The Society’s second Annual Lecture 2012 took place on Thursday 15th November at Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Barbara Stephenson’s home, Wychwood House. This year’s guest lecturer was Heather Smith, President of Rock the Vote, the nonpartisan organisation famed for mobilising and empowering the US youth vote. 
Under Smith’s leadership, Rock the Vote has built new and innovative ways to ensure the continued engagement of young voters. Thanks to Rock the Vote’s galvanising techniques, this year saw the highest voter registration records in both midterm and presidential elections in the organisation’s 20-year history. And now politicians closer to home are hoping some of Smith’s magic might rub off on young British voters. Smith is working on a
new project to ‘Bite the Ballot’ and empower and engaged British young people in the electoral process.
After a lively Q&A, JAS members mingled over drinks with guests, including Mr. Iulian Fruntaşu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the UK, representatives from Kids Count, the children and young people’s think tank, and staff from the US Embassy.
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