The College Democrats are busier than usual this time of year, as they’re preparing for the College Democrats of America’s annual national conference-which Saint Louis University will host this summer.
About 600 people are expected at the conference, which will take place July 20-22.
SLU was chosen to host the event this year partly because the Democratic National Committee wanted to move the conference off the East Coast and branch out to the rest of the country, according to SLU College Democrats Vice President Marlena Jentz.
Big names from the Democratic Party will speak, but “a lot of what is going on at the conference is trying to get people more active in democratic politics,” Jentz said. Attendees will “really learn how to work on and run a campaign.”
Jentz said that the DNC and the CDA do most of the planning for the conference itself, choosing the speakers and arranging the finances. But SLU’s College Democrats prepare the groundwork and arrange volunteers, who will help the conference run smoothly. The students are also responsible for planning the conference’s opening party, while the DNC is in charge of the closing party.
Jentz said that the College Democrats will need about 40 volunteers for the event-the perk is free admission to the conference.
“This [national conference] is a big deal for the SLU community because it’s bringing a large number of big-name speakers here, and that helps us draw attention to SLU,” Jentz said.
While the list of speakers has not been finalized, DNC Chairman Howard Dean has been confirmed for the conference. Invitations have been extended to several others, including former vice president Al Gore, 2004 Missouri gubernatorial candidate Claire McCaskill, Democratic strategist James Carville and Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
The conference presents a valuable and unique learning experience for the SLU College Democrats, and will be of great benefit to their organization, according to Jentz.
“For College Dems here at SLU, it’s a big thing because it’s an honor to have the convention . and we are looking forward to expanding our organization as a result of all this attention,” Jentz said.
“It is also a great opportunity for our members who are really looking to take a role in politics after college,” Jentz said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to network.”
Attendees must register by July 19, on the convention Web site, http://convention.clgdems.com. Early registration costs $40 through April 23; the first 100 registrants win a $25 meal card to use for on-campus dining during the convention. Regular registration, from April 24-June 23, costs $55; late registration, from June 24-July 19, costs $70.
Attendees can stay in SLU’s on-campus housing for an additional fee of $105, or $125 for a single room.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up by e-mailing the SLU College Democrats, at [email protected].
The College Democrats held a kick-off meeting last night to start planning and coordination. They will host a social event tonight for all students, to generate publicity for the conference, from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Moolah Lanes. There will be free food and free bowling for all who attend.
