The College Democrats is an organization for people of Democratic Party leanings, but you don’t have to be a political science major to join, junior Sara Otteman said.
“You don’t have to be a political science major to love politics,” Otteman, an education major, said.
The College Democrats work on monthly issue campaigns to raise awareness of issues. They have held issue campaigns on equality, environment, community service, and sexual health.
Junior Julie Zimmerman joined the College Democrats as a freshman. She is a political science major and said she has enjoyed her time in the club.
“In a way, it’s the beginning phase of a political career,” Zimmerman said. “I’m putting my beliefs and views into action.”
Many College Democrats helped with political campaigns and putting Democrats into office during the 2008 election. Zimmerman has helped on State Sen. Ben Nesselhuf’s and U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson’s campaigns and also traveled to Washington, D.C. with other College Democrats for Obama’s inauguration.
“It was freezing, we stood for seven hours in the cold, but it was worth it,” Zimmerman said. “It was my favorite (part of being in the College Democrats).”
She did see Obama, but said he was, “like an ant” because of the distance and the crowds. The five College Democrats who went got their tickets through Sen.Tim Johnson’s office, but had to fundraise to take the trip, selling puppy chow and coffee during finals week.
“We had a party during election night and decided we would go,” Zimmerman said. “And we made it happen.”
The College Democrats also have an annual debate with the College Republicans, and work with them on voter registration each year, to encourage students to become more active in politics, Otteman said.
Reach reporter Sarah Paulus at Sarah.Paulus@usd.edu.
The Volante > News > Freshman Issue 2009
Democrats band together
Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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