With over 150 active members, the Yale College Democrats is the largest, most effective, and most widely respected political action organization on Yale’s campus. As the official representative of the Democratic Party at Yale College, we strive to benefit the Democratic Party and the progressive movement through elections work, lobbying efforts, and political engagement. We also work hard to engage and mobilize the Yale campus and grow a large, diverse, and closely connected political community and group of friends.
“[The] common room of Yale’s Branford College…is becoming a regular stop on the campaign trail for candidates seeking statewide office.” -New Haven Independent, February 16, 2010
Elections
The Yale College Democrats play an active role in local, state, and federal campaigns. During the 2008 presidential campaign, we traveled to New Hampshire and Pennsylvania to canvas for Barack Obama, made tens of thousands of calls for his campaign, and organized an election-day get out the vote operation that involved hundreds of volunteers from the Yale and New Haven communities. Students journeyed to nine states in total for campaign work, including working for Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
In 2006, we helped elect Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney, winning a close contest by only 93 votes. In previous years, the Dems have worked on presidential (John Kerry) and congressional (Ned Lamont, Chris Murphy, Diane Farrell, and Courtney) elections, as well as local elections for State Senate and House and the New Haven Board of Aldermen.
In the coming year, the Dems will be hard at work as Connecticut strives to elect Democratic replacements for our departing U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of the State.
Lobbying
The Lobbying Committee of the Yale College Democrats partners with progressive activist groups to advocate for legislation that advances the Democratic agenda. In past years, the Dems have worked on bills relating to climate change, public financing, a statewide Earned Income Tax Credit, ethics reform, statewide health care, combating homelessness, and education reform. We foster issue education through expert panels, gain publicity through rallies and other public events, and pressure legislators through direct phone and in-person contact. Our efforts have gained the attention of local and state leaders and won the praises of other activists. In our years of lobbying work, we have become a proven team of experienced student lobbyists that effectively make our voices heard.
Political Engagement
The Yale Political Engagement Project (YPEP) connects students at Yale and across New Haven with the tools to tackle political issues that affect their daily lives. This year, YPEP is running monthly leadership sessions that use political topics as the jumping off point for teaching organizing skills to public school students. We are also helping student councils in New Haven schools to serve as more effective organs of democracy and are working with the Mayor’s Office to ensure full participation in the 2010 Census. YPEP will also be administrating our new Political Action Grant Program for other student groups interested in making change a reality.
Events
Every Monday night, Dems members gather to hear from elected officials, candidates for office, and policy experts. In addition to high-profile guests such as former presidential candidate and DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean and former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Martin Frost, the Dems have hosted all candidates for the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial nomination. We also hold issue-based panels relating to our lobbying projects and do issue training with groups like the Truman National Security Project. These meetings provide invaluable opportunities to learn from those with decades of hands-on experience in politics and gain insight into how to best serve our country.
But politics does not consume all of our lives. The Dems is more than just a political organization; we are a group of friends. We host social gatherings, dine out around New Haven, watch movies, and generally enjoy each other’s company.
How to Get Involved
Fired up? From helping out around election time, to attending our weekly meetings, to joining the lobbying or fundraising committee, there’s always a place for you with the Dems.
Please Contact us!
If you have any questions or just want to talk with us, contact Membership Coordinator Luke Hawbaker ‘13 (luke.hawbaker@yale.edu) or President Ben Stango ‘11 (benjamin.stango@yale.edu). Also, find us on Facebook and join our Yale College Democrats Group.
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