Ansley Dale
Reporter
Politics at Mississippi University for Women often seems to involve a small percentage of the student body, but there are two clubs keeping students active and informed.
College Republicans and College Democrats have been at The W for quite some time, but lapsed into a less-active phase. But in the last few years the groups have built their numbers and recognition on campus. Dr. Chanley Rainey, professor of History, Political Science and Geography, is the sponsor for both clubs, and she said that in the four years she has taught at The W, College Republicans and College Democrats have been reorganizing their clubs and gaining momentum. College Democrats have been slightly more active in the past, but College Republicans have been gaining traction because of an increasingly more diverse student population.
“I am working with two separate groups of students to try to revive both clubs so that maybe we can have both active,” said Rainey.
Even though each club has a different goal, they both have students who share an interest in politics and party dynamics.
Her first step as the new sponsor was researching the archives to find the old constitutions for these organizations to prevent the current students from starting from scratch. Rainey acts as the guide to help these students with additional situations they cannot handle themselves. She is able to put them in touch with officials and give them advice about hosting events. For the most part, College Republicans and College Democrats are completely student-run groups. They coordinate events, organize meetings and invite candidates to speak.
Michael O’Brien is the current president for the College Republicans on campus. He oversees the progress of the club and its members.
“We haven’t had an official meeting yet, but I have been trying to organize that,” said O’Brien.
He said he feels very passionately about politics, and he is looking forward to hosting meetings with fellow Republicans.
O’Brien said that analyzing the current status of the Republican Party throughout the nation will be the main focal point for the organization. He wants to build a club of like-minded individuals who care about politics.
“Being politically involved keeps me informed on how to form my own, personal opinions,” says O’Brien.
Mackenzie Pearce is the current president of the College Democrats on campus. She and the other members have been working hard to plan a voter registration drive and create a forum with Democratic candidates and officials.
The club recently hosted a voter’s registration booth in Hogarth Cafeteria encouraging students to exercise their voting rights.
“We also have watch parties for the presidential debates and discussions,” said Pearce.
She said she enjoys being in touch with individuals who share her ideals for the country. She feels that she has created and been accepted into a space where that similar agenda is respected.
Despite being opposing parties, both groups have opened many opportunities for students within the political community.
“Students have the opportunity to connect with other like-minded people but also work on campaigns during election season. Through our advisor, Dr. Rainey, [they can] potentially [find] different internships and opportunities,” says Pearce.
Gaining experience working around politicians and having a campaign team set up allows students to be prepared for entering into similar work environments.
Rainey says that many students have gone on to have successful careers and jobs in political areas. Through attending debates and volunteering or interning with political campaigns, students are given the tools to understand and thrive in professional environments.
For someone looking to join these clubs, contacting Rainey or the presidents of each club is a good start.