Dr. Kathie Allen visited the BYU campus and met with professors on Oct. 2, 2017. Allen is the Democratic nominee for the Utah 3rd District congressional seat. (Savannah Hopkinson)
An Oct. 2 visit to the BYU campus marks the first of many steps Democratic congressional nominee Kathie Allen said she is taking to engage millennials.
For Allen, engaging millennials is extremely important.
'We feel that millennials receive our message particularly well,' Allen said. 'We'd like to come back if we can and talk to more people.'
Allen visited with several BYU faculty members while on campus in preparation for the upcoming congressional debate on Oct. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the BYU Broadcast Building.
Allen said she hopes students will see she understands the issues that are important to their generation.
'We get the issue of student debt,' Allen said. 'We get the issue of wanting a quality education and having a job at the end of it.'
Allen said she plans to continue visiting students to address their concerns and issues and will hold a millennial town hall on Oct. 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Provo City Library.
Another way Allen plans to engage voters in Utah is by knocking doors.
'It’s an excellent thing to do,' Allen said. 'Meeting a candidate face to face ... makes an impact. I wish I had time to do this whole district that way.'
Allen said she can create personal relationships and make friends by going door to door. She said it is a great way to address problems on a personal level.
'When we meet people we ask them what they’re concerned about,' Allen said. 'That’s the first question: 'What’s on your mind?''
Allen and her team said her ultimate goal is to inspire people to take action.
Daniel Friend, communications director for Allen's campaign, said he believes even the smallest of efforts can have a big impact.
'Even if you just show up, you can make a difference,' Friend said.
Allen and Friend said no matter what party students align with, it is important to put in an effort to make change.