Tell us about yourself.

Hello there! My name is Rachel Withers (she/her) and I'm a sophomore from San Diego, California. I am double majoring in Environmental Design and Planning, Public Policy, and Management with a minor in legal studies in hopes of pursuing a career in environmental law/policy. I love to spend my time hiking, camping, doing film photography, and making music!

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus and hope to improve for students as an elected official? Please list each issue and briefly explain how you hope to improve it.

One key issue that I am passionate about is preventing the destruction of precious outdoor community spaces for students, specifically the Grove Garden and the Urban Farm. These are important spaces to so many students on campus and promote relationships between people, with the self, and with the environment. Another topic that I hope to improve on campus is support for Affinity Organizations. Cultural groups are crucial on camps for cultivating a welcoming space to uplift and make those who are less represented on campus feel more at home. Thirdly, I would like to improve micro-mobility on and off campus. Transportation to and from class and around Eugene should be expanded to provide access for as many people as possible.

Why are you running?

I am running because I am passionate about helping people and making positive change in my community. I currently serve in ASUO's executive branch as Secretary of Sustainability which has opened my eyes to important issues on campus and how to address them in the most effective ways. I hope to be able to create solutions from a more direct legislative role in ASUO senate.