nonprofits. 

“To volunteer for campaigns, it’s going to require finding individuals who are running for office, who you share values with, and just reaching out to them,” Mariani said.

Mariani thinks being willing to get involved in politics should be a commitment in which people passionate about their beliefs build a strong foundation and contribute to the conversation. 

“I think a lot of college students want to go change the world immediately, and that’s a great thing,” Mariani said. “But building a foundation for a lifetime of contributing to the political conversation is important, so participating in dialogue and discussions about politics prepares you to be an effective contributor to those decisions.”