President's Message

Dear friends,

My name is James Liska and I am the President of the College Democrats. I am glad to be able to serve as the President of this organization in a year like this, when so much is at stake not only in our Commonwealth but also in the nation at large. As Democrats, we have the ability to not only lead the nation in a new direction, but send a message to the world: the people of this country will no longer stand for the arrogance, shortsightedness, and idiocy of the Bush administration.

As a student, one may feel overwhelmed by all the issues, candidates, and races going on in the country and ask "how can I possibly make a difference?" I asked this same question of myself in 2005, when I first came to Dickinson and was faced with volunteering for my first political campaign. A few local council seats were up for grabs, and some of the candidates came to a College Dems meeting to ask for help. There were only two of us interested in volunteering for them, but by simply knocking on doors and dropping literature, we were able to help sway some voters and in the end, the seats were ours. If two people could make a difference, imagine what 20 of us could do. What about 200? The College Dems is a great place to grow politically - we offer training on how to effectively canvas, how to make phone calls for candidates, and even host rallies. We are affiliated with national chapters as well as the Pennsylvania Federation of College Democrats, so there's always new people to meet and new things to do.

In addition to direct campaign work, we have debates with the College Republicans, issue nights, "political open mic night" and host guest speakers. We are not strictly business - we also host social events. We show movies, have barbeques, watch The Daily Show, and sometimes a party or two. So, If you are interested in helping to make America a bluer, safer country for all, then I would like for you to join us. Our group is a great place to grow politically, and I will spare you the inevitable "best party on campus" line for a statement of fact: In 2004 the College Democrats was voted the Best Student Organization for that year. We have a dynamic team of officers, members, and advisers who make our club what it is, and I feel that award speaks for itself. We love doing what we do!

So come and join us in this crucial time, and not only be a part of history but have fun doing it!

Hope to see you soon,

James