North Columbus News

Ella Magaw, a student at The Ohio State University, is learning to engage in civil discourse despite differing political views. As an ambassador for Free the Facts, a nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C., she aims to promote understanding and dialogue on complex policy issues without trying to change others' opinions.

Magaw, studying public management at Ohio State's John Glenn College of Public Affairs, believes that listening and respecting diverse viewpoints is crucial. "It’s just that people want to be heard and feel safe in their opinions," she said. She plans to work in government after completing her education.

Free the Facts provides young Americans with reliable information about policy issues like Social Security and Medicare. It encourages students to explore solutions independently rather than endorsing specific policies. Alan Mathew, another ambassador from Ohio State, emphasized the importance of engaging more people in these discussions: "If more people were involved, wouldn’t it be interesting if we could find some more ideas across the aisle so we can keep the program going longer?"

Ohio State supports such initiatives through its Listen. Learn. Discuss. program, which fosters productive sharing of perspectives among students.

Both Magaw and Mathew are particularly interested in housing policy. Magaw noted that housing is a universal need beyond partisan lines: "Everybody needs a place to live; that’s not a partisan thing." Mathew added that understanding different viewpoints is essential for making progress: "Decisions are made by people who show up."

The insights gained from Free the Facts complement classroom experiences at Ohio State, where students explore policy problems from various perspectives under instructors like Joseph Henry.