Have you ever attached a pin to your lapel or stuck a yard sign next to your mailbox? Do you vote all the way down the ballot even for the town coroner? Whether you’re blue, red or none of the above, if your heroes are senators, representatives, presidents past or present, the Political Science Club may be the group for you.
Lead by advisor Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, the Political Science Club (PSC) is essentially IU South Bend’s chapter of The American Democracy Project. According to the mission statement, the goal is to “expand student knowledge of and participation in politics at the local, state, and national levels.”
Comprised of about ten active members and many attendees, the PSC has hosted a number of campus events.
During the 2008 election, debate watch parties were organized, free snacks included, which attracted The South Bend Tribune, FOX28, WNDU and other media outlets eager to discover what was on the minds of local college students.
Earlier that fall, PSC kicked off the year with their Democracy Plaza.
During welcome weekend they distributed pocket-sized US constitutions along with copies of Darwin’s The Origin of Species, a banned book in some nations. They also offered free nachos with cheese to students.
Other past PSC activities have included a film screening of Sicko by Michael Moore, voter registration tables, public forums, and a lecture series on Revolutionary Politics.
“We hold forums so that voters can actually hear both sides of a debate and make up their own minds,” said Bennion. She also noted that voter registration tables and class presentations have a significant impact, increasing voter registration and voter turnout among students.
Club members also volunteer in the community with the South Bend Center for the Homeless.
“We were able to donate over 20 thumb drives for the students to be able to save their work and track their progress,” said Charles Hatley, club president. “We are also working on setting up an ongoing donation through the local universities to assure a constant supply of much needed computer equipment.”
The first meeting of the semester was held Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in DW 2170. New members are welcome to attend future meetings. One of the many activities being planned for this semester is a political poetry jam. Any IUSB student can submit a poem, song or free verse with a political bent.
PSC is also planning to screen two films Iron Jawed Angels and Dreams of Equality. Both documentaries portray the persecution endured by participants during the Women’s Rights Movement in America.
“It’s important to hear and to see those stories of the sacrifices that people made to have the right to vote, a right that so many people take for granted today,”said Bennion.
Any students wishing for information on participating in events or becoming a member of the club can add the Facebook group called “IUSB Political Science Club” or email Dr. Bennion at ebennion@iusb.edu.
PSC planning poetry jame, movies
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Be the first to comment on this article!