Preserving Chico State Voices for Change

Title (Dublin Core)

Annika Olsen

Abstract (Dublin Core)

This oral history interview with Annika Olsen, a political science major at Sacramento State, provides an account of her political involvement on and off campus. Olsen has been campaign manager for Smud Board, an intern at the California capitol with Assembly Member Ward, NWPC endorsement chair, and more. The interview also describes Olsen’s experience creating and passing bill AB2005, which is an expansion of low income tax credits to CSU’s, intended to address housing needs for low income CSU faculty. The bill received a vote from a Republican in the Senate, which means that a Republican supported the bill against the recommendation of the Republican caucus. Olsen emphasizes that this means her bill fared well in comparison to others which were heavily criticized. This is one of Olsen’s many accomplishments throughout her time in politics. When asked about lessons learned, she explains why she prefers legislation work over campaign work, as she feels the former is better suited to her personality. She also feels empowered by the opportunity to create tangible solutions to real life problems through legislature. Olsen hopes that lessened financial burden due to passing bill AB2005 will incentivize more people with diverse backgrounds to work within the CSU system. Approximately 9,000 staff members are eligible for homes under AB2005! We discussed the importance of diversity everywhere- in politics and in the CSU system. Olsen was vulnerable about the difficulties of time management while working in politics and being a full time student, sharing that she would often change in her car to go from campus to the capitol building. Despite the challenges she faces as a queer woman in politics, Olsen intends to continue working and going to school. She has developed a passion for making a difference, and has become especially interested in foster care issues. When asked for the simplest first steps to becoming politically active, she said that gaining a better understanding of the world around us is a good first goal. She also advocates for consistently voting down the ballot and volunteering for a campaign, regardless of party! Olsen aspires to become an attorney in the future and hopes to continue inspiring others to become politically active.

Transcript (Bibliographic Ontology)

Annika Olsen (transcript)

Interviewee (Bibliographic Ontology)

Annika Olsen

Interviewer (Bibliographic Ontology)

Ellie Cook

Katelyn Meeker

Date Created (Dublin Core)

October 28, 2024

Format (Dublin Core)

wav

Length (Schema.org for LinkedDataSets)

47 minutes, 43 seconds

Library of Congress Subject Heading (Schema.org for LinkedDataSets)

Political Science—Students

Women in Politics—United States

Legislative Process—California

Youth Political Participation—United States

Copyright (Dublin Core)

Researchers may make free and open use of the Meriam Library’s digitized public domain materials without obtaining permission. However, some materials in our online collections may be protected by U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Use or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use (Title 17, U.S.C. § 107) requires permission from the copyright owners. The use or reproduction of some materials may also be restricted by terms of the Meriam Library’s gift or purchase agreements. Responsibility for determining rights status and permissibility of any use or reproduction rests exclusively with the researcher. The Library asks to be credited as the materials source whenever possible.

Collection number (Dublin Core)

UA-016-12

Collection Project (Dublin Core)

Preserving Chico State Voices for Change