Campus Democratic and Republican clubs see membership climb

American College Students Embracing U.S. Political Process

New York University's (NYU's) Washington Square Park address meant that when senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke in the park September 27, hundreds of NYU students were among the 24,000 supporters and curious onlookers.

"Having a Democratic presidential candidate in our backyard is something to be excited about," said NYU College Democrats treasurer Neil Schecter. Members of the College Democrats at other New York-area universities showed up as well to learn more about a campaign that is reaching out to young voters.

On campuses across the country, university students are joining branches of College Republicans or College Democrats to participate in the political process. Some have a longstanding interest in politics, while others are motivated by the 2008 presidential candidates to become involved for the first time.

"We have seen a bit of a spike because of the primaries," said Sarah Chambers about attendance at NYU's Republican Club. American universities long have been places of political activism, and today many have local chapters of the College Democrats of America, established in 1932, and College Republicans, established in 1892. At NYU, both groups have a strong membership and a vocal presence on campus.

The College Democrats at NYU, traditionally a liberal university, claim to have nearly 1,000 members, and membership is growing as interest in the 2008 elections rises. The club invites candidates to address the students and plans to hold mock elections, debates and voter-registration drives. Club vice president Mary Kearl also encourages members to volunteer at political events around New York City, where students can meet political leaders. Kearl's own volunteer activities have allowed her to meet former Senator John Edwards and Senator Hillary Clinton, President Bill Clinton and New York Governor Eliot Spitzer.

Despite the excitement about the presidential campaign, NYU Democrats say the club likes to remain focused on important issues, something many students wish the presidential candidates would do. Schecter, passionate about the current standoff between Congress and the White House over funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Plan, organized a rally in support of the Democratic plan. The rally drew participation from local congresswomen and children's advocacy groups. Kearl feels strongly about global warming; other students cite immigration, gay marriage and the war in Iraq as important issues.

With about 400 members, the NYU Republicans are less numerous than the NYU Democrats, but they bring a lively conservative voice to the campus. With a nod to the university's liberal reputation, the Republican group holds weekly socials they call a "right-wing safe zone." In addition to those meetings, the Republican students work on local and national campaigns and join conservative lobbying groups like the Conservative Political Action Committee. Club president Sarah Chambers encourages members to volunteer for a Republican presidential candidate like Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney or John McCain.

Chambers remembers that club participation spiked during the 2004 campaign and told USINFO October 4 that she is beginning to see a similar increase during the 2008 campaign. The club plans an event in conjunction with the YouTube Republican debate and will hold an informal vote on the Republican candidates.

NYU Republicans are as "diverse in their interests," Chambers said, adding some are motivated by economic policy and fiscal issues while others care more about social issues. The group is planning a diaper drive as a part of a campaign to raise awareness about abortion.

As the primary season draws closer, political activity is picking up on college campuses. Princeton University students are managing "phone banks" to contact registered voters; Duke University lists 22 different clubs dedicated to political activism; and Amherst College students can take part in the "Summer Institute on Civic Engagement and Political Activism." Republican and Democratic students will engage in vigorous debates over the coming months, imitating the political candidates they support, and perhaps practicing for future careers in politics.

Across the country, students are paying attention as presidential candidates court young voters.

ENDS

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