California Politics | Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

Learning Resilience from Community

Emily Choto ’25 is working toward both Environmental Science and Politics majors at USF! Being a McCarthy Fellow in San Francisco, she has been able to experience public service in the Mission District. Working inside The Food as Medicine Collaborative is a coalition of community clinics, food nonprofits and businesses, and health care systems. Emily…

What We Do Now—Teach!

Rachel Beth Egenhoefer, Design Professor in the Art and Architecture department shares that on the morning of Election Day, she knew that the uncertainty and emotions surrounding the election results would feel like a wild roller coaster ride. During a time when there’s uncertainty in the world, she knows how to meet the moment. Eight…

Speaking Truth to Power at USF

Angeline Vuong is the Associate Director of Community Engagement and Public Service Programs offered at the McCarthy Center. Leading our USFVotes team, she understands that with this election season, voting is crucial more than ever before. Angeline describes how the value of being a civically-engaged campus is a core aspect of Jesuit education and show…

Finding My Role in Public Service

Benjamin Getchell ’25 is a Politics major with an Environmental Science and a Public Service and Community Engagement minor. Reflecting on his time during his McCarthy Fellows in Sacramento internship this past summer, Benjamin was able to work with his fellow colleagues and find his role in public service. Everyone has a role to play…

Reaching Voters through Community: My Work with SF Elections and USFVotes

Read along on a journey of civic empowerment with Hannah Nelson as she intertwines her experiences with USFVotes and the San Francisco Department of Elections. In her blog post, Hannah shares the transformative power of community engagement, breaking down stereotypes of formal government work, and highlighting her role in making elections more accessible. Join her…

Meet the 2024 USF In DC Fellows

Congratulations to our newest cohort of USF in DC Fellows. This semester, nine students from various majors will be immersed in the policymaking processes in the U.S. capital. Our fellows will get a front row seat to observe and learn how public policy happens at the national level and build the skill set necessary to…

Navigating the Path to Common Good: The Power of Conversations

As Caitlin Kennedy took her place on the illuminated stage, the Leo T. McCarthy Center had chosen her as the student panelist for the Conversations for the Common Good event, an opportunity to engage and gain insights from the young elected officials shaping the region’s future. Sharing the stage with notable figures such as Assembly-member…

Meet Our 2022 McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco

Our 2022 McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco have just began their journey with the City and County of San Francisco, by attending their first class at City Hall. In this week’s blog, meet 16 students who will be learning firsthand about San Francisco’s local policymaking, administration, and politics throughout the semester aimed at shaping San…