Before Alexandra has a chance to crawl out of bed in the morning, she grabs her phone to check the latest headlines on the election. Because of the election frenzy, this semester has been a busy one for the Penn Democrats. This fall, the group has been reaching out to voters through phone banks, registering the student body at Penn, canvassing, recruiting volunteers and making sure that people can get to the polls. Penn Democrats is a student-run organization dedicated to promoting progressive political values. Alexandra explains that she loves everything about the club: the people, the sense of community, the mission and the voice of the club. She quickly revokes her statement, “I love almost everything about being in Penn Democrats. Getting hung up at the phone banks is not always fun! But other than that, I really enjoy being involved in something that I believe is critical to our generation’s future. And we really do make a difference.”
Year: 2015
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Major: English
When did you first start becoming interested in politics?
While growing up and forming my values, I always had the desire to express my voice through politics. Not being able to vote in the last election, which I believe was an important movement for our generation, made me even more enthusiastic to get involved in this election alongside other passionate students at Penn.
Were you always a Democrat?
Yes, more so than my family. I have always had very Democratic values.
Do you hold a position in the group?
Yes, I am a Volunteer Team Manager on the Deputy Board of Penn Democrats. This consists in reaching out to students in order to recruit as many volunteers as possible and getting them involved with the campaign. The more people volunteer, the greater the impact!
What is canvassing?
It is knocking door-to-door to talk to people about who they are supporting in the election and about the current issues that are up for debate. We also canvass to make sure voters have all the information they need to get to the polls and cast their vote.
Who do you think benefits from Penn Democrats?
Our main mission this fall has been to reelect the President. So firstly, we hope that what we do influences the campaign in his favor. Hopefully we make a difference that contributes to his reelection. Secondly, we benefit students here on campus by creating a community where people are free to voice their political opinions and come together to express issues that matter to them.
Where do you get your funding?
We have a business committee that takes care of the fundraising. This fall they raised money by selling witty tee-shirts inciting students to vote.
How is this year’s election impacting us women?
This election is incredibly important for women! I have always been passionate about women’s rights and issues. This election will determine our rights as women. I believe that women should be free to decide their future. Our country attributes so much importance to individual freedoms and rights, so I find it hard to believe that some people are still opposing women’s basic right to choose. Our President supports women’s choice; he encourages us to voice our opinion and to be in control of our own lives.