A little information can go a long way

Tim Ruckh and Michael Amodeo prove a little information can go a long way.

by Shannon C. Lynch, George Mason University
Outstanding Student Leaders Digest (published by AIDemocracy.org)
January 17, 2006

Two heads are better than one; and these men prove it. Tim Ruckh, 23, is a grad student for Engineering at Colorado State University and a man who believes “you should never stop acquiring information.” Michael Amodeo, 21, is double majoring in economics and political science at University of Colorado at Boulder believes that despite the pessimism in society “we may not succeed every time, but we can still send an optimistic message.”

Because of their collaborative efforts, Americans for Informed Democracy has been able to reach out to other universities in the Colorado area, all the while, brining in more renowned speakers, professors and much needed press attention. These two brilliant men have come together to also help assist different universities in creating town halls in the state of Colorado. Ruckh and Amodeo are not only accomplished leaders but they are humble in their successes. “Thanks to other chapters, you never feel overwhelmed,” Ruckh states,

These two men are not only accomplished but believe that it education is quintessential to success, leadership skills, and helping to keep people properly informed about issues around the world. “If you do not know about it you can not form an opinion,” Amodeo says. They both helped organize a series of events called “Hope Not Hate,” with its focus on Western-Muslim world relations.

Ruckh and Amodeo cannot stress enough how crucial it is to become aware of stigmas in society, issues around the globe and actions people can take to curb these problems. Michael Amodeo realizes that it is difficult to “galvanize people who do not even care, but it is worth the effort,” but in the long run, people become interested and willing to support an important cause. Ruckh elaborated on Amodeo’s idea when Ruckh and I discussed grassroots movements. “Grassroots is being in touch with people with the same passion at a local level and working your way up to bigger events, town halls, etc.” Ruckh’s passion for social awareness on poverty stemmed from studying abroad and researching about what is happening in other regions of the world.

Ruckh and Amodeo both feel poverty is a pressing issue that will not just diminish as time goes on, but must be given full attention in the Status Quo. Poverty is an issue that could not be looked over, so Ruckh and Amodeo encouraged students of all race, ethnicity and cultural background to attend “Fighting for What’s Right.” Amodeo believes everyone should know what is going on both domestically and internationally- regardless of economic background. “It’s important to break it down in simple terms.” According to Ruckh, it was more on-on-one, and the panelists could talk to students for longer periods of time because there was no time constraints. Ruckh believes town halls are the best way to start out, “It’s a good approach to addressing big problems”

Give credit where credit is due. “AID was a breath of fresh air- it is nice to have something to do asides from engineering,” Ruckh admits. Michael Amodeo mentioned another mastermind- Heidi Box. “We could not have had the success with the town hall meetings without her,” explains Amodeo. Amodeo may only be 21, but he knows a lot more about world events then many 40 year-olds I know. Amodeo and I began to discuss being college students and the negative stigma society may place on our efforts to change the world. “Sure, we are considered idealists, and yes at times it may be impractical, but now is the time for change. Let’s send an optimistic message,” Amodeo says, and he has first hand account of the prying issues of poverty and destitution.

Amodeo lived in Mexico City and the Philippines for eight years. Amodeo strongly believes “formal education and personal experience” is the key to success. Amodeo told me that he believes he cannot single handedly change society, but that if he can convince other people about how pressing and important an issue is then he feels he has triumphed.

Amodeo witnessed extreme poverty when traveling about 4 hours outside of Manila where he was to help build houses for a poor community. He admitted that it was a culture shock, but it was not until attending the University of Colorado at Boulder that Amodeo put everything he has witnessed in to perspective. “Can something be done? YES.”

Ruckh, after he graduates wants to go in to the Peace Corps either in Eastern Africa or the Pacific Islands. Ruckh’s Orthopedic Biomechanics degree he believes will benefit those areas that need his expertise the most. After Amodeo graduates, he hopes that he can work for an international institution that is involved in economic development. Amodeo is also thinking of the possibility of going to grad school.