Striving for an informed community: UB's Regional Institute

UB's Regional Institute operates around the idea that an uninformed voter is worse than no vote at all.

The resource center, open to students and the community, aims to enhance policy decision making. It's about empowering voters with the information necessary for them to elect officials that will steer the community in a positive direction, according to Institute administration.

"We serve as a consultant," said Rachel Teman, director of communications at the Regional Institute. "We help guide action for a lot of citizens that want to make a point."

Originally established in 1998 with the name State of the Region, the organization was created to monitor the Buffalo Niagara region's performance in key areas. Today, the heavily research-based institution intends to better the Buffalo Niagara region by encouraging long term planning.

Kathryn Foster, director of the Regional Institute, is of the belief that this can be accomplished only through the cooperation and actions of citizens and public officials.

"We ask ourselves the question, how can UB and the Institute play a role?" Foster said. "We are trying to be much more proactive to people in this region."

Foster anticipates more involvement with UB in the next few years.

"We are in the early stages of having more connectivity with UB through law clinics, social clinics and public policy," Foster said.

Areas such as economics, the environment, government, education, technology and information, and public safety are key components of the organization's focus.

"We think a lot about the value of information and valuable data," Foster said. "This well of knowledge that we provide can help in many key areas."

Opportunities for student internships in each of the areas are also available.

Interns are able to help out the Institute while gaining valuable experience.

"The students get to know the region and begin to care about policy and decision making," Teman said.

Aaron Krolikowski, a senior political science major, is currently interning with the Institute. His focus is on the environment of the Niagara Region in comparison to national standards, a project that has allowed him to positively improve the Regional Institute's influence.

"Right from the beginning I was thrown into work," Krolikowski said. "I've been doing work that will really make a difference and that is so rewarding."

Foster hopes that the recent name change from "UB Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth" to the "Regional Institute" will help call attention to the resourcefulness of the institution, as it is easier to remember.

"If students are interested in making a difference this is a great opportunity," Krowlikoski said. "It is a think tank that will definitely help to shape policies."