March 27, 2008...2:19 pm
College Democrats
By Kaitlin Gotch
March 5, 2008 marked the first meeting of the College Democrats at the University of the Cumberlands. This meeting, which is being called “experimental”, was a chance for students to come out and meet with fellow Democrats, discuss important issues, and realize their dream of joining the national College Democrats of America and become part of the young voting arm of the Democratic Party. This club’s first meeting got off to a great start, having nearly 20 participants. The overall consensus of the night’s new members seems to be an excitement for something no one really thought possible.
The meeting brought in a representative of the national College Democrats, as well as the co-chair of the Kentucky College Democrats. Both young men expressed excitement about the start of a Cumberland chapter and were there to answer questions both about how to get started and about the difficulties a Cumberland chapter would face. The Kentucky College Democrats has already officially recognized the UC chapter and given it a charter.
The College Democrats here on the UC campus want to emphasize one major point, Democrats can have morals, too. This club has already made a rule, out of respect for this institution’s values, not to discuss hot button issues like abortion and gay rights. Instead, this group of young politically minded students wants to focus on issues important to college students and the Whitley County community (for example, health care, and the creation of jobs). It is their desire to be active in the community and impact the campus. Their goal is to become a respected and viable club here at UC. They’re already laying the groundwork for voter registration drives, perhaps even as a partnership with the College Republicans.
Of course, this club is still in the formational stages. They plan to hit the ground running for the fall and the general election. Excitement is high, and it seems from the turnouts and enthusiasm at the first meeting, that these young people have what it takes to be an effective voice at the University of the Cumberlands.
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