MACON – Mercer University freshman Christian Watson was recently accepted as a contributor to Young Voices, a nonprofit public relations shop providing pro bono op-ed editing and media placement services to students and young professionals
Young Voices’ staff works as each contributor’s personal communications team, editing and pitching his or her work for publication and TV or radio opportunities. The program provides contributors with formal training, one-on-one mentorship and assistance learning the basics of advocacy in the internet age.
Watson recently had his first article for Young Voices, titled “Controversy for Controversy’s Sake Won’t Win the Fight for Free Speech on Campus,” published on The Washington Examiner’s website.
Watson is a philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) major, member of Mercer’s debate team and founder of Mercer Students for Liberty, a campus organization that has hosted multiple events designed to spark engaging conversations and debates. He is also a writer for The Cluster student newspaper.
“I think that critical dialogue is important for the betterment and advancement for this generation,” said Watson, who aspires to be a political commentator and syndicated columnist. “We have the ability to do so much.”
Watson said his desire to “compromise while maintaining his true self” is what inspired him to found Students for Liberty and to apply to Young Voices. He is eager to use his writing to emphasize the importance of learning to be more tolerant of other people’s thoughts.
“They build your brand as a writer, thinker and thought leader,” Watson said of Young Voices. “It’s been phenomenal. The editors are phenomenal.”
Since its founding in 2013, Young Voices has had more than 200 writers go through its program. Its alumni include current editors, managers and scholars at organizations like Brown University, the Foundation for Government Accountability, The Washington Examiner, Fox 5 DC and the Reason Foundation.
