The Orbis

Issue date: 10/15/09 Section: News/Features

Media Credit: collegedems.com

The year following an exciting election can be a difficult period for most political organizations. Vanderbilt College Democrats (VCD) is no exception. Following the historic election of President Obama and the attention surrounding the 2008 campaign, VCD has seen a decline in political interest, energy and activism among Vanderbilt's progressive community.
Junior Ravi Singh, the organization's president, is hoping to turn this trend around.

Dubbing 2009-2010 a rebuilding year, Singh has realistic plans for the campus organization. "I see this as an infrastructure-building year, a year to build support. Once you have that solid foundation to work off of, then you can mobilize your support and your activism for all sorts of campaigns to come," he said.
While the 2008 election generated tremendous interest, particularly among the younger generation, most groups have experienced trouble sustaining the momentum from the campaign season. One of VCD's challenges for the new year includes reengaging student interest in politics during a non-election year.

"As much as there are students interested in politics on this campus, we haven't done enough to make them get involved. We have more we can do, to get our work out there and get people to participate," said Singh.

VCD's goals for the academic year include closer relationships with local congressional offices, a fully functioning website, and an essay-based scholarship program.

In the coming weeks, VCD is offering multiple opportunities for liberal students to get involved in activism. A handful of students are traveling to Virginia during fall break to canvas for the state's gubernatorial race. The group is also working with Organizing for America to provide grassroots training, canvassing, and phone-banking experience for students in favor of health care reform.

Of course, there's always another election on the horizon. VCD is already paying close attention to Tennessee's gubernatorial race. Although voters won't reach the ballot boxes until November 2010, an open Democratic primary has generated considerable excitement. Candidates have approached VCD for speaking engagements and participation in straw polls.

Students who get involved now will have an opportunity to shape the future of one of Vanderbilt's foremost political organizations, according to Singh.

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