The College Democrats held their first meeting of the school year Sept. 20 to welcome new members from all majors and begin efforts of promoting the Democratic Party on campus.
The group’s mission is to promote Democratic ideas within the campus and community, said club President Breanne Miller, a junior majoring in political science and Spanish.
“Joining (the College Democrats) is a great opportunity to get involved in the university and the community at large,” said Jack Lewis, vice president of the College Democrats and a senior majoring in political science and Middle East studies. “We have a wide variety of people in our organization, like math majors and even biology majors.”
Alicia Cain, a freshman majoring in political science and international studies, joined the College Democrats after only one meeting.
“I saw the Democrats’ booth at Plazafest and was very interested in the program,” she said. “I soon joined because I like the organization and its purpose.”
In order to promote its ideas, the group has a table in the Union’s Crimson Lounge every Tuesday morning, where members hand out bumper stickers, T-shirts and brochures to interested students.
“We have a database of 450 members, which grows by about 20 people every time we table,” Miller said.
It’s a good opportunity for people who have never been involved in politics-especially if they’re new to the U, Lewis said.
Club members frequently get to meet political leaders who run for office and have the opportunity to get involved with their campaigns.
With the 2004 presidential election completed, the organization is focusing its time on debates.
Last year, the club had three debates with the College Republicans, in which they debated gay marriage, social security and abortion rights.
Hallie Brown, a freshman in nursing, said she is “really excited to campaign this year because the plans (sounded) great during the meeting.”
The Democrats hope U students who have Democratic ideals and wish to spread them to others on campus join the organization.
“It’s nice to have an alternative for people that have grown up in a mostly Republican state,” Lewis said.