Astronauts For America (AFA)—a nonpartisan nonprofit founded by more than 100 former NASA astronauts dedicated to supporting and defending the Constitution, the rule of law, civil discourse and data-based reasoning—today announced the first stops of its VOTE FOR FREEDOM college tour, a nationwide initiative to encourage young Americans to seek common ground and help heal our nation by being active participants in our representative democracy.
AFA is launching its initiative on college campuses—the very place where many Americans first become eligible to vote. As former NASA astronauts, we understand that what unites all of us is much more important than what divides us. Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing a great divide in our country characterized by hyper-partisanship. We wish to engage with college students and ask for their help to bridge the divide by voting for leaders who can bring us all together, protect our rights and freedoms, demonstrate respect for the Constitution and govern for the common good.
AFA will be engaging college students by hosting campus events, volunteering in voter registration drives and facilitating genuine conversations promoting civic engagement. The campaign’s message is clearly defined, “Going to the polls is one small step for you, and one giant leap for our country.”
“Democracy is strongest when the next generation recognizes the power of their voice,” said Gen. Charles Bolden. “Young voters possess an extraordinary ability to drive change and shape the future of tomorrow. We’re taking that mission directly to students across the nation, inspiring them to show up, speak out and make their votes count.”
“Voting is essential, but it is important that when these young students step in the ballot booth, they consider not just the candidates’ positions on the issues, but also their commitment to representative government, democratic principles, and the Constitution. AFA is looking to establish long-term relationships with students and faculty across the nation. We are seeking their input on how together we can improve our political process. These are our first college visits, but they won’t be our last,” shared Wendy Lawrence.
Cady Coleman, Gen. Charles Bolden, Danny Olivas, Garrett Reisman, John Herrington, Steve Smith and Wendy Lawrence will be representing AFA on the first tour stops. AFA will continue to announce additional tour stops, dates and featured astronauts in the coming weeks via the organization’s website and social media. To request a tour stop, please contact Info@AstronautsForAmerica.org.
Tour stops include:
- September 4: San Diego State University, University of Southern California
- September 15: University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University
- September 16: Central Michigan University
- September 17: University of Massachusetts Amherst
- September 19: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- September 24: Blackfeet Community College
- September 28: El Paso Community College, Montana State University
- October 12: University of Idaho
- Dates To Be Announced: California State University Northridge, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Stanford University, The Ohio State University, University of Illinois
As a nonprofit venture, public support and donations will expand the tour’s reach. Please join the astronauts’ mission to bring the VOTE FOR FREEDOM tour to more campuses and communities at AstronautsForAmerica.org.
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ABOUT ASTRONAUTS FOR AMERICA
Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization founded by over 100 former NASA astronauts dedicated to defending the U.S. Constitution, restoring public trust in democratic institutions, and promoting evidence-based, data-informed leadership. To learn more and support the mission, please visit https://www.
