Political Engagement Surge Among Texas A&M Students as Election Year Approaches

Political Engagement Grows Among Texas A&M Students

College Station, Texas — As election year tensions continue to rise, a notable number of students at Texas A&M University are diving headfirst into the world of political organization. Students are on the lookout for peers who share similar thoughts and passions, and they are finding it through a range of political groups on campus. From the Texas Aggie Democrats to the Texas A&M College Republicans, there are many options available for engaged students.

Among the various organizations, groups like the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), and Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) are gaining traction, forming communities that revolve around shared beliefs and active discussions about current issues.

Young Democratic Socialists of America

Angel Chumpitaz, a senior studying food science and technology and the campaign chair of YDSA, speaks about the importance of creating a safe and supportive space. “One of our community’s ideas is mutual aid. We want to have people who genuinely care about your well-being and are here to listen,” Chumpitaz explained. “It’s all about growth and development, allowing us to question ourselves and each other while fostering independence in thinking.”

YDSA emphasizes advocating for both local and global issues. Chumpitaz highlighted the group’s focus on essential topics like health equity and social justice; they actively educate members and work to ensure everyone knows how to vote. “We have some volunteer deputy registrars in our organization that are helping people to vote,” Chumpitaz added.

YDSA community chair and sophomore chemistry major, Kelsea Bancroft, described the group as open to all progressive thinkers, stating, “As long as you have progressive thoughts, you’ll find people in our organization that share your beliefs and have a good time.”

Allied Scholars for Animal Protection

Meanwhile, the Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, affectionately known as ASAP, serves as a haven for vegetarians and vegans who wish to discuss important animal rights issues. Courtney Breezley, an officer and philosophy senior, spoke about the educational aspect of the organization. “We aim to promote animal protection and raise awareness about veganism and vegetarianism, emphasizing their environmental impact.”

Breezley pointed out that even though ASAP doesn’t align with any specific political party, they encourage informed voting, especially when it comes to policies influencing animal rights. “It’s crucial to recognize how certain policies could shape our food system,” Breezley advised, acknowledging the importance of understanding the relationship between politics and the environment.

Citizens Climate Lobby

Another worthy mention is the Citizens Climate Lobby, founded by environmental and geosciences senior Taylor Leeder. This organization arose from a regional conference Leeder attended and aims to raise awareness of environmental issues both locally and nationally. “We thought it would be a great idea to bring it to A&M because of the unique political landscape here,” Leeder said.

CCL does not advocate for political parties but rather promotes enlightenment surrounding environmental issues. With initiatives like a postcard project aimed at encouraging voters who typically don’t vote, they are focused on getting people involved in the political processes, especially on matters that intersect with environmental concerns. “We want more people to engage, at least to be informed,” Leeder stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives.

With respect and understanding at the heart of their purpose, CCL aims to foster dialogues that cross political divides. “One of our slogans is ‘Making a positive change in a friendly way.’ It’s all about recognizing that people come from different backgrounds and opinions,” Leeder summed up.

As students of Texas A&M step up to engage with these organizations, they are not just expressing their beliefs; they are actively participating in shaping the future and building a connected community. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this vibrant landscape where voices are rising, issues are being discussed, and change is being ignited.