Bradley University has 255 organizations available for its students. Since there is such a multitude of organizations some may slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, one of these organizations is Bradley University Democrats.
Bradley University Democrats is a student-run political organization that focuses on campaigning for Democratic candidates at the federal, state, and local levels through advancing Democratic causes and voter registration efforts.
I first heard about this organization in 2017 when I was an incoming freshman at the yearly Activities Fair. At the time I did not really know anyone at this university and was eager to make friends so the Activities Fair was a huge social networking opportunity for me.
Overhead view of the 2016 Bradley University Activities Fair in Founder’s Circle/Olin Quad
I knew I wanted to join organizations that represented me and my values. Bradley University Democrats immediately stood out to me because of how naturally they interacted with their members.
The president at the time was casually talking about an upcoming guest speaker for the organization with a group of students. Upon signing their new member sheet I was immediately added to the bi-monthly email newsletter by the organization secretary.
Since it has now been three years since I was a freshman I decided to reach out to standing president Priscilla Calderón, 21, and junior member Lauren Bacon, 20, to get a sense of the organization today.
I sat down with Priscilla in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center to get a feel for her experience as an executive member. Priscilla’s experience with Bradley University Democrats was especially unique because of her academic past at Bradley.
Bradley University Democrats President Priscilla Calderón
Upon arriving at Bradley University she was an Economics major who did not plan on being overly politically active in college. This all changed after she joined Bradley University Democrats.
Priscilla was first introduced to Bradley University Democrats through a President’s Day event in 2018. From here she was hooked and had to attend a meeting. The meetings were
“easy-going… and focused on political discussions”.
Priscilla describes the meetings as orientated around student comments,
“a sharing place”.
Luckily for Priscilla, 2019 was an election year for the organization. With her experience as an organization member and connections formed as a new Political Science major, she was a perfect fit for the organization President and has held this position for three years. During these three years, Priscilla has recruited several new members, including Lauren Bacon.
Bradley University Democrats member Lauren Bacon
Lauren met with me in the Global Communication Center study room to share her story of being a Bradley University Democrats member. Like me, Lauren first heard of Bradley University Democrats through the Fall Activities Fair. Lauren expresses the importance of sharing your voice as a Bradley student, in a quote saying
“This is a place of education where we have the resources to form education opinions to share with the community around us”.
Through this organization, Lauren has formed connections within and outside of Bradley University. Utilizing the resources available within Bradley University Democrats, Lauren was able to secure an internship with a candidate for Peoria’s 2nd District Peter Kobak. Lauren’s internship taught her skills regarding
“local government, local elections, and community organizing”.
The 2nd District election will take place on April 6, 2021. Since Bradley’s campus falls under the 2nd District this election is important to all students and staff.
Lauren Bacon and Peter Kobak preparing to canvas houses for the upcoming 2nd District election
For this reason, Bradley University Democrats are promoting a carpool event for the early election voting on April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Not all students on campus have access to a car, however, like Lauren says all students have a right to share their voice. Carpool drivers will earn Community Service hours, which can be used to fulfill any Greek life, sport, or organization requirement.
To learn about other political events, visit Bradley University Democrats on social media @bradleyunidems or contact them via email at bradleycollegedems@gmail.com. Leave me a reply below letting me know if you plan to attend the carpooling event or any other Bradley University Democrats event you are looking forward to.