ABBY STONE| Reporter

The Collegiate Democrats and the College Republicans have may different values, but they both agree that joining a political club is a good way to become informed.

President of the Collegiate Democrats Jessie Basler and vice president of the College Republicans Jonathan Dunlop both had something similar to say.

Both said that joining a political club gives students the opportunity to become informed and to use that to better their community.

“Making connections and talking to like-minded people is healthy for our development and our growth as young adults who are going to be entering the workforce,” Basler said.

The Collegiate Democrats have biweekly meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Members invite local lawmakers to come and talk about world issues and then hold an open forum where the discussion can range from Lindenwood policies to national lawmaking, according to Basler.

The College Republicans have a similar setup. They meet every week at 7:15 p.m. on Thursdays. Dunlop said they prepare for one current topic and the members have an open discussion about it.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]I think [being in a political club is] one of the easiest ways as college students to get our voices heard – Jessie Basler[/perfectpullquote]

For example, this past week, Dunlop spoke about the history of American aircraft and the group talked about its positive impacts and its repercussions. However, these topics range from legislation to international relations.

Dunlop said he chose to register as a Republican because he agrees with their morals and way of thinking.

“I traditionally adhere more to their values of fiscal responsibility, not spending more than you take in,” Dunlop said.

Basler had similar reasons for registering as Democrat. She said that her moral views more aligned with the Democratic party.

“I think that I’ve been a Democrat since I was 12 years old,” Basler said. “That sounds kind of silly, but I grew up in an atmosphere of being politically active.”

Both the College Republicans and the Collegiate Democrats are active on campus and in local lawmaking.

A group from the College Republicans left for Kansas City on Friday for a conference where Governor Eric Greitens and local lawmakers would be speaking.

Both groups said they want to see more students express interests in politics because young adults can benefit from being educated and outspoken. 

“Because [politics] is complicated, we have a responsibility to learn more about the world around us,” Dunlop said.

“I think it’s one of the easiest ways as college students to get our voices heard,” Basler said.

Political party platforms:

Collegiate Democrats meet biweekly on Thursdays (next one being Feb. 8) at 6:30 p.m. in the Blanton Board Room in Harmon Hall.

College Republicans meet every Thursday at 7:15 p.m. in Harmon Hall Room 136.