Millennials are voting, but they're not necessarily talking about politics.
Though 49 percent of millennials voted in the 2016 election, only 26 percent of them, born between 1982 and 2004, say politics and government is a top-three interest to them, according to a Pew Research Center report in 2015. By comparison, Generation X is at 34 percent, and baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are at 45 percent.
Despite these numbers, IU’s campus has active political organizations, including chapters of the three largest political parties in the country.
Here are a few places for students to look, whether they are freshmen or upperclassmen wanting to get involved with the major political parties represented at IU.
College Democrats at Indiana University
This organization promotes the philosophies of the Democratic Party, according to its mission statement.
Brooke O'Connor, director of outreach for College Democrats at IU, said engagement spiked after the recent presidential election. But she said when it comes to local politics, people are not as interested.
"That's what we're mainly focusing on right now," O'Connor said. "Grassroots participation, trying to increase voter registration. I know in the past people feel like they don't really have much participation, but we are really trying to get people physically doing things every week so they feel like they're making a difference."
The organization will host a callout meeting Aug. 30.
College Republicans at Indiana University
This organization’s mission is spreading the conservative message on campus and connecting Hoosier Republicans, according to its website.
Reagan Kurk, chairman of College Republicans at IU, said the group wants to provide an opportunity for people to engage in a way that is productive and also to make meaningful change for students.
"We exist for all Republicans," Kurk said. "So even if you're unsure of your view or if you're not a Republican and you just want to hear what other people have to say, you're welcome to join."
The group will host a callout meeting Aug. 28.
The above two organizations have worked together in the past to engage across the aisle. In spring 2017, they discussed issues at a forum.
Libertarian Party at Indiana University
Students can also find political outlets outside the two major parties on campus. The Libertarian Party is committed to providing advocacy, programming and outreach to upholding individual liberties among other tenants of the party.
Andrew Gilmore, president of the Libertarian Party at IU, said the group engages a lot with people by sending out information, generally interesting pieces of news and community events, via email or social media.
He said the group is welcoming toward people who do not necessarily describe themselves as libertarian.
"We find the energy is still out there where people want to look outward and question their ideas and biases and to engage in new parties and new ideas," Gilmore said. "We like people who tackle their views on an issue-by-issue basis,"
The group currently has no information regarding a callout meeting for fall 2017.
Young Democratic Socialists of Bloomington
The YDSA is an activist group on campus, the student wing of the Democratic Socialists of America. The group primarily works toward promoting its vision of democratic socialism.
Sanjeev Rau, co-chair of YDSA Bloomington, said he believes the energy from last year's election is only going to continue on campus.
"There's always going to be bad stuff happening that will get people moving and energized," Rau said. "Because of the election and the way things have been happening, people are still looking for an alternative for a neo-liberal party."
The group had its first call-out meeting in March and has marched with other protesters for the Charles Murray protest and recent Charlottesville protest in the area. It will be releasing call-out meeting information for the fall semester soon.
For more information, go to beinvolved.indiana.edu/organizations
