While government officials in Washington continue to fight in gridlock, the political organizations on Syracuse University’s campus are debating, learning and engaging to push for change. Several campus organizations are politically active, but only a handful are solely dedicated to activism.

Here’s a breakdown of all the major political clubs on campus.

International Socialist Organization

Meetings: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Where: Hall of Languages, Rm. 500

The International Socialist Organization is open to students, faculty and community members for weekly meetings and engagement events. Branch organizer Steve Roggenbuck, a part-time graduate student at SU, said he joined the organization because of his long-time interest in social justice issues including anti-racism, queer liberation and gender equality, among others. But what makes ISO specific to socialism is its engagement with social issues and their connections to the U.S. economy and capitalism.

Roggenbuck said since “socialism carries a lot of baggage,” the group aims to broaden people’s view of the political theory. He said its focus is meeting human needs through organizational efforts.

ISO has discussed participating in a debate with the College Democrats and College Republicans, but the organization does not have one planned for the upcoming semester. For now, their focus is on engaging with community organizations including the Workers Center of Central New York and Democratic Socialists of America to co-host rallies and meetings.

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College Republicans

Meetings: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Where: Heroy Auditorium

The College Republicans also aim to educate and engage students in their party’s values and ideologies. The student organization hosts weekly meetings in which large group discussions are held on various political topics, including gun rights and the U.S. economy, per the group’s Facebook page. Throughout the semester, meetings feature talks by local political figures and activists.

According to the group’s profile on SU’s OrgSync, the College Republicans are open to all Republicans — including the reform Republicans, Evangelical conservatives, neoconservatives and others. Throughout the semester, the club also works on local campaigns and hosts various events supporting the Republican party.

College Republicans did not immediately respond to comment for this story.

College Democrats

Meetings: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Where: TBD

The College Democrats are engaged on and off SU’s campus. With weekly meetings, open debates and canvassing for local campaigns, the organization is busy helping local Democrats and undecided students learn more about the party.

Former president Sarah Epelman said she became aware of the club and her democratic values through her involvement in Colleen Deacon’s (D) campaign against Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), in 2016. During her time as president, Epelman said a lot of her job involving recruitment was helping other students learn more about politics in general, rather than swaying students left.

“You’re a freshman, you’re coming into a new environment and figuring out the world,” the political science and policy studies major said. The club is all about supporting other students find their political voice and values, Edelman said.

Last year, the student organization partnered with the College Republicans to host an open debate on a range of political issues. Edelman said it was a success and a huge point of pride as president, and she expects there will be another debate this year as well.

Other political organizations on campus include Amnesty International at SU, Democracy Matters and Syracuse Animal Rights Organization.

Published on September 4, 2018 at 11:14 pm

Contact Lydia: lnilesst@syr.edu