Gateway

Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: People

Media Credit: Patrick Doty Jim Esch speaks at a College Democrats meeting last fall. Besides bringing in speakers for meetings, the College Dems hold fundraisers, socialize at various restaurants and help election campaigns. [Click to enlarge]

No one can say the left-leaning students at UNO don't know how to have a good time.

The UNO College Democrats aren't just about politics. It's a social organization too.

After each of their weekly meetings, the group's members convene at Clancy's for pizza or a few beers.

"We're a group of friends, and we want to provide an open environment where people can get together, have fun and get informed," said Cody Farrens, a senior political science major and president of the UNO College Democrats. "People can come and help with elections and help with the community."

The College Dems have approximately 40 to 50 members attending meetings each week, Farrens said. Their primary goal is to provide a place to work on progressive ideas, and offer an inviting network for democrats and progressive liberals. Since there are no elections this spring they will spend time focusing on informing people about a new issue each month that is pertinent to young people across the nation.

"We help out when there are elections, work to increase the vote and provide information about the issues," Farrens said of their work during campaign season. The Dems also plan social events and do volunteer work like adopting a family during the holidays and working with Habitat for Humanity. They also have a group volunteering in New Orleans during spring break.

With the Democrats taking control of both the House and the Senate, Farrens said the group is closely following the House Democrats 100-hour plan. Cutting interest rates on student loans and making more money available for students to go to college are both on the agenda.

The UNO College Democrats' major accomplishments in 2006 include putting on a regional campaign training, putting flags in the pep bowl as a "tribute to the fallen," an award from the National Young Democrats for a 450-person protest at the Qwest Center, volunteering more than 1,000 hours during the primary elections and receiving the Nebraska Young Democrats chapter of the year award.

Farrens believes the group is more than a host of awards or accomplishments.

"We're attractive people [who are] having fun and making a difference," said College Democrats member Ryan Renner.

The College Democrats meet every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Council Room of the Milo Bail Student Center. There are no dues required to join. For more information, visit unodemocrats.com.

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