Both IU College Republicans and IU College Democrats are looking forward to a new year of political activity, civic involvement and events.
Reagan Kurk, the chairwoman for College Republicans, said in an email she believes her organization has never been as strong in their civic engagement as during last year. She spoke about some of her group’s fall accomplishments.
“We were able to volunteer for the candidates and issues we cared most about by phone banking and getting out in our communities,” Kurk said. “It’s a crucial part of the democratic process we encourage all people to be a part of.”
Though the national Democratic party was not as successful as they hoped last November when the lost the U.S. election, the College Democrats still look back at the previous year with pride.
The organization assisted and supported local candidates, helped many students get involved with the election, and reached out to the IU and Bloomington communities, Brooke O’Connor, director of outreach for College Democrats, said.
This year, the College Democrats are hoping to start the conversation on change, beginning with an event on Jan. 20 called Inaugurate the Revolution. At the event, students and members of the community will refuse to accept the inauguration of the Republican president and resist his proposals with direct actions, projects, panel discussions, workshops and a rally promoting justice, O’Connor said.
Kurk said though Republicans may be a minority party in Monroe County, the College Republicans will continue working to hold their ground on pressing issues in meetings with the College Democrats spring semester.
Besides participating in these joint meetings, the College Republicans will also continue to bring in speakers and organize issue forums.
Kurk said that one of her duties as leader of the College Republicans is to encourage younger students to get excited about politics and service. Another goal of hers is to create opportunities for political and civic engagement for students.
“As long as we are actively pursuing helping students find avenues where they can learn more, be informed, and direct that in a responsible and engaged manner, we’ve done our job,” Kurk said.
Meanwhile, O’Connor said she is dedicated to reaching more student organizations, studentsand people in the community of Bloomington and beyond.
She said her focus is to spread the word about the organization and its message in order to obtain grassroots support while giving people hope in the political process and the party.
“Ignorance is stagnant, but knowledge is progressive,” O’Connor said. “We want to bring back the populace’s confidence in the political process and assure them that fighting for what is right will always be worth it.”
Though the outcome of November elections excited the College Republicans and disappointed the College Democrats, neither organization seems to be lacking inspiration. They each have different ways of responding and go forth with their work, Kurk and O’Connor said.
Coming off a victorious fall election, the College Republicans will encourage responsible and effective governing from newly-elected and returning officials in their party. In addition to helping the U.S. leaders make the right decisions, Kurk said she and the College Republicans will be encouraging members to be dedicated to civic and political participation in college and beyond.
O’Connor said though the Democratic party loses presidential power in a week, she still has confidence that the College Democrats will continue to move forward with grace and remind everyone of their mission.
“As the inauguration approaches, our group will not lose sight of the goals of the democratic party, and democracy itself, thus, we will forge ahead with all of our energy to bring about the brighter and more just America we seek,” O’Connor said.
