In a speech yesterday in Hinde Auditorium at the University Union, former governor and United States Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., encouraged Sacramento State students to become active participants in influencing government decisions.

“Let’s get in the arena as informed, motivated citizens, and we can begin to save this country from a death spiral of citizenship,” Graham told a roomful of students, faculty members and university officials.

Graham served for three consecutive terms in the U.S. Senate. Prior to that, he was governor of Florida for three terms and served in the Florida Legislature for 12 years.

Through his book, “America, The Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work For You,” and by going to universities around the country, Graham said he hopes “to reverse the decline of citizenship in our democracy.”

Graham addressed this issue in his book by using real-life situations that demonstrate how civic-mindedness and political activism can influence government policies.

Graham said his book offers two basic lessons. One is that citizens should not think they can’t influence or go against government policies. The other is that citizens should be persistent in trying to affect change in government and society.

“(We should) attack a fundamental program, and that is the problem that says ‘you can’t fight city hall,'” Graham said. “I think it’s very important that our citizens, particularly our younger citizens, be taught these lessons, that you can be a successful citizen, but to do so, you have to be prepared to be an effective citizen.”

Over time, Americans have become less involved in the political arena, and surveys have shown that more citizens now have weak civic backgrounds. Americans are also less exposed to educational and political issues in their own communities, Graham said.

“I think Sen. Graham is absolutely correct that students are the number one political assets in advocacy efforts in all levels of government,” said Phil Garcia, executive director of governmental and civic affairs. “His admonition that we should enter the political arena and that we should be tenacious in our advocacy effort is one that should resonate with all of us.”

A forum and a book-signing event followed the speech. Ramon Gabriel Figueroa, senior film studies and psychology major and recipient of the William R. Hearst/CSU Board of Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, said the forum inspired and reminded him of the need to be politically active.

“I think it’s a great reminder that if we want something changed, we need to be active,” Figueroa said.

Graham has held the same forum at other California State University campuses, such as San Francisco State, San Diego State and CSU, Long Beach.

Kristine Guerra can be reached at [email protected].